Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

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Bipolar disorder, characterized by the frequent and drastic shifts in moods one may experience, can have a serious impact on a person’s overall health and well-being. If one is struggling with bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to feel as though they have a sense of control over their life. That’s why CAST Centers offers bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles, California for those in need.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects more than 5.7 million adults in the United States. As mentioned previously, the distinguishing trait of bipolar disorder is the impact it has on one’s mood. Due to this constantly shifting nature, a person diagnosed with this disorder might experience high periods with lots of energy (manic episodes), followed by extremely low, hopeless periods (depressive episodes).

Some commonly reported symptoms experienced could include the following:

Manic Episode Symptoms

  • Feel very elated, wired, or jumpy
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Racing thoughts
  • Increased irritability
  • Engaging in risky behaviors

Depressive Episode Symptoms

  • Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
  • Low energy and motivation
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Forgetfulness
  • Over or undereating
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we at CAST Centers are here to discuss bipolar treatment options and help you create a bipolar treatment plan.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are four distinct categories of bipolar disorder, which are all characterized by mood changes and shifts in energy or activity levels. These types include:

  • Bipolar I disorder: Periods of full mania last a week or more. Then, they are typically followed by major depressive episodes that can last at least two weeks. The severity of these symptoms often leads many to seek treatment from a hospital.
  • Bipolar II disorder: Depressive episodes alternate with hypomania—a less severe form of mania—that typically lasts at least four days. The symptoms of hypomania are normally experienced for most of the day, on most days.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: Hypomania and mild depression episodes alternate with symptom-free periods over the course of at least two years. The symptoms associated with this disorder do not fully meet the diagnostic requirements for either of the above categories.
  • Other bipolar-related disorders: Include other forms of bipolar disorder that do not fall into the above categories, such as substance-induced mood disorders.

What Bipolar Disorder Feels Like

There are four distinct categories of bipolar disorder, which are all characterized by mood changes and shifts in energy or activity levels. These types include:

“The Up” (or Highs)

Mania, while often described as being a “high”, can be extraordinarily challenging when it goes beyond a manageable level. Particularly when following a depression episode, the positive moods surrounding mania may feel desirable. Over time, however, the manic episode can cause irritability and unpredictable behavior. Reckless decisions or risk-taking can make mania particularly difficult to manage.

Individuals with bipolar disorder may not always suffer from full-blown manic episodes. Hypomania is a similar, milder form of mania. Oftentimes individuals who experience hypomania do not find it debilitating. Friends or family may notice mood swings, however, and this may make the bipolar disorder identifiable.

“The Down” (or Lows)

The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can be exhausting. It may be difficult to get out of bed, or someone may have trouble falling or staying asleep. These periods are primarily defined by feeling extremely low. Someone may lack the desire to socialize or even complete menial tasks such as eating.

Feelings of guilt, failure, or loss may become overwhelming and can lead to suicidal thoughts. For those who are experiencing hardships related to a bipolar disorder diagnosis, CAST Centers offers bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles.

treatment for bipolar

Where Does Bipolar Disorder Come From?

There are a handful of factors that can lead to a higher chance of having bipolar disorder. As well, there are elements that can trigger a manic or depressive episode, including the following:

Environmental Factors

  • Traumatic events
  • Stress
  • Mental, physical, sexual or emotional abuse

Gender

Though bipolar disorder equally affects both men and women, the likelihood of experiencing frequent changes in moods is three times higher in women. Women diagnosed with bipolar disorder also have a higher rate of episodes related to depression, as well as alternating episodes of depression and mania.

Family History

Those who have members of their family with bipolar disorder, such as a sibling or parent, are more susceptible to developing symptoms related to it. This is due to bipolar disorder potentially being inherited from older generations.

Brain Composition

Mood disorders, such as bipolar, are often linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, and one’s hormones. These issues often cause physical alterations to a person’s brain.

How Bipolar Disorder is Treated

Deciding to undergo treatment for bipolar disorder can be an incredibly daunting experience. That’s why, at our bipolar treatment in Los Angeles, we ensure people can receive the care they need in a comfortable and supportive environment. During the initial stages of treatment, we conduct a mental health assessment to evaluate the type of bipolar disorder one may have.

Once we gather this information, we then create an individualized treatment plan best for a person’s specific mental health needs. These treatment plans involve a client undergoing a form of holistic therapy, such as psychotherapy. This furthers their self-awareness of the disorder, as well as helps them understand how to make positive and healthy changes in their lives.

Depending on the severity of the disorder, our psychiatrists may prescribe medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics for use to ease the process of treatment.

Specialized Treatment Programs

The following are some of the specialized programs we offer during bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles, designed to make the treatment process as comfortable and effective as possible:

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Our in person intensive outpatient program (IOP) meets with clients three days a week for two group therapy sessions per day, along with a weekly one-on-one session to discuss progress, as well as ways to cope with bipolar disorder in a healthy, effective manner.

LUNA (Telehealth Evening IOP)

Is a one-of-a-kind three-day online intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment model attended by clients entirely online. It includes group therapy sessions Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Designed with the potentially busy schedules of our clients in mind, LUNA is the most convenient way to receive quality care, without sacrificing other obligations.

Aftercare (NEXT STEP)

After undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder, the patient will receive the aftercare they need to continue progress toward their goals. Our NEXT STEP coaching program includes three (four-week) modules and contains information further their personal development.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

CAST Center’s PHP day treatment program allows clients struggling with bipolar disorder to receive the care they need in a less intensive manner than an IOP. This program is designed to allow clients to receive the treatment and services they need during the day, while still being able to return to their own residences at night.

bipolar counseling

The Link Between Bipolar and Substance Use

As with many other mood-related disorders, bipolar has a significant effect on the chemical balance of one’s brain. This instability causes many of those who are suffering from symptoms to look for a way to self-medicate. Unfortunately, this search for relief often leads many to begin using substances such as alcohol or other drugs.

Consequently, addictions are likely to develop, as a person could become reliant on these substances as a way of stabilizing their chemical imbalances and mood. It is also worth noting that a person struggling with substance use disorder may be more likely to develop a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, due to the impact alcohol has on the brain.

No matter the circumstances, the abuse of substances by someone with bipolar disorder can have a serious impact on someone’s mental and physical health. That is why, we recommend seeking the assistance of a professional treatment center, like CAST Centers, for bipolar disorder treatment.

Begin Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles

At CAST Centers in Los Angeles, California, we understand how difficult it can be to live with bipolar disorder. That’s why, if you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, we offer bipolar disorder treatment. When choosing our treatment center, you can rest assured that all of your mental and emotional health-related needs will be addressed and properly treated. Our professionally trained and compassionate staff members are dedicated to helping you heal and feel empowered, by offering you vital support while undergoing our individualized treatments and programs.

For more information about the types of treatments we offer to those struggling with bipolar disorder, as well as our other mental health treatment programs, contact us today.

CAST Centers is in network with Anthem Blue Cross, MHN Health Net and accepts most PPO insurances like Cigna, Aetna and GEHA.

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