Bipolar Disorder

About

 

Bipolar disorder, often referred to as “manic depression,” leads to both high moods, mania, and low moods, depression. It is a punctuated disorder, and many individuals feel normal between their episodes. When manic, patients are easily distracted, with racing thoughts and speech as well as irresponsibility and erratic behavior. They are overconfident, with increased activity and decreased sleep. Severe mania leads to psychosis, with hallucinations or delusions. When depressed, patients have decreased energy, inability to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts. They may also feel guilt, irritability and sadness, with changes in sleep, weight and activity as well as psychomotor agitation (feelings of restlessness, tremors, and meaningless movements).

 

Treatment

 

Using a blended therapy approach, A Ka considers mental and social factors as well as the symptoms, striving to provide patients with skills to manage their condition as necessary. A Ka offers detoxification, residential treatment, and outpatient programs to treat bipolar disorder and help patients regulate their disorder so as to better function in daily life.