Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Living with bipolar disorder can be unpredictable and exhausting. Episodes of intense energy and elevated mood can quickly give way to deep depression, disrupting relationships, careers, and everyday stability. If you’re seeking bipolar treatment in Atlanta, Atlanta Specialized Care offers bipolar disorder treatment tailored to your unique experience. Our compassionate clinicians specialize in treating bipolar I, bipolar II, rapid cycling, and bipolar disorder NOS, with a focus on evidence-based care that empowers long-term stability.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition marked by significant changes in mood, energy levels, activity, and ability to function. Individuals experience episodes of mania or hypomania (highs) and depression (lows), often with periods of stability in between.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), bipolar symptoms vary by type and presentation:
- Mania: Abnormally elevated mood, racing thoughts, impulsive decisions, often lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospitalization.
- Hypomania: Similar symptoms to mania but less severe and not requiring hospitalization, typically lasting 4 days or more.
- Depression: Persistent sadness, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest.
Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, especially in adolescents and individuals with co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety or other mood disorders.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that presents differently across individuals. Understanding the specific type of bipolar disorder is critical for designing an effective treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Atlanta Specialized Care provides thorough psychiatric assessments to ensure accurate diagnosis and ongoing support.
Here’s an overview of the primary types:
Bipolar I Disorder
Characterized by at least one full manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Mania often involves impulsivity, risky behavior, racing thoughts, and emotional volatility—frequently requiring hospitalization. People with bipolar I may also experience psychotic symptoms during manic or depressive episodes.
Key Features:
- At least one manic episode
- Possible major depressive episodes
- May include psychosis or hospitalization
- Often has greater functional disruption
Treatment Approach: A combination of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy is often required to regulate extreme mood shifts and prevent relapse.
Bipolar II Disorder
Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes—but not full manic episodes. While less disruptive on the surface, bipolar II can be more challenging due to the severity and frequency of depressive symptoms.
Key Features:
- One or more major depressive episodes
- At least one hypomanic episode (lasting at least 4 days)
- No history of full mania
- Often misdiagnosed as unipolar depression
Treatment Approach: Antidepressant caution is crucial, as these may trigger hypomania. A balance of mood stabilizers and evidence-based therapy is the core of care.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
Involves numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet full criteria for bipolar I or II. These fluctuations may persist for two years or more and still interfere with daily functioning.
Key Features:
- Low-grade but chronic mood instability
- Episodes are shorter and less intense, but frequent
- Commonly begins in adolescence or early adulthood
Treatment Approach: Often includes psychotherapy focused on mood regulation, lifestyle stabilization, and long-term monitoring.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
Refers to experiencing four or more episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania within a single year. It can occur in either bipolar I or II and often correlates with more severe symptoms and treatment resistance.
Key Features:
- Rapid mood swings with little stability between episodes
- Higher risk of suicide and functional impairment
- More common in women
Treatment Approach: Often requires intensive medication management and close symptom tracking through therapy and psychoeducation.
Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) / Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders
Diagnosed when symptoms cause distress or impairment but don’t meet the strict diagnostic criteria of bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia. This includes atypical presentations, substance-induced mood shifts, or mood symptoms related to medical conditions.
Key Features:
- Symptoms don’t clearly fit other subtypes
- Still cause significant disruption
- Often seen in early stages or overlapping conditions like ADHD or trauma
Treatment Approach: A thorough evaluation is essential. Integrated treatment with therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions is often recommended.
Additional Considerations in Bipolar Diagnosis
Certain bipolar presentations may include:
- Psychotic Features: Hallucinations or delusions during mood episodes
- Mixed Features: Simultaneous symptoms of depression and mania
- Substance- or Medication-Induced Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder due to Medical Conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke)
Our specialists at Atlanta Specialized Care are trained to differentiate these patterns and adjust treatment accordingly, ensuring no aspect of your diagnosis goes unaddressed.
Types of Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Our approach to bipolar treatment in Atlanta is multi-dimensional. We believe that any mood disorder medication on its own is rarely enough.
We emphasize integrated care that includes:
- Medication Management
- Evidence-Based Therapy
- Family and Patient Education and Involvement
- Skill-Building
All care plans are individualized to your diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle.
Types of Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Our therapists offer several modalities shown to reduce mood episode frequency and severity:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thoughts and improve emotional regulation.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to increase distress tolerance and improve interpersonal skills.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Experiential Dynamic Therapies, when appropriate, to address emotional conflicts beneath the surface.
- Psychoeducation to help clients understand their diagnosis and master symptom tracking and early intervention techniques.
Our Bipolar Treatment Philosophy
Our licensed providers are trained in trauma-informed care, which is vital for individuals whose bipolar symptoms overlap with PTSD or complex trauma.
At Atlanta Specialized Care, we treat the whole person—not just the diagnosis. Our philosophy emphasizes:
- Collaboration: You help shape your treatment goals and plan.
- Continuity of Care: We offer therapy, psychiatry, and support groups in one setting.
- Recovery-Focused Care: We promote self-management, stability, and resilience.
- Trauma-Informed Treatment: Many individuals with bipolar disorder have a history of trauma—we address this with compassion.
Our specialists at Atlanta Specialized Care are trained to differentiate these patterns and adjust treatment accordingly, ensuring no aspect of your diagnosis goes unaddressed.
Why Choose Atlanta Specialized Care
for Bipolar Therapy in Atlanta?
Choosing the right provider for bipolar treatment is crucial. Here’s what makes us stand out:
Begin Your Bipolar Management: Take the First Step
Improving your bipolar starts with the decision to reach out. Our compassionate team is ready to help you take control of your mood, restore stability, and build a fulfilling life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore a personalized treatment plan.
Or, if you’re ready, schedule a consultation now.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bipolar Disorder
What types of medication are most effective for bipolar disorder treatment?
There is no single best option for everyone. Our psychiatric prescriber will work closely with you to identify your unique medication plan.
What is quetiapine used for in bipolar disorder?
Quetiapine is commonly used for both manic and depressive episodes. It helps stabilize mood and is often well tolerated.
Can you still receive effective bipolar disorder treatment without medication?
Therapy alone may help with coping, but most people have found the benefits of mood stabilizers and other bipolar treatments to be significant. We help evaluate the pros & cons of a medication management routine for all types of bipolar.
What are the side effects of bipolar medications?
They vary. Lithium can affect kidneys and thyroid. Valproate carries reproductive risks. Antipsychotics may cause weight gain or sedation. All are monitored closely.
How long does bipolar treatment last?
They vary. Lithium can affect kidneys and thyroid. Valproate carries reproductive risks. Antipsychotics may cause weight gain or sedation. All are monitored closely.
Do you offer support for families of people with bipolar disorder?
They vary. Lithium can affect kidneys and thyroid. Valproate carries reproductive risks. Antipsychotics may cause weight gain or sedation. All are monitored closely.