Bipolar disorder is one of the most widely misunderstood and downplayed mental health conditions. While people will use the disorder as a casual insult or self-descriptor to seem quirky, most don’t appreciate the difficulty of living with bipolar disorder. At Alter Behavioral Health, our mission is to help our Orange County neighbors find the mental health care they need. To this end, we have a thorough understanding of bipolar disorder and apply the latest evidence-based treatment techniques.
Treating Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder requires pharmacological treatment, first and foremost. However, modern studies show that it’s a mistake to treat bipolar disorder as a purely medical problem. When patients receive psychotherapy in combination with medication, they enjoy improved outcomes and manage the condition better.
Medications for Bipolar Disorder
The foundation of treating bipolar disorder is mood-stabilizing medication. Devising a suitable medication regimen can be complicated at times, due to the variance between depression and mania. Antidepressants are some common medications, but using antidepressants can have a dangerous effect during manic episodes. After consulting with Alter Behavioral Health, you’ll be able to move forward with a medication regimen suited to your needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the role of thought patterns and behavior in enabling mental illness. While CBT cannot treat bipolar disorder on its own, it can help the patient regulate their emotions and undermine the thought patterns that lead to manic and depressive episodes. Recent studies have shown that psychotherapy combined with medication lead to the best outcomes for those with bipolar disorder.
Family Psychoeducation
One of the most important steps to take in improving the lives of those with bipolar disorder is education. By helping the patient and those close to them understand the condition, it’s possible to demystify and destigmatize it. This will lead to more supportive, productive relationships for all those involved.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Orange County
Alter Behavioral Health is dedicated to helping adults throughout Orange County find the mental health primary care they need. We follow the most up-to-date treatment methods by combining medication, specially crafted psychotherapy regimens, and support of the whole person. This means understanding how mental illness interplays with someone’s personal life and taking steps to improve both. If you or a loved one need diagnosis or treatment for bipolar disorder, get in touch with us.
Whether you’re seeking diagnosis or care for an existing diagnosis, Alter Behavioral Health is the place for you or your loved one.
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