Bipolar I Treatment

Don’t let bipolar I disorder stop you from experiencing the life you’ve always wanted. At Hanley Center, we’re ready to help you regain control, find peace, and restore meaningful connections with safe, effective bipolar I disorder treatment.

Keep reading to discover the compassionate, personalized treatment options available. Our skilled clinicians are dedicated to helping you manage the challenges of bipolar I and co-occurring substance use disorders.

With our expert care, you can regain balance, rediscover hope, and work toward lasting recovery.

Understanding Bipolar I Disorder

What Is Bipolar I Disorder?

A bipolar I disorder diagnoses require at least one manic episode lasting seven or more days. Individuals with bipolar I disorder may or may not experience a major depressive episode. Symptoms of a bipolar I manic episode may cause negative consequences and may require hospitalization.

If a person with bipolar I experiences depressive symptoms, they may come before, during, or after a manic episode.

Physical symptoms related to bipolar I and addiction may also include anxiety, fatigue, headaches, stomachaches, withdrawal, and isolation. These can be intensified during manic or depressive episodes and require specialized treatment.

Types of Episodes

Bipolar I disorder can involve manic, depressive, and mixed episodes.

In a mixed episode, individuals experience symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. Common patterns include:

• Mainly depressive symptoms with periods of hostility and paranoia. This pattern lacks periods of euphoria.
• More frequent switching between periods of euphoria to moderate depression with anxiety and irritability.

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II

The primary difference between bipolar I and bipolar II lies in the severity of manic episodes. In bipolar I, individuals experience manic episodes so severe that hospitalization may be needed. Symptoms often include:

• Elevated energy levels
• Decreased need for sleep
• Impulsive behaviors
  

In contrast, individuals with bipolar II experience hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than mania. Symptoms often include:

• Elevated, but controlled energy levels
• Longer and more frequent depressive episodes
• Milder symptoms than mania

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar I

Symptoms of Mania

Symptoms of intense mania include:

• Increased energy and activity levels
• Racing thoughts and speech
• Difficulty concentrating
• Elevated mood or intense feelings of euphoria
• Harmful or impulsive behaviors
• Decreased need for sleep
• Irritability and aggression

Signs of Depression

Common symptoms of a depressive episode include:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

How to Spot the Warning Signs Early

Early warning signs of bipolar I mania include:

• Increased activity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Elevated mood

In many cases, early warning signs of bipolar I depression include:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in people or activities
• Impaired concentration
• Thoughts of death

Causes and Risks of Bipolar I

Common bipolar I causes include a combination of genetic, environmental, and life experiences.

Genetics

A family history of bipolar disorder, depression, or psychotic disorders increases your risk of developing bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

Environmental Factors

One or more of the following environmental factors also increase your risk of developing bipolar I disorder:

• Substance use (e.g., alcohol and illicit or prescription drugs)
• Sleep disturbances
• Imbalanced hormone levels

Life Stressors

• Stressful life events (e.g., death of a loved one, divorce, or abuse)
• Childhood trauma (e.g., neglect and physical or emotional abuse)
• Overconsumption of caffeine can potentially trigger manic episodes

Diagnosing Bipolar I Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5), to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania along with three or more of the following symptoms and no symptoms may be better explained by another mental health disorder or medical condition:

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distracted easil.
• Increase in goal-directed activity
• Engaging in activities that may cause painful consequences (e.g., unrestrained buying sprees, risky sexual behavior, reckless driving, or making ill-advised financial decisions)

Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough evaluation assessment for bipolar I disorder typically includes:

• Detailed psychiatric history (including mental health and family history)
• Assessment of current symptoms and mood episodes
• Mental health status examination
• Physical exam (to rule out other conditions)
• Screening for substance use disorders
• Assessment of co-occurring mental health conditions

Common Misdiagnoses: Why Proper Diagnosis Is Crucial

Bipolar I is often diagnosed as a major depressive disorder, especially when a person is experiencing a depressive episode at the time of assessment. Due to overlapping symptoms, additional misdiagnoses include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia

A proper bipolar I diagnosis is crucial for effective symptom management, targeted treatment, and improved health outcomes.

Bipolar I Disorder and Addiction: How Treatment Can Help

The Co-occurrence of Bipolar I and Substance Use Disorders

According to an article published by the journal Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, at least 40% of individuals with bipolar I disorder also have a substance use disorder. The authors cite these types of addictions as the most commonly misused substances within this population: alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.

Challenges of Dual Diagnosis

Managing bipolar I disorder along with a substance use disorder presents unique challenges. The effects of substance use can intensify mood disorder symptoms, making accurate diagnosis and treatment more complex.

Without integrated care, you may experience repeated relapses or worsening mental health symptoms.

The Importance of Specialized Care for Dual Diagnosis

Effective treatment requires a coordinated approach that addresses both substance use and mood disorder at the same time.

At Hanley Center, our dual diagnosis program combines evidence-based therapies, psychiatric support, and relapse prevention strategies to promote stability and long-term recovery. Focusing on whole-person healing, we help you regain control and build a foundation for lasting wellness.

Effective Treatment Options for Bipolar I

Medication

There is no specific medication to treat bipolar type 1 disorder. However, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can be prescribed to help manage its symptoms. Your Hanley Center clinician will prescribe medications based on your unique needs, medical history, symptoms, and severity.

Therapy and Counseling

Supportive individual, family, and group therapy sessions can be very beneficial for those with a bipolar I diagnosis. These sessions offer a safe, supportive space to develop coping strategies, rebuild confidence, and connect with others with similar symptoms.

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs

Hanley Center offers age- and gender-specific inpatient addiction treatment modalities for adult men, adult women, and older adults. We also offer programs specifically for:

• Pregnant women and their babies (Casa Flores)
• Veterans and first responders (Patriots Program)

Most Hanley Center patients begin with high-intensity care, such as detox or inpatient (residential) treatment, before a more flexible outpatient treatment program becomes available.

Outpatient programs include partial hospitalization (day/night treatment), intensive outpatient programming (IOP), and outpatient programs.

For those without substance use disorders, we offer a boutique stand-alone residential mental health program.

Source: https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1747-597X-2-29