What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder causes significant shifts in mood, energy, activity, and sleep. Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode, often with depressive episodes. Bipolar II involves hypomanic and depressive episodes. Cyclothymic disorder involves milder, longer-lasting mood swings.
Mood episodes can last days to months. Between episodes, many people feel well. Bipolar disorder is often missed or mistaken for depression, anxiety, or ADHD, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Recognizing Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and How It Shows Up
Manic or hypomanic episodes can include unusually high energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts, fast speech, risky decisions, and irritability. Depressive episodes can include sadness, loss of interest, low energy, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911. Severe mania or psychosis requires urgent evaluation and may need a higher level of care than PHP or IOP.
The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use
People with bipolar disorder have a higher rate of substance use disorders than the general population. Alcohol or drugs may be used to ease depression, slow down racing thoughts, or extend a high. Substance use can also trigger or worsen mood episodes and interfere with treatment. Treating both conditions together is important.
How FOY Approaches Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder treatment generally relies on medication management by a prescriber, combined with therapy. At FOY, therapy focuses on psychoeducation, recognizing early warning signs, keeping regular sleep and daily routines, DBT skills for emotion regulation, and CBT for depressive thinking and relapse prevention. Holistic practices such as yoga and meditation support daily structure.
Adults Living With Bipolar Disorder Who Need More Than Weekly Therapy
Our clients with bipolar disorder are often adults who have had treatment before, who are stepping down from a higher level of care, or who need more support than weekly therapy to stay stable. A safe home setting and a willingness to participate in treatment are important.
FAQs
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
The main types are bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. They differ in the severity and pattern of manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes.
What is the difference between bipolar disorder and depression?
Depression involves low mood only. Bipolar disorder includes periods of elevated or irritable mood and energy (mania or hypomania) as well. This distinction affects treatment, so an accurate assessment is important.
Can bipolar disorder and substance use be treated together?
Yes. Integrated care treats both conditions at once. Substance use can worsen mood episodes, and mood episodes can drive substance use.
Is medication necessary for bipolar disorder?
Medication is a standard part of treatment for most people with bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist or other prescriber makes those decisions.
Can PHP or IOP help with bipolar disorder?
PHP and IOP can help adults build stability, learn to spot warning signs, and keep routines. They are not a substitute for emergency care during severe mania, psychosis, or suicidal crisis.
What if I am having a manic episode or thoughts of suicide?
Call or text 988, or call 911. FOY’s admissions line is not an emergency service.
Can people with bipolar disorder live stable lives?
Many people manage bipolar disorder successfully with consistent treatment, medication when prescribed, healthy routines, and support.
Does insurance cover PHP or IOP for bipolar disorder?
Many plans cover PHP and IOP for bipolar disorder when medical necessity criteria are met, and federal parity law requires mental health and substance use benefits to be comparable to medical benefits. FOY is in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and we verify your benefits at no cost.
Does FOY accept out-of-network PPO insurance for bipolar disorder treatment?
Yes. FOY works with out-of-network PPO plans from Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Many PPO plans reimburse part of PHP and IOP costs after your out-of-network deductible is met. We explain your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum before you decide, and we handle prior authorization paperwork.
How is PHP or IOP different from weekly therapy for bipolar disorder?
Weekly therapy may not provide enough contact to catch early warning signs or keep routines steady. PHP and IOP add frequent clinical contact, skills groups, and structure.
Start PHP and IOP Treatment in Agoura Hills, California
Talk with our admissions team, check your insurance for free, and find out which level of care fits. Admissions is available Monday to Friday. FOY welcomes adults from Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, and across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as adults from across the United States who can travel to attend in person.
Confidential. No obligation. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.