Formerly known as manic depression, there are actually three different forms of bipolar disorder, each represented by different types of mania and depression. Bipolar 1 is the most severe form of bipolar disorder and it is characterized by one or more manic episodes that last at least seven days. Depressive episodes may also occur, but not always, and they are not required for diagnosis. 

Mania vs. Hypomania

Because Bipolar 1 disorder is characterized by manic symptoms, it’s beneficial to understand what mania is, and how it differs from hypomania. People experiencing a manic episode feel abnormally jumpy, irritable, or elated to the point that it can become difficult to carry out daily tasks. These intense high feelings can also cause someone to engage in risky behavior. In particularly difficult cases, manic episodes may be severe enough to require hospitalization.  

Hypomania is similar to mania, except that it is just a milder form of it. Someone may still feel “up”, more energetic, or even more irritable, but it doesn’t usually create the problems that mania can. Hypomania is also unique in that it can occur on its own. Mania, on the other hand, is tied specifically to bipolar disorder.

Manic vs. Depressive Episodes

As mentioned previously, in order to be diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder, one must have experienced one or more manic episodes that last at least a week. However, manic episodes can also be accompanied by or alternate with states of severe depression. These episodes can interfere with a person’s ability to function normally in everyday life not to mention be debilitating and downright dangerous. 

People who experience a depressive episode may feel overwhelmed by the simplest things, feel very sad, worried, or hopeless, and have little interest in daily activities. They can become obsessed with negative feelings which can also impact eating and sleeping habits. Just as manic symptoms may vary widely in type and duration from person to person, so too can depressive symptoms. 

Symptoms of Bipolar 1 Disorder  

People who are diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder exhibit multiple symptoms of mania some of which may include:

• Feeling overly elated or high
• Increased energy and talkativeness
• Increased irritability
• Racing thoughts or a lack of concentration
• Decreased need for sleep
• Reckless behavior such as sex with multiple partners or spending money excessively

The fluctuation between manic episodes and depressive moods (if they occur) can vary widely from person to person. For many, they can affect their ability to work, go to school, or carry on a healthy relationship. Sometimes, a person with severe episodes of mania may experience hallucinations, have delusions, and have an increased risk of violence. For these, and other safety reasons, hospitalization may be necessary.

Risk Factors For Bipolar 1 Disorder

While there is no one specific cause of Bipolar 1 disorder, it is thought to be attributed to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. For instance, people with a history of bipolar disorder in their family may have a higher chance of developing it. This correlation is not absolute, however, and having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder does not necessarily mean you’ll also develop it. 

Bipolar disorder affects almost 6 million Americans age 18 and older, but it can also manifest in children. It is found in an equal number of men and women of all ages and ethnic groups and usually develops in early adulthood. Similar to other mental health disorders, experiencing a stressful or traumatic event can trigger manic or depressive episodes. One of the complications of bipolar disorder is that it is often misdiagnosed for other mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or attention-deficit disorder (ADD).

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Los Angeles

Bipolar 1 disorder is a difficult and recurrent affliction, but it is one that can be successfully treated.  

Self-Care Strategies

As with many other mental health conditions, bipolar disorder can be improved by adopting healthy lifestyle changes. Some of these include committing to a regular exercise plan, eating a nutritious diet, and getting enough quality sleep. Although these habits are beneficial for mental and physical health, they can only help to manage symptoms and may not be a complete remedy for Bipolar 1 disorder.

Psychotherapy For Bipolar 1 disorder

Psychotherapy has been found to be a very powerful and effective tool for those suffering from bipolar disorder. By working with a licensed clinical psychologist, patients can learn more about their condition, gain a better understanding of the impact it has on their life, and create a plan for coping with and eliminating troublesome symptoms.  

At Blair Wellness Group of Beverly Hills, we use a variety of proven treatments and therapies to help our clients achieve their desired goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other types of psychotherapy, clients can identify possible triggers for symptoms, determine how to effectively manage stress, and develop healthy coping skills.  

Virtual and Teletherapy

We understand that you may not want to or be able to come into our office for in-person therapy. Whether because of safety concerns surrounding COVID or another reason, Blair Wellness Group is happy to provide teletherapy and telephone services for our clients. Our concierge clients can also take advantage of priority scheduling that includes lunchtime, nighttime, or weekend appointments, seven days a week.

Contact Blair Wellness Group For Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles

No matter what you’re going through, know that you don’t have to simply live with the hand that you’ve been dealt. There are many things you can do to manage your bipolar symptoms so you can live a happier, more productive life.

Whether you’re dealing with bipolar disorder, another personality disorder, or any number of other possible complications such as addiction, anxiety, or an eating disorder, we encourage you to contact Blair Wellness Group to schedule an appointment. We provide therapy and counseling services to clients in Beverly Hills as well as Bel Air, West Hollywood, Century City, Santa Monica, and the Greater Los Angeles area.