Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition that falls into the category of mood disorders and is treated with both traditional and new medications at bipolar treatment centers with residences and out-patient facilities. Also known as bipolar affective disorder, manic depressive illness, or manic depression, this is a serious condition affecting as many as 5.7 million American adults each year. It is also the sixth largest cause of disability. A person who struggles with bipolar disorder experiences mood shift cycles that affect energy and ability to function. Highs of mania are characterized by extreme euphoria, unending energy bursts, and, often, sleeplessness. During depressive episodes, irritability and even suicidal ideations can occur. While most episodic shifts are gradual, some people experience them rapidly and with great intensity.
Although every client has a unique pattern of mood cycles, episodes can become predictable; and with proper family support, medication, and care through a bipolar treatment facility, it is possible for clients to regain a sense of functionality and enjoyment of life again. Bipolar disorder usually strikes young adults, with 25 being the median age of onset. However, both children and older adults have also been diagnosed with this condition. Unfortunately, a person may have suffered these debilitating mood swings for years without proper diagnosis, family and friends having attributed the behaviors to personality issues. A bipolar treatment center will help loved ones understand the condition and its predictable pattern so that they can be more supportive and understanding.
Not only can a bipolar treatment clinic help the family, its primary function is to assist the client in regaining a satisfying life through medication, therapy, or a combination of both. New medications such as lamotrigine are mood stabilizers that affect the nerve cells in the brain through reacting with the chemicals already there. While there are still some side effects, they are less severe than some of the older, more traditional drugs.
A bipolar treatment center will often combine mood stabilizers with new atypical antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine and quetiapine. The FDA-approved medications seem to work on both the dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, creating an overall tranquilizing effect. They also control delusions and hallucinations which may occur during severe manic or depressive episodes. It would appear that these newer drugs have a more stabilizing effect for the client and there are less serious side effects, especially for muscle coordination and movement.
A bipolar treatment clinic usually addresses the client’s condition as a family issue because the support and understanding of close friends and family members plays a significant role in treatment and recovery. While this is a life-long condition, helping the client to understand the importance of recognizing approaching episodes and maintaining medications throughout the cycles, especially during periods of mania can be reinforced by loving relatives and care providers. An out of state option which may include spending anywhere from a few days to several weeks at a bipolar treatment clinic is often the best prescription for a client who is struggling with this condition. Unfortunately, insurance or lack thereof often dictates the availability of this protocol. Overall, it would appear that a combination of carefully administered newer medications and in-house therapy is the best treatment regimen for bipolar disorder clients. Our Bipolar Treatment Clinic Los Angeles may be able to help you, your friend or a loved family member. Don't hesitate to call or email us immediately for more information.
The classic medication used to treat Bipolar Disorder is lithium. Lithium can be effective at managing the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, but some consider it to be more effective for manic episodes than depression. Depakote, a newer medication, is also one of the main medications utilized to treat Bipolar disorder, but it also affects primarily the manic episodes. Unfortunately, using antidepressants to treat the depressive episodes can be risky, as these drugs may precipitate the onset of mania. Newer medications used include anti-seizure drugs, such as Tegretol and Lamictal, Neurontin, Topamax, and atypical antipsychotics such as Zyprexa or Seroquel are showing promise in certain people.
At PCH Bipolar Treatment Center, we often encounter Clients who are on multiple medications in the attempt to control their Bipolar Disorder. We evaluate each patient to establish the proper diagnosis, and reassess their medication regimen, to get them on the appropriate medications. We are the most thorough intensive Bipolar treatment Los Angeles, focusing on teaching our Clients with Bipolar Disorder to learn to manage their chronic illness. This includes recognizing the onset of manic or depressive episodes and learning to deal with them effectively using their resources. The PCH Bipolar treatment clinic utilizes individual psychotherapy up to five times per week. The sessions are extremely valuable to build a foundation to change their life. Our Bipolar treatment center also utilizes group therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral therapy, process group, sleep hygiene and others to help provide insight and coping skills to each Client. We also offer neurofeedback, which teaches a person with Bipolar Disorder to learn to modulate their mood states through biofeedback. The PCH Bipolar Clinic Los Angeles offers a more immersive intensive treatment environment than outpatient therapy.
The PCH Bipolar Treatment Center Los Angeles offers a highly successful treatment program that is cost-effective and comforting. Clients recover and heal in our supportive treatment milieu. Unlike outpatient therapy, Clients have a multitude of resources at their disposal. Aside from individual and group therapies, Clients can utilize acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, art and music therapy and yoga, which are available throughout the week. These varied treatment modalities, coupled with the proper medication (when necessary), combine to provide the most effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder available. PCH Bipolar Treatment Center strives to teach each Client how to deal with Bipolar Disorder over a longterm horizon, so they can minimize the deleterious effects on their life and return to their job, school, or family.
