Bipolar disorder affects about 3 million Americans. It is a lifelong condition that can be treated but is not curable. It is usually diagnosed when a person is in their later teen years or during early adulthood. The severity of symptoms can vary across a person’s lifetime, but this disorder requires ongoing care and treatment. With good bipolar disorder treatment and support, people can live full, productive lives.
If you or someone you love need supportive services to cope with bipolar disorder or want information about our mental health or addiction recovery services, reach out to the staff at Northern Illinois Recovery Center by calling 855.786.1978 or filling out an online intake form. We provide thoughtful care to people living with mental illness and offer a range of therapeutic programs to help you on your journey to recovery.
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Identifying the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
All forms of Bipolar disorder include periods of mania–increased energy and heightened mood–and periods of depression and decreased energy. Bipolar I is defined by manic episodes that last for a week or more and depressive episodes that last for at least two weeks. These manic and depressive episodes usually require hospitalization due to their severity. Bipolar II exhibits both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes that are not as severe or long-lasting. Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar disorder where people have both manic and depressive episodes, but neither meets the diagnostic criteria for mania or depression.
In general, symptoms of a manic episode are:
- Increased energy
- Decreased need for sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid or jumbled speech
- Racing thoughts
- Risk-taking behavior
- Symptoms of a depressive episode include:
- Feeling sad, empty, worried
- Trouble sleeping—either too much or interrupted
- Increased appetite
- Slow speech
- Forgetfulness
- Suicidal thoughts
Treating Bipolar Disorder
Even for people suffering from severe forms of bipolar disorder, treatment is effective. The most common and effective treatment includes both medication and therapy. Through a combination of physical care and treating their emotional health, people with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and can often function well in the community. People with bipolar disorder must get the treatment they need and continue treatment for the rest of their life.
Are Manic Depression and Bipolar Disorder the Same?
Learn More about Treating Bipolar Disorder at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Getting treatment for bipolar disorder is the most important factor in living a healthy, self-directed life. If you or someone you love is living with bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or another mental health issue, please reach out to the staff at Northern Illinois Recovery Center for information about their individualized treatment options. We are ready to take the first step of your journey through recovery with you. Call 855.786.1978 or fill out an online intake form today.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.