Las Vegas Bipolar Disorder Therapy
*Warning: This is not medical advice. Do not self-diagnose. If you are struggling with what you suspect is a mental health disorder, please contact a licensed mental health professional. If you are located in Nevada, you can schedule an appointment with us. If you are not located in Nevada, we recommend using Psychology Today and/or your insurance provider to find a qualified professional to help you.
Patient Guide to Bipolar Disorder Treatment
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What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a complex mood disorder characterized by dramatic shifts in energy, activity levels, mood, and ability to function. Unlike ordinary mood swings, the emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder are intense, disruptive, and often unpredictable.
At its core, bipolar disorder disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate mood. During a manic or hypomanic episode, individuals may feel euphoric, unusually energetic, impulsive, or irritable. This can lead to poor judgment, risky behavior, or a reduced need for sleep. During depressive episodes, the same person may feel hopeless, fatigued, withdrawn, or even suicidal.
These episodes are not simply emotional reactions to life events—they arise internally, often without a clear trigger, and are usually out of proportion to external circumstances.
Bipolar disorder often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can develop at any age. It’s a lifelong condition that tends to follow a cyclical pattern—but with the right treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed.
Common Signs You or a Loved One Is Struggling with Bipolar
Recognizing bipolar disorder can be difficult, especially if someone is currently in a manic or high-energy phase and doesn't realize anything is wrong. Some signs to watch for include:
Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms:
Feeling unusually elated, energetic, or “on top of the world” for extended periods
Having racing thoughts, talking more than usual, or jumping quickly between ideas
Sleeping much less than usual without feeling tired
Engaging in impulsive or risky behaviors, such as overspending, reckless driving, or unprotected sex
Becoming easily irritable, agitated, or aggressive, even when things are going well
Feeling invincible or having grandiose ideas (e.g., believing you have special powers or can accomplish impossible things)
Depressive Symptoms:
Feeling deeply sad, hopeless, or empty
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Experiencing low energy, fatigue, or slow movement
Struggling with concentration or memory
Experiencing sleep changes—either sleeping too much or too little
Having thoughts of death or suicide
People with Bipolar II may never experience full-blown mania, but still suffer from alternating episodes of hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia, a milder form of the disorder, involves frequent mood swings that don’t meet full criteria for either mania or major depression but still cause significant distress over time.
Bipolar Symptom Checklist from American Psychiatric Association
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What Are the Most Effective Therapies for Bipolar Disorder?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Bipolar Disorder
CBT is a cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder, particularly in helping individuals manage depressive episodes and reduce the impact of negative thinking patterns. CBT also teaches skills for recognizing early warning signs of mood changes, improving problem-solving, and maintaining medication adherence.
For people with bipolar disorder, CBT is often used alongside medication and focuses on mood tracking, stress management, and healthy routines.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Bipolar Disorder
ACT is a third-wave behavioral therapy that helps individuals live more fully by changing their relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. For people with bipolar disorder, ACT can be particularly helpful in navigating the unpredictability of mood episodes and building a meaningful life in the midst of emotional fluctuations.
This therapy emphasizes mindfulness, values-based living, and psychological flexibility. Clients learn to accept uncomfortable internal experiences (like depressive thoughts or manic urges) without letting them dictate behavior. Instead of resisting symptoms or waiting for them to disappear, ACT teaches people to focus on what they can control: actions that align with their values.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Bipolar Disorder
DBT, originally developed for emotion regulation issues, has become increasingly valuable for individuals with bipolar disorder—especially those who struggle with impulsivity, suicidal thoughts, or rapid mood swings. DBT teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, providing tools for navigating the emotional extremes of bipolarity.
Psychiatric Medication Options for Bipolar Disorder
Mood Stabilizers (e.g., Lithium, Lamotrigine)
Mood stabilizers are the foundation of pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder. Lithium is the most well-known and remains a gold standard for both treating mania and preventing future episodes. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is often used for bipolar depression and maintenance.
These medications require regular blood work to monitor levels and side effects, but they are highly effective in reducing relapse.
Antipsychotics (e.g., Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Aripiprazole)
Second-generation antipsychotics are frequently used to treat acute manic episodes and, in some cases, bipolar depression. Quetiapine (Seroquel) is FDA-approved for both phases of bipolar disorder. Other options include Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and Aripiprazole (Abilify), which may be used alone or in combination with mood stabilizers.
These medications can be sedating and carry metabolic side effects, so regular monitoring is important.
Antidepressants (with Mood Stabilizers)
While antidepressants may be prescribed during depressive episodes, they are usually given in combination with a mood stabilizer to avoid triggering mania. SSRI medications like fluoxetine or escitalopram may be used cautiously and under close supervision.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Stabilizing your life outside of therapy is just as important as the treatment itself. These lifestyle changes can help reduce episode frequency and improve long-term outcomes:
Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
Even one night of disrupted sleep can send someone with bipolar disorder into mania. Practice wind-down rituals, avoid screens before bed, and create a calming sleep environment.
Stick to a Structured Daily Routine
Keeping regular sleep, meal, and activity schedules is critical for mood regulation. Irregular sleep patterns, in particular, are known to trigger manic or depressive episodes.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
Substance use can destabilize your mood, interfere with medication, and increase the likelihood of hospitalization. Many people with bipolar disorder benefit from avoiding alcohol entirely.
Practice Stress Reduction Techniques
Mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, and creative outlets can help you manage everyday stress, which is a common trigger for both manic and depressive episodes.
Build a Support System
Isolation can worsen symptoms, while strong support—from family, friends, or a therapist—can be protective. Consider joining a peer support group or involving loved ones in your treatment planning.