Living with bipolar disorder can feel like navigating unpredictable emotional terrain—from periods of intense energy and activity to episodes of deep depression. We provide comprehensive, personalized treatment for bipolar disorder that combines therapeutic approaches and, when appropriate, medication management—all under one roof. Our compassionate team helps you understand your unique experience of bipolar disorder, develop effective management strategies, and build stability and balance in your life.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and ability to function in daily life. These mood episodes are more extreme than the normal ups and downs everyone experiences.
While many people think of bipolar disorder as simply alternating between happiness and sadness, the reality is more complex. Bipolar disorder typically involves:
Manic or Hypomanic Episodes – Periods of:
Depressive Episodes – Periods of:
These episodes can last days to months, and some people experience “mixed episodes” with features of both mania and depression occurring simultaneously. Between episodes, many people return to their usual functioning, though some experience ongoing mood symptoms.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2-3% of the population and typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can develop at any age. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, research indicates that genetic factors, brain structure and function, and environmental factors all play a role.
Bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum with several recognized types:
Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by manic episodes that last at least 7 days or are severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes typically occur as well, often lasting at least 2 weeks.
Bipolar II Disorder: Involves patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania). People with Bipolar II often spend more time in depression than those with Bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form featuring numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years, but not meeting full criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Other Specified Bipolar Disorders: Include bipolar-like patterns that don’t fit the other categories but still involve significant mood elevation and depression.
Bipolar disorder can sometimes be difficult to recognize, as symptoms vary widely between individuals and may be mistaken for other conditions. Consider seeking an evaluation if you or a loved one experiences:
Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose bipolar disorder, as many symptoms overlap with other conditions. A thorough assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
At Anuvia, we recognize that effective treatment for bipolar disorder typically requires a comprehensive approach. Our integrated care model addresses all aspects of the condition:
Personalized Treatment Planning: We work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific type of bipolar disorder, symptom patterns, preferences, and lifestyle.
Medication Management: For many people with bipolar disorder, medication plays an important role in stabilizing mood and preventing episodes. Our psychiatric providers have extensive experience with medications for bipolar disorder and work closely with you to find the right approach.
Therapy Approaches: Various therapeutic modalities help you understand your condition, identify early warning signs of episodes, develop coping strategies, address psychosocial stressors, and improve overall quality of life.
Education and Self-Management: We provide comprehensive education about bipolar disorder and collaborate with you to develop self-management strategies for maintaining stability.
Family Involvement: With your permission, we involve family members in understanding bipolar disorder and learning how to provide supportive environments.
Coordination of Care: Our “one-stop shop” model ensures that your therapy and medication providers work together as a team, sharing information (with your consent) and making coordinated treatment decisions.
Lifestyle Management: We address important factors that influence bipolar stability, including sleep patterns, stress management, substance use, and daily routines.
Our services for bipolar disorder include:
Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions focused on understanding your unique experience of bipolar disorder, identifying triggers and warning signs, developing coping strategies, and addressing related concerns like relationship issues or anxiety.
Medication Management: Evaluation and ongoing monitoring of medications that help stabilize mood and prevent episodes, provided by medical professionals who specialize in psychiatric medications.
Group Therapy: Structured groups offering education, skills development, and peer support specific to managing mood disorders.
Family Education and Support: Sessions to help family members understand bipolar disorder, recognize warning signs, and learn how to support your stability while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Crisis Planning: Development of detailed plans for managing early warning signs of episodes and accessing appropriate support when needed.
Telehealth Options: Virtual appointments available throughout North Carolina for both therapy and medication management, providing convenient access to care.
Treatment for bipolar disorder at Anuvia typically follows these phases, though we always personalize the approach to your specific needs:
Comprehensive Assessment: Initial appointments focus on understanding your complete history, symptom patterns, previous treatments, and current needs. This thorough evaluation helps ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Stabilization: If you’re currently experiencing an acute manic or depressive episode, the first priority is to stabilize your mood and ensure safety. This might involve starting or adjusting medications and implementing crisis management strategies.
Active Treatment: Once basic stability is established, treatment focuses on:
Maintenance and Relapse Prevention: As stability improves, treatment focuses on maintaining gains and preventing future episodes through:
Long-term Support: Many people with bipolar disorder benefit from ongoing support, even during periods of stability. We work with you to determine the right level of continuing care for your situation.
While bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, with effective treatment and self-management strategies, many people live fulfilling, productive lives. Treatment at Anuvia aims not just to reduce symptoms but to help you thrive despite bipolar disorder.
Key elements of living well with bipolar disorder include:
Knowledge and Awareness: Understanding your unique patterns, triggers, and early warning signs of episodes.
Medication Adherence: If medications are part of your treatment plan, taking them consistently as prescribed, even when feeling well.
Regular Sleep Patterns: Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, as sleep disruption can trigger episodes.
Stress Management: Developing effective strategies for managing stress, which can precipitate mood episodes.
Support Systems: Building and maintaining relationships with people who understand and support your wellness.
Structured Routines: Establishing regular daily routines that provide stability and predictability.
Avoiding Substances: Minimizing or eliminating alcohol and recreational drugs, which can destabilize mood.
Ongoing Treatment: Maintaining connection with healthcare providers even during periods of stability.
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Bipolar disorder treatment is typically covered as a standard mental health service.
If you don’t have insurance or are concerned about costs, remember that Anuvia is committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to inability to pay. We offer sliding scale payment options and can discuss ways to make treatment affordable and accessible.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that might indicate bipolar disorder, or if you’ve been diagnosed and are seeking treatment, reaching out for professional support is an important step toward stability and wellbeing.
At Anuvia, we provide the comprehensive, integrated care needed to effectively manage bipolar disorder. With our “one-stop shop” approach, you receive both therapy and medication management in one location, with providers who work together to coordinate your care.
Remember that bipolar disorder is a biological condition, not a personal failing, and with appropriate treatment, the outlook is positive for most people. Many individuals with bipolar disorder lead successful, fulfilling lives while effectively managing their condition.
Ready to begin your journey toward stability and wellbeing? Call us today at (704) 376-7447 or visit our website to book an initial appointment. Same-day appointments are often available, and we welcome walk-ins at our Charlotte location.
Signs That Might Indicate Bipolar Disorder