Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Blog-Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and complex brain disorder causing shifts between manic and depressive phases, requiring bipolar disorder treatment. The patient may feel out of control of their lives and unable to participate in daily activities.

Episodes of bipolar disorder can lead to dramatic changes in the person’s life, such as a lost job, failure in school, damaged friendships, or even jail time. Those with bipolar disorder are often hospitalized for their mental illness when experiencing an episode.

The disorder can be difficult to diagnose as there are not many tests to offer a true diagnosis. The cyclical emotional state of the patient and vital information based on brain SPECT imaging are the two main factors Amen Clinics uses to diagnose and recommend bipolar disorder treatment.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is found to run in families despite not having a single cause, and three out of five patients with bipolar disorder are women. The brain disorder affects around 4% of Americans as a fairly common illness. Unfortunately, those with bipolar disorder are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide when compared to the general population.

There are four distinct types of bipolar disorder:

  1. Bipolar I
  2. Bipolar II
  3. Cyclothymic disorder
  4. Bipolar disorder otherwise not specified

Bipolar I is typical bipolar with classic symptoms of extreme mood shifts lasting between weeks and months. Bipolar II indicates the patient has experienced less intense manic moods and may experience more depressive moods when compared to bipolar I. Cyclothymic disorder is similar to Bipolar I but with less extreme shifts over shorter periods of time.

Symptoms of “manic” states include:

  • Periods of high energy and motivation
  • A decreased need for sleep
  • Selective racing ideas
  • Grandiose or delusional thinking with exaggerated self-confidence
  • Excessive involvement in risk-taking activities

Symptoms of “depressive” states include:

  • Periods of depression or hopelessness
  • Fatigue and loss of energy
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Thoughts of suicide

Those with bipolar disorder may also fall into psychosis where they detach from reality. This symptom can sometimes mimic schizophrenia, a brain disorder marked by a withdrawal from reality.

Oftentimes, people are diagnosed with bipolar disorder but have the traumatic effects of a brain injury. This is why proper assessment of bipolar disorder is essential to identify the root cause of the brain disorder for treatment.

Treatment and Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Those with bipolar disorder experience unique struggles and require highly customized treatment.

Here at Amen Clinics, we’ve found brain SPECT imaging is vital to identifying the root cause of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is sometimes identified with co-existing problems, such as brain injury, and as many as 50% of those with bipolar disorder also have ADD/ADHD.

Brain SPECT imaging gives patients a direct view into the physical nature of their brain, destigmatizing any fears they might have against treatment. The emotional toll of finding help for this brain disorder can be lifted once the patient understands the physical nature of their illness.

While this condition is difficult to diagnose due to bipolar disorder’s many types and tendency to overlap with other brain disorders, it is a serious psychiatric condition requiring expert care. Many patients with bipolar disorder fall into continuous episodes because they do not follow through on their bipolar disorder treatment, believing there is no longer a problem once treatment starts or that there never was a problem.

Amen Clinics is committed to offering personalized bipolar disorder treatment options that take into consideration all aspects of the patient’s life. When enrolling with Amen Clinics to treat you or your loved one’s bipolar disorder, we use a four-pronged approach to first assess your case by taking the following steps:

  • We will begin by taking the time to explore your specific biological, psychological, social and spiritual influences.
  • Next, we will perform neuropsychological tests to measure various aspects of your brain function.
  • Then, we will perform two brain SPECT scans: one at rest and one during concentration.
  • Finally, we will order lab tests to rule out nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, toxicity, etc.— if deemed necessary.

How to Manage Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Patients with bipolar disorder can go through a variety of troubling experiences while battling their illness. There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatment can give patients control of their lives.

A new daily regimen focused on nutrition, exercise, supplementation, talk therapy, and other bipolar disorder treatments specified by your doctor, must be followed. Exercises for meditation, gratitude, and positive thinking to rid thoughts of ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) may be recommended. Strengthening one’s sense of community also plays an important role in relieving stress and building resilience.

Find a Clinic to Treat Your Bipolar Disorder

Make an appointment by calling 888-288-9834 today or scheduling online, and review our locations to find the nearest clinic to your home.

27 Comments »

  1. thank you for your article. I didn’t know there were different categories. I have the third one, depression and dementia. I am taking a drug which one I can’t remember off hand but it works good. Thank heavens. I also take meds for depression and dementia. So now doing good. So thanks again. Linda

    Comment by Linda — December 12, 2018 @ 6:46 AM

  2. Thank you so much to the precious woman who shared her story about bipolar and depression. She is helping so many people by being honest and transparent like that. May God bless her,

    Peggy Kerchner

    Comment by Peggy Kerchner — December 12, 2018 @ 7:41 AM

  3. Hi help me if u can.

    Comment by Mark Therrien — December 12, 2018 @ 8:48 AM

  4. My family (mother, my grandmother, my children & grand children have PTSD. Two of my children have severe PTSD and suicide is a possible shadow they have to deal with minute by minute. My daughter was with a psychiatrist for years & his medication caused her to have a cardiac arrest / my son was told he had the WORST Case of PTSD they had ever seen.
    The COST is prohibitive since I am the sole care giver at 82 years old…working 7 days a week…working in commission only and have lived alone for 44 years.
    I have $100,000 credit card debt after dealing with hip replacement, Shingles, and a TIA just in the last year…..so I am overwhelmed.

    Comment by MaryLou Thompson — December 13, 2018 @ 5:19 AM

  5. I am in Australia and am desperately wanting help. Can you please advise me of a clinic here that may do your work.

    Comment by Belinda — December 14, 2018 @ 3:30 PM

  6. Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and hope that someone with more resources can help you… You are amazing, but you’re also carrying so much on your probably tired) shoulders!

    Comment by Judi — December 19, 2018 @ 8:15 AM

  7. Is bipolar disorder hereditary? My son has Autism and his dad has bipolar disorder. With questions of heredity, I can also give you the info that my ex’s brother has ADHD.

    Comment by Sheri — December 26, 2018 @ 9:45 AM

  8. I use a natural and inexpensive treatment for bipolar that has no side effects. I have not had a full blown manic or depressive episode for years.

    It is based on sound scientific research.

    I am not selling anything!

    I am happy to share it with you if you are interested.

    P.Godwin

    Comment by Patricia Godwin — December 28, 2018 @ 9:29 AM

  9. P.Godwin – I’m interested. A dear family member has bipolar and is in serious need of a solution.

    Comment by Sherry — December 29, 2018 @ 8:18 AM

  10. Please share it with all of us! thanks so much

    Comment by Johnny — December 29, 2018 @ 12:16 PM

  11. To Patricia Godwin
    I would like to know which natural supplement you are using to treat bipolar and the dosage you use each day.
    My adult son has been very resistant to medication treatment because of terrible side effects. He is not doing well.
    Thank you for sharing
    S. Cope

    Comment by Sue Cope — December 29, 2018 @ 3:01 PM

  12. Hi Patricia,
    my mother has bipolar and is in NZ – unfortunately right now the family is not resourced enough to get her over to the USA to Dr Amen’s clinic for the scans, assessment and ongoing treatment regimen.
    If you are genuine then I’d like to know what your natural treatment protocol is.
    Thank you.
    Steph

    Comment by Steph — December 29, 2018 @ 4:11 PM

  13. Patricia could you please tell me what it is you are using. My daughter in law is bipolar but had to change insurance and had to get a different medicine as new insurance would not pay. New medicine is not that good. She quit her job and sits in her room and plays video games all day and night. we need some help but don’t have $$$$. Thank you.

    Comment by Patricia Godwin — December 30, 2018 @ 12:53 PM

  14. Patricia,
    Would be interested in hearing about the treatment that has worked for you,
    Thank you,
    Susan A

    Comment by Susan R Arnold — December 30, 2018 @ 1:13 PM

  15. Why is there no mention of Neurofeedback as a treatment for Bipolar Disorder? It is non-pharmaceutical,and noninvasive and it has the potential for permanently restoring the brain to normal functioning.

    Comment by Hanno Kirk — December 30, 2018 @ 5:47 PM

  16. Well, you have piqued my interest.
    Please share.

    Comment by Hanno W Kirk — December 30, 2018 @ 5:51 PM

  17. Interested in natural inexpensive bipolar treatment for my son.

    Comment by Karen — December 31, 2018 @ 12:55 PM

  18. Hello Hanno, thank you for reaching out. We do offer Neurofeedback for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, it wasn’t the main focus of this blog but you can find more information here: https://amenclinics.com/services/neurofeedback/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — January 2, 2019 @ 10:58 AM

  19. Dear Patricia,

    Can you share the natural and inexpensive treatment for bipolar disorder. My mother who is 80 years old has been suffering from it for more than 40years and with medication she still has manic and depression.
    Thanks in advance.

    Manpal

    Comment by Manpal Kaur — January 10, 2019 @ 8:47 PM

  20. My son can no longer take his mood stabilizer. we are looking for alternatives. please advise.
    Karen

    Comment by Patricia Godwin — February 7, 2019 @ 5:20 AM

  21. Patricia, My 57 year old son suffers from Bi-Polar Disorder and I would very much like to get more information from you.

    Janice Myers
    JFM60@aol.com

    Thank You

    Comment by Janice Myers — March 11, 2019 @ 11:31 AM

  22. Can the amen clinic treat mentally challenged adults and is the clinic able to give the spect imaging. Have you ever treated someone mentally challenged and able to do the spect imaging on them

    Comment by Arlene Hyatt — March 12, 2019 @ 8:07 AM

  23. please share your bi-polar treatment. thank you Patrica

    Comment by Marsha maurice — April 8, 2019 @ 4:07 PM

  24. Thank you for sharing your info about bi-polar. I would love to know about it. Marsha

    Comment by Patricia, please share your bi-polar treatment. marshadance @hotmail.com Thank you, Marsha — April 8, 2019 @ 4:12 PM

  25. If there were an easy, inexpensive treatment for this disorder we wouldn’t be still be asking for it. This is a complex disorder with a number of variations across a sprectrum of presentations. I’ve struggled with it for years but have finally found the right doctor and combination of meds that have made things workable and level in my life. You have to consider such variables as body and brain chemistry, overall health and fitness, psycho-social influences, heredity, etc. You must also commit to a healthy lifestyle to ameliorate the negative effects of this disorder.

    Comment by Ellen Tatham — April 9, 2019 @ 11:24 AM

  26. Hi Patricia:

    My son has been suffering for years from BP and it breaks my heart to see him in bed after a manic episode. Would you please tell me the name of the natural treatment you are using so that I can have my son try it? Thanks.

    Sharon

    Comment by Sharon — September 6, 2019 @ 7:15 AM

  27. Hi Patricia
    Please share your treatment. BP is a very heart wrenching illness to deal with. Thank you

    Comment by Charlene Rothquel — June 17, 2023 @ 3:07 AM

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