Bipolar Disorder
We believe that recovery from mental illness is not only attainable, but sustainable.
At The Brandywine Center for Mental Health, we support people who want steadier moods and a healthier daily rhythm. Our team understands how disruptive bipolar disorder can feel, and we work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your life.
We offer structured outpatient mental health treatment that blends holistic practices with evidence based therapies. Our goal is to help you build stability, strengthen coping skills, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling future.
Reach out to us today to learn more about bipolar disorder treatment and the mental health services available at The Brandywine Center.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects the way a person moves through emotional highs and lows. These shifts can include periods of elevated energy, known as mania or hypomania, and periods of deep depression. Each person experiences these cycles differently, which is why understanding the condition is such an important first step in treatment.
At The Brandywine Center, our team helps you make sense of these patterns and how they show up in your life. We offer guidance, education, and a treatment plan that reflects your needs. Our goal is to support you with care that feels compassionate, steady, and grounded in clinical expertise.
Would I Benefit from Bipolar Treatment?
You may be a strong candidate for bipolar disorder treatment if your mood shifts feel intense, unpredictable, or disruptive to your daily life. Many people seek help when these changes begin to affect relationships, work, school, or their ability to stay consistent with routines. If you notice that your emotions swing between high energy and low mood in ways that feel hard to manage, treatment may help you regain balance.
The Brandywine Center team provides a thorough assessment to understand your symptoms and determine the most effective level of care. We work with you to identify what you need and how we can support your stability and wellbeing.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorder appears in several forms. Each type involves shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, but the patterns differ from person to person.
Common types of bipolar disorders include:
Bipolar I Disorder:
Marked by manic episodes that last at least seven days or involve symptoms intense enough to require immediate clinical care. Depressive episodes often occur as well.
Bipolar II Disorder:
Defined by cycles of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is less intense than full mania, but still affects mood, energy, and functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder:
A milder but long‑lasting form of bipolar disorder. It involves ongoing periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that continue for at least two years in adults or one year in children and teens.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Recognizing bipolar disorder often begins with noticing changes in mood, energy, and behavior. Some of these shifts are easier for loved ones to see from the outside, while others are felt more deeply by the person experiencing them.
Signs Loved Ones May Notice
Family members, partners, or close friends may observe changes such as:
- Sudden bursts of energy or activity that feel out of character
- Talking faster than usual or jumping quickly between topics
- Difficulty staying focused or finishing tasks
- Irritability that seems to come out of nowhere
- Sleeping far less or far more than usual
- Spending money impulsively or taking risks that feel unsafe
- Withdrawing from social plans or avoiding responsibilities
- Noticeable shifts in confidence, motivation, or decision making
These outward signs often appear before the person recognizes the pattern themselves.
Symptoms Someone with Bipolar Disorder May Experience
People living with bipolar disorder often describe internal experiences that shift between manic and depressive phases.
During Manic Phases
- A surge of energy or restlessness
- Feeling unusually confident or unstoppable
- Sleeping very little without feeling tired
- Racing thoughts that feel hard to slow down
- Feeling easily distracted
- Increased interest in new projects or big ideas
- Impulsive decisions that feel exciting in the moment
During Depressive Phases
- Deep sadness or emotional heaviness
- Feeling hopeless or discouraged
- Low energy or fatigue that makes daily tasks difficult
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Sleeping too much or struggling to sleep at all
- Loss of interest in activities that once felt enjoyable
- Feeling disconnected from others or wanting to isolate
These symptoms can shift in intensity and duration, which is why many people find it hard to understand what is happening at first.
Understanding Differences Between Bipolar Types
Signs and symptoms vary across the different forms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I often involves more noticeable manic episodes, while Bipolar II and Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) can be harder to recognize because the mood shifts may appear milder or more subtle. Only a trained clinician can make an accurate diagnosis. A professional assessment helps determine the specific type of bipolar disorder and guides the most effective treatment plan.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
The Brandywine Center provides compassionate, evidence based care for people seeking stability and support. If you or someone you love is navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, our team is here to help you take the next step. Contact us today or verify your insurance to begin treatment and move toward a steadier, more fulfilling life
Bipolar Disorder Treatment at The Brandywine Center
Bipolar disorder treatment can be provided through various levels of care, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Each level of care caters to different needs and intensities of treatment. Understanding what to expect from each can help patients and families make informed decisions about the appropriate level of care.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP, offers a structured and intensive level of care while still allowing you to return home at the end of the day. It is a strong fit for people who need regular clinical support and close monitoring but do not require round‑the‑clock supervision.
Here’s what you can expect in PHP at The Brandywine Center:
Duration and Intensity
PHP involves several hours of treatment each day, usually five to seven days a week. Most people stay in the program for several weeks. The exact length depends on your progress and the goals you set with your treatment team.
Therapeutic Activities
You take part in daily therapy sessions that may include individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement when appropriate. The focus is on stabilizing mood, learning coping skills, and understanding how to manage symptoms in daily life. Many people also work on communication skills, stress reduction, and relapse prevention.
Medical Oversight
You meet regularly with a psychiatric provider who monitors your symptoms and adjusts medications as needed. This level of medical attention helps you stay safe and supported as you move through treatment. It also allows your team to respond quickly if your needs change.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, offers a strong level of support without the full structure of PHP. It works well for people stepping down from hospitalization or PHP, and for those who need more than weekly therapy to stay stable. IOP helps you build consistency while still allowing room for work, school, and family life.
Here’s what you can expect in IOP at The Brandywine Center:
Duration and Intensity
IOP involves several hours of treatment per day, usually three to four days each week. The schedule is flexible so you can continue with daily responsibilities. Many people find this balance helpful as they practice new skills in real time.
Therapeutic Activities
You take part in both group and individual therapy. Sessions focus on strengthening coping skills, improving mood stability, and applying what you learn to everyday situations. Treatment may also include communication work, stress management, and relapse prevention.
Educational Components
You join psychoeducational groups that help you understand bipolar disorder and how it affects your life. These sessions cover medication management, symptom awareness, and strategies that support long term stability.
Peer Support
Group therapy gives you a space to connect with others who understand what you are going through. Sharing experiences and learning from peers can reduce isolation and help you feel supported as you move forward.
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Treatment for bipolar disorder at Brandywine Center involves a combination of medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Psychiatry
- Medication Management: The cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment often involves psychiatric medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants to control symptoms.
- Diagnostic Evaluation: Comprehensive psychiatric assessments to confirm the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and differentiate it from other psychiatric conditions.
- Regular Follow-ups: Ongoing appointments to monitor the effectiveness of medications and adjust dosages as necessary.
Individual Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and modify detrimental thought patterns and behaviors, aiming to manage symptoms more effectively.
- Psychoeducation: Teaches patients about the disorder, helping them to understand and manage their condition better.
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Focuses on stabilizing daily rhythms such as sleeping, waking, and mealtimes, which can help to prevent mood shifts.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A form of therapy that combines behavioral science with mindfulness principles to manage emotions and decrease relationship conflicts.
Group Therapy
- Support Groups: Peer-led or therapist-led sessions where individuals can share experiences, offer group support, and learn from each other in a safe environment.
- Skill-based Workshops: Groups focused on teaching specific skills for coping with bipolar disorder, such as stress management, resilience building, or mindfulness.
- Family Therapy Groups: Sessions that include family members to educate them about the disorder and teach ways to support their loved ones effectively.
Holistic Therapies
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Holistic techniques that promote relaxation and mental clarity, which can help manage stress and reduce the intensity of mood swings.
- Yoga and Physical Exercise: Activities that help improve mood, increase energy levels, and stabilize emotional fluctuations through physical movement.
- Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on diet choices that can support mental health, including the regulation of blood sugar levels and the intake of nutrients beneficial for brain health.
- Art Therapy: Utilizes creative processes like painting or drawing to help express emotions and reduce stress, which can be therapeutic for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Start Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Reach out to The Brandywine Center today to schedule an appointment and begin your path toward greater stability and wellbeing. Our specialized bipolar disorder treatment programs help you build balance, strengthen coping skills, and move toward a more grounded daily life. Contact us to learn more and take the first step toward meaningful change.