Bipolar Disorder
Specialized treatment for bipolar I, bipolar II, and related mood disorders.
Overview
What it is.
Medically reviewed by Peter Scheid, MD
Medical Director, SILC Health
Clinically reviewed by Christina Kayanan, LMFT, LPCC
Clinical Director, Mental Health Services — SILC Health
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Bipolar disorder is a brain-based condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and ability to function. It includes bipolar I (defined by full manic episodes), bipolar II (hypomania plus major depressive episodes), and cyclothymia (chronic, milder mood swings). About 2.8% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder in any given year. Average age of onset is the mid-20s, and many people live with symptoms for years before getting an accurate diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder is highly treatable when correctly identified. The challenge is that the depressive episodes often bring people in for help, while the manic or hypomanic episodes feel productive or even pleasurable — which is why misdiagnosis as depression alone is common. Accurate diagnosis changes the treatment plan significantly.
Signs
What it looks like.
Recognizing the pattern is often the hardest part. None of these alone confirms a diagnosis — but a cluster of them is worth taking seriously.
- Periods of unusually high energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts
- Periods of deep depression, hopelessness, or inability to function
- Impulsive decisions during high-energy periods (spending, sex, substance use)
- Rapid speech, flight of ideas, or grandiose thinking
- Mood swings that don't seem to match life events
- Friends or family noticing big behavior shifts
- Past depression treatment that didn't work or made symptoms worse
- Substance use that follows mood patterns
Our Approach
How SILC treats it.
SILC Health treats bipolar disorder with a stabilize-then-sustain approach. Acute episodes — full mania, severe depression, or mixed states — often need inpatient stabilization for safety and rapid medication adjustment. From there, treatment steps down through PHP and IOP as stability returns.
Medication is foundational for bipolar disorder: mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine), atypical antipsychotics, or combinations are tailored by our psychiatric team. Medication alone is rarely enough — psychotherapy (CBT for bipolar, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family-focused therapy) builds the skills and structure that protect long-term stability. Sleep, routine, and substance avoidance matter more for bipolar disorder than for almost any other condition.
If SILC isn't the right fit, our admissions team will help you find a trusted partner facility that is.
Therapies & Modalities
FAQ
Common questions.
How do I know if I have bipolar disorder vs. just mood swings?
Mood swings are part of being human. Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes lasting at least several days — manic episodes (4+ days for hypomania, 7+ for full mania) with specific symptom patterns and a significant departure from baseline functioning. Accurate diagnosis requires careful clinical evaluation, often including history from family members who've observed the shifts.
Will I need medication for the rest of my life?
Bipolar disorder is generally a lifelong condition, and most people benefit from long-term medication to prevent recurrence. Going off medication during a stable period is one of the most common triggers for a future episode. Decisions about medication are made between you and your psychiatrist with full understanding of the tradeoffs.
What about bipolar and substance use?
Co-occurring substance use is extremely common with bipolar disorder — sometimes substances are used to chase the highs or escape the lows. Integrated dual-diagnosis treatment is the standard when both are present.
Can therapy help, or is this all medication?
Therapy plays a major role. Specific evidence-based therapies for bipolar — interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, CBT, family-focused therapy — significantly reduce recurrence rates and improve quality of life when paired with medication.
Does insurance cover bipolar treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary mental health treatment under federal parity laws. Our admissions team verifies benefits before you commit to anything.
Related
You may also be looking for
Major Depressive Disorder
Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for depression — including treatment-resistant cases.
Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Integrated treatment for substance use and mental health conditions — treated together, not one at a time.
Anxiety Disorders
Structured, evidence-based treatment for generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and related conditions.
Talk to admissions
One conversation can change the trajectory.
Whether SILC is the right fit or not, we'll listen and help you find a path forward.