Bipolar Disorder Therapy

Are you or someone you love diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BPD)? If so, you may be considering BPD therapy — and TruHealing Riverbend Addiction Treatment can provide you with an accessible and easy way to undergo this treatment. TruHealing Riverbend is located near Louisville, right at the border of Kentucky and Indiana, so our programs and services serve clients from both states.

You probably already know what BPD is, but you may know it by its former name of manic depression. BPD is a mental health condition that can cause extreme mood swings, including emotional highs and lows. Episodes of mood swings may rarely occur for some but can also come as often as multiple times a year. And while most people struggling with BPD experience some emotional symptoms between their episodes, some may not experience any at all.

Although BPD is a lifelong condition, it can be managed by following a BPD treatment plan. In most cases, these plans include medications and psychotherapy. Searching for bipolar disorder treatment near Indianapolis? Reach out to TruHealing Riverbend Addiction Treatment today by calling [Direct] or contacting our team online.

What Is Bipolar Disorder (BPD)?

As mentioned earlier, BPD causes extreme mood swings — which can affect a person’s energy, sleep pattern, and ability to function physically and psychologically. These alternating periods of mania and depression can last for days to months.

During times of mania, BPD symptoms might include:

  • Excessively happy or angry mood
  • Excessive physical and mental energy
  • Impulsiveness
  • Less sleep, but not feeling tired because of it
  • Making big plans
  • Poor judgment
  • Racing thoughts
  • Risk-taking
  • Talking faster

During times of depression, BPD symptoms might include:

  • Change in appetite or sleep pattern
  • Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
  • Lasting sadness
  • Less activity and energy
  • Less interest in favorite activities
  • More anxiety and worries
  • Problems with concentrating and making decisions
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Suicidal thoughts

What Is Bipolar Disorder Therapy?

Most people with BPD need lifelong treatment to keep their mental health condition managed enough that it doesn’t interfere with their daily living. BPD treatment typically includes medication — antipsychotics, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers — and therapy.

BPD is a condition that’s strongly affected by stress levels. Episodes of mania and depression can be triggered by significant life events, severe interpersonal conflicts, and turbulent situations that disrupt sleep patterns. This is why BPD treatment must not be purely pharmacological. Regular therapy sessions can also help people with BPD understand their condition and develop skills to handle stressors.

Several different forms of therapeutic care can be part of BPD therapy, such as the following:  

  • Family-focused therapy (FFT): Sessions of this type of therapy include the person with BPD and their parents, spouse, or other family members. FFT typically lasts about 12 sessions and is handled by a single therapist. 
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): Unlike FFT, IPSRT is individual therapy. The person with BPD keeps daily records of their bedtimes, wake times, and other activities — as well as the effects of changes in these routines on their moods. 
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This individual psychotherapy focuses on the relationship between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This skill-based psychotherapy approach includes individual and group therapy. It teaches mindfulness and acceptance skills, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 
  • Group psychoeducation: People with BPD can get together in sessions led by a group facilitator — either a trained peer mental health counselor or a psychologist. Some groups are highly structured and follow an educational and skill-training agenda. Others are oriented toward getting support and suggestions from people who have gone through similar situations.  

Over time, the specific type of therapy may not be as important as the consistency of having a therapist or a group that knows a person with BPD well and makes them feel comfortable enough to disclose important issues. Along with medications, support from mental health professionals who understand BPD is the key to an effective BPD treatment plan and recovery.

When Should You Consider Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Bipolar disorder therapy is just as important as prescribed medication — so if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with BPD, any treatment should include both. BPD treatment is best guided by a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions — especially those skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. 

BPD is a lifelong condition, and while you may sometimes feel like it’s manageable without professional help, that’s not always the case. BPD treatment is directed at managing symptoms — and when you aren’t experiencing symptoms or episodes, that may be the best time to learn and practice skills to deal with stressors. 

BPD requires ongoing treatment with medications, too, even during periods when the person with BPD feels better. People who skip maintenance medications are at a high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.

Ready To Learn More About TruHealing Riverbend’s Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Jeffersonville, IN?

If you’re looking for bipolar disorder treatment near Indianapolis, contact TruHealing Riverbend Addiction Treatment today. Reach out to our team online or call 855.652.0546.