Bipolar + Addiction Treatment
This article will provide an overview of how we treat bipolar disorders and addiction at Tranquility Woods.
Bipolar Overview
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to extreme mood changes, swinging from emotional highs (known as mania or hypomania) to emotional lows (depression). Imagine it as a seesaw, where one end represents feeling very happy, energetic, or irritable, while the other end represents feeling sad, hopeless, or exhausted. People with bipolar disorder go through these mood changes in cycles that can affect their daily lives, relationships, and ability to perform everyday tasks. Treatment usually involves therapy and medication to help manage these mood swings and keep them in balance.
Types of Bipolar
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Bipolar I Disorder | This involves at least one manic episode, where emotions and energy are extremely high, possibly leading to risky behavior or impaired judgment. These manic episodes might be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. |
| Bipolar II Disorder | This type is characterized by at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania) and one major depressive episode. Unlike Bipolar I, the manic episodes are not as extreme. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder | Cyclothymia consists of chronic fluctuating moods but with less severe symptoms than Bipolar I or II. It includes periods of hypomania and mild depression that last for at least two years in adults. |
| Rapid Cycling | This is not a separate type, but a term used to describe when a person with bipolar disorder experiences four or more mood episodes within a year. |
Biploar and Addiction
The relationship between addiction and bipolar disorder is intricate, with each condition potentially influencing the onset and progression of the other. Treatment requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that considers both conditions, often requiring specialized care from mental health and addiction professionals.