Previously known as “Manic Depression”, Bipolar Disorder is characterized by uncontrolled and often unpredictable mood swings of extreme intensity. However, with the exception of the most obvious cases, this condition can be difficult to identify and is quite often misdiagnosed. Here at The Delray Center, we dedicate ourselves to correcting misdiagnoses, properly treating each client’s condition, and helping all clients reach full functional capacity and maintain their long-term stability with the least time away from work or home.
Bipolar disorder is often confused with depression. What distinguishes this disorder from depression is that individuals afflicted with it also have manic or hypomanic episodes. One of the reasons why bipolar disorder is difficult to treat is that individuals with this condition are unlikely to seek help or continue treatment while in a manic or hypomanic state, because it often feels good to them. It is only when they inevitably shift into depression that they regain insight about their condition.
It’s not uncommon for individuals with bipolar disorder to receive a misdiagnosis of depression. However, this can be dangerous as the treatments for both disorders differ from one another. Specifically, medications used to treat depression patients can actually lead to an adverse reaction in bipolar patients. That’s why it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis for a psychiatrist experienced in treating both mental health disorders.
At Delray Center for Healing, every person who enters our care receives an initial consultation and assessment in order to perform a proper diagnosis. This helps to identify specific and individualized treatment programs for that person’s unique needs.
The different types of bipolar disorder are characterized by varying degrees of manic and depressive stages, and the recurring patterns of these stages. Each person’s specific symptoms will help to determine a firm diagnosis upon assessment. Some of the types of bipolar disorders include:
Bipolar I Disorder: This is the quintessential form of bipolar, as those diagnosed showcase the classic symptoms of bipolar disorder. Patients with this form of bipolar disorder experience prolonged periods of mania and may experience depressive episodes as well.
Bipolar II Disorder: People living with this type of bipolar disorder don’t actually experience full manic episodes. Rather, they experience stages of depression and also hypomania, which is a lesser type of mania.
Cyclothymia: People with this type of bipolar disorder experience the milder stages of mania (hypomania) just like Bipolar II patients. However, their depressive episodes are also milder than that of bipolar I and II patients. People living with Cyclothymia may be at a higher risk of developing more severe forms of bipolar.
If you have the signs and symptoms of any of the bipolar disorders listed above, there are steps you can take in order to start feeling better. Fortunately, treatment is successful in helping people gain mood stability and relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder. But, it takes time and commitment to find the treatment and therapy that works for you.
Separate the Illness from the Person: It can be helpful to realize that you are not your disorder. When you understand how bipolar disorder affects your behavior, you can learn to distinguish the symptoms of your disorder from your actual character. Then, you can work to change these behaviors throughout treatment.
Alternate Your Habits: There are certain things you can do to make sure that you stay in a healthy mindset. Healthy habits play a big role in helping with mood management for those with bipolar disorder. Some of these lifestyle adjustments you can incorporate include establishing a regular sleep pattern, eating well, staying physically active, and staying away from drug and alcohol use.
Educate Yourself and Others: One thing that can greatly help with managing symptoms of bipolar disorder is to just understand them better. And when your loved ones and support group understand more about what you’re dealing with, they can better assist you to identify triggers, spot behaviors changes, and support you through your obstacles.
Seek the Help You Need Through Treatment: Finally, the best thing you can do to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder is to get professional help through treatment. But, it’s important to choose a treatment team that has your individualized needs in mind. Since bipolar disorder affects people differently, it’s imperative to look for a treatment that provides you all the available methods of treatment and therapy.
Treatment of bipolar disorder incorporates the most advanced medical and psychological technologies available Dr. Rodriguez has extensive training and professional experience specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. He has worked closely with some of the world’s most renowned experts in this particular field.
Every patient at the Delray Center for Healing receives a full diagnostic assessment, to determine the proper treatment balance for a better quality to life The Bipolar Treatment Program at our center is a comprehensive approach to treating those individuals experiencing mood fluctuations that have caused suffering and problems in their lives.
We have a commitment to helping individuals stabilize their mood fluctuations, learn about every aspect of their mood disorder, and learn tools and strategies to maintain a greater balance in mood. Many individuals will participate in multiple programs at our center, and benefit from having many of the advanced treatments offered at our center, such as DBT skills group and EMDR therapy. Our comprehensive program includes the following services, and changes as the needs of the individual change over time.
To schedule your comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for Bipolar Disorder, and to learn more about what treatment options may be available to you, contact us today
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.
