Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings between abnormally emotional highs and lows. These highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression) affect energy levels, sleep habits, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Mood swings, referred to as episodes, can be highly unpredictable, making life feel chaotic. Each person with bipolar disorder is impacted differently. The length and intensity of episodes help determine which type of bipolar disorder a person has.
Bipolar disorder affects millions of American adults and children. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness that can be successfully treated and managed. The experienced mental health professionals at Harmony Hills provide a full assessment to develop the best course of treatment for each of our clients with bipolar disorder. Call us at 855.494.0357 to learn more about our bipolar disorder treatment program.
Understanding the Difference Between Bipolar Disorder 1 and Bipolar Disorder 2
While there are different types of bipolar disorder, they are all characterized by episodes of extreme shifts in mood that cause significant distress and difficulty managing daily life. The main difference between these disorders is the severity of manic episodes. In bipolar 1, individuals experience a full manic episode, whereas in bipolar 2, they experience a hypomanic episode, which is less severe and doesn’t last as long.
This distinction can cause some to think of bipolar 2 as a milder form of bipolar 1, but that is not the case. These are two distinct disorders that have different diagnostic criteria. The severity of depressive episodes in bipolar 2 can rival the severity of manic episodes in bipolar 1. Each can have devastating impacts on functioning.
Mania vs. Hypomania
Since the difference between mania and hypomania is the main distinction between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2, they are worth a closer look. While mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, they share similar symptoms. Essentially, mania is more severe than hypomania.
Manic episodes last at least seven days and cause noticeable problems at work or school, in social situations, relationships, and in overall daily functioning. It is common for some individuals to require hospitalization during a manic episode. Hypomania lasts less than one week. While individuals can seem hyper or overly excited, hypomania does not significantly impact their functioning.
Everyone experiences bipolar differently, but there are some common signs and symptoms. Both manic and hypomanic episodes include three or more of the following:
- Extreme elation or irritability
- Increased energy, activity, or agitation
- Feeling jumpy or wired
- Talking faster than usual about many different things at once
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Taking on more than is manageable
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Exhibiting poor decision-making skills
- Decreased need for sleep
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling unusually talented, important, or powerful
Severe mania can be accompanied by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia when people are likely to be hospitalized.
Comprehensive Treatment for Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2
The complex nature of bipolar disorder makes it challenging to receive an accurate diagnosis. Many people spend years undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Bipolar is most commonly misdiagnosed as depression because individuals do not tend to seek help during manic episodes.
With an accurate diagnosis, effective treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. In bipolar disorder treatment at Harmony Hills, clients can expect:
- Daily group therapy sessions
- Weekly individual therapy sessions
- Family therapy sessions
- Medication management
- Mindfulness and mediation
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Education about bipolar disorder and its impacts
- Access to health nutrition and physical fitness
- Co-occurring disorders treatment
Our bipolar disorder treatment program is residential to allow clients to become fully immersed in treatment without the distractions of everyday life. The structure of our program helps clients build and learn to maintain healthy daily routines that impact overall well-being.
Discover Effective Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Harmony Hills
Bipolar disorder does not have to rule your life. Through the bipolar disorder treatment program at Harmony Hills, you or your loved one can learn the tools and skills needed to manage your symptoms to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Contact us at 855.494.0357 to learn more about your treatment options.
