Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic highs and depressive lows. These mood shifts can greatly affect daily functioning, but with the right treatment, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead stable, fulfilling lives. At Better Living Mental

Health, we specialize in psychopharmacological interventions and psychiatric care to help those affected by Bipolar I and II disorders achieve stability.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be classified into three primary types:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Marked by manic episodes lasting at least 7 days, or manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospitalization is required. Depressive episodes follow, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Mixed episodes, with both depressive and manic symptoms occurring simultaneously, can also happen.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than mania), without the full-blown manic episodes typical of Bipolar I Disorder.
• Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Involves periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents), but these symptoms don’t meet the criteria for full manic or depressive

Psychopharmacological Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

At Better Living Mental Health, we emphasize the importance of psychopharmacological interventions as the foundation of treatment for Bipolar I and II disorders. We focus on providing medication management to stabilize mood swings and prevent episodes, ultimately improving overall functioning and quality of life.

Our providers develop individualized treatment plans with the appropriate medications, including:

• Mood Stabilizers: Essential for controlling manic and depressive episodes and preventing future mood swings.
• Antipsychotic Medications: Used to treat severe manic or mixed episodes, helping to manage irritability, impulsivity, and aggression.
• Antidepressants: Carefully prescribed to treat depressive episodes, with close monitoring to avoid triggering manic
• Anti-anxiety Medications: Often prescribed for individuals who experience anxiety in addition to their bipolar symptoms.

We regularly assess and adjust medication to ensure the best possible results, minimizing side effects and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Psychotherapy at Better Living Mental Health

While our primary focus is on psychopharmacological treatment, we also recommend integrating psychotherapy in managing bipolar disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic techniques can help individuals with bipolar disorder:

• Understand and manage
• Learn coping strategies for mood
• Develop skills to reduce the impact of stress on mental
• Improve overall emotional regulation and

Psychotherapy supports our psychiatric care by offering patients additional tools for navigating the psychological aspects of bipolar disorder, alongside medication management.

Why Choose Better Living Mental Health?

At Better Living Mental Health, our expert providers specialize in psychopharmacological interventions for individuals living with Bipolar I and II disorders. We prioritize medication management to stabilize mood and prevent episodes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your treatment plan.