Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings, ranging from periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) to periods of severe depression. 

For the 46 million people who live with bipolar disorder around the world, experiencing heightened emotions and depressive states affects more than just mood. Bipolar disorder can impact energy, activity levels, relationships, and judgment. 

With the right combination of therapy, treatment, and support, people living with bipolar disorder can lead balanced and fulfilled lives. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, we believe that personalized and compassionate care is key to managing bipolar disorder effectively. Our therapists who specialize in bipolar disorder are here to help clients understand their diagnosis, recognize early warning signs, develop healthy coping strategies, and maintain routines that support emotional regulation. 

Our team of experienced psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners works closely with clients to provide expert diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing support that complements the therapeutic process.

To start working with one of our therapists online across the state of Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, or Wilbraham, please call us today a (413) 343-4357.

To learn more about treatment and therapy for bipolar disorder in Massachusetts, please read on! 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. 

Individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania or hypomania—periods of elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior—as well as episodes of depression, marked by low mood, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness. These mood changes can affect a person’s ability to function in daily life and often follow a cyclical pattern. 

Early understanding and intervention with therapy and treatment are key to managing bipolar disorder.

What are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized into three main types. Each type of bipolar disorder carries its own characteristics: 

1. Bipolar I Disorder: Most people diagnosed with bipolar I experience episodes of both mania and severe depression, though an episode of depression is not necessary for a diagnosis. 

Key Traits of Bipolar I Disorder: 

• Manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require immediate hospitalization.
• Depressive episodes that typically last at least two weeks.
• Manic episodes may include elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, and sometimes psychosis (hallucinations or delusions).
• Depressive episodes involve low energy, sadness, hopelessness, sleep changes, and difficulty concentrating.

2. Bipolar II Disorder: A subset of bipolar disorder characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a “full” manic episode.

Key Traits of Bipolar II Disorder: 

• A pattern of hypomanic episodes (a milder form of mania) alternating with major depressive episodes.
• Hypomania may include elevated mood, increased activity, and irritability, but does not cause severe impairment or require hospitalization.
• Depressive episodes are often more frequent and longer-lasting than hypomanic episodes.
• Individuals with Bipolar II typically struggle more with depression than mania.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): A chronically unstable mood state characterized by frequent hypomania and mild depression for at least two years. Traits are typically less severe than bipolar disorder I and II but can progress if not treated effectively.

Key Traits of Cyclothymia: 

• Periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for a hypomanic or major depressive episode.
• Symptoms last for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents).
• Mood swings tend to be less severe but more persistent and unpredictable.

What Does Therapy and Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Involve?

Therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals understand and cope with the emotional, behavioral, and lifestyle challenges of bipolar disorder. Our therapists utilize the following, evidence-based approaches: 

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Helps clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to mood episodes.
• Teaches clients coping strategies for managing stress, improving communication, and dealing with the impact of depressive or manic symptoms.
  

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Helps clients with intense mood swings or difficulty managing emotional responses.
  

3. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

• A structured approach that emphasizes the importance of daily routines and sleep-wake cycles in stabilizing mood.
• Helps clients maintain consistent schedules and improve interpersonal relationships, which can prevent relapses.

4. Psychoeducation

• Helps clients and their families understand the nature of bipolar disorder, identify early warning signs of mood episodes, and learn how to respond effectively.
  
• Encourages proactive, informed involvement in the treatment process.

5. Medication Management 

• Helps clients stabilize mood and prevent mood episodes.
• Involves regular check-ins with psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to monitor effectiveness, manage side effects, and make adjustments as needed.

Start Therapy for Bipolar Disorder in Massachusetts Today:

If you or someone you love is living with bipolar disorder, it’s essential to seek support from one of our trained mental health professionals. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, our compassionate and professional team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provides comprehensive care, including counseling, medication management, and ongoing support. 

To start working with one of our therapists online across the state of Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, or Wilbraham, please call us today a (413) 343-4357.

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