- December 15, 2022
- By Content Writer at The Center for Developmental Psychiatry
5 Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center
Around 2.8% of the US population is currently living with bipolar disorder. This might not sound like a lot but that works out as around 9 million people. So if you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar, they are not alone.
This condition can have a huge impact on your quality of life, so it is important to get help managing it. This is where a bipolar disorder treatment center can help.
These centers are run by experts who can help you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder to minimize its extreme highs and lows. However, for this to work, it is important to get support from a great treatment center.
So what should you look for in a treatment center? Read on to find out five qualities that will help you find the best bipolar disorder treatment center around.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental health condition that impacts your mood. It is often characterized by episodes of depression and mania. These can last for weeks (if not months) at a time.
This can make it very difficult to maintain a stable quality of life. You might find yourself struggling to:
- Enjoy or engage in activities you used to enjoy
- Maintain personal relationships
- Hold down a stable job and income
Fortunately, help is at hand. There are a number of ways that you can treat bipolar disorder.
How to Treat Bipolar Disorder
There isn’t a cure for bipolar disorder. Instead, medical professionals focus on treating and managing its symptoms in a number of ways. This can include:
- Using mood-stabilizing medication to prevent manic or depressive episodes
- Taking medication to manage the symptoms of mania or depression during an episode
- Helping you understand the triggers and warning signs for your episodes
- Psychological treatments, such as therapies
- Making lifestyle changes to manage the triggers of your episodes as well as possible
Most people with bipolar use a combination of treatment methods to manage their condition.
Finding the right treatment center and support can make the world of difference. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five qualities you should look for in a treatment center.
1. Accurate and Differential Diagnoses
Bipolar disorder affects people in very different ways. They may experience mania or depression differently. Or they may find that they only going through depressive periods without any manic episodes.
How you experience bipolar disorder will affect the type of treatment that can help.
Because of this, you need a center that has a clear understanding of different bipolar diagnoses. They should take the time to discuss your symptoms. They should also provide an accurate diagnosis from a certified bipolar disorder psychiatrist.
This will ensure that you get the treatment and support you need.
2. A Patient-Centered Approach to Treating Bipolar Disorder
When it comes to treating bipolar disorder, a center should start with your experiences and needs. After all, mental health doesn’t work on a one-size-fits-all basis.
When speaking to a center, ask about how they put together treatment plans. Ideally, this should start with looking at a patient’s:
- Age
- Symptoms
- Medical history
- Needs, limitations, and abilities
Even when it comes to medication, there is a whole range of things you can use. So the center should work with patients to find one that works for them.
If a center does seem to have a blanket approach to treatment, then you should definitely look elsewhere.
3. A Range of Expert Staff
At a treatment center, you should of course expect to find a doctor for bipolar disorder. However, they should employ a range of expert staff who are available to support patients.
This might include:
- Psychiatrists
- Experienced bipolar nurses
- Therapists
- Dieticians and nutritional experts
- Addiction experts
Centers that have a range of experts on their staff are equipped to deal with a whole range of issues. So they can provide support wherever you or your loved one needs it.
4. A Variety of Psychosocial Therapies
Medication plays a huge role in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and this can feel quite scary for some people.
However, it helps to balance the brain chemicals responsible for manic and depressive episodes. So it actually helps to protect people living with bipolar disorder and means that they can find more balance in their daily lives.
That said, a center should also provide psychosocial therapies, such as family therapy or CBT, as well.
This can help individuals and their loved ones understand their bipolar better. It also provides a space to talk about and heal from the trauma of living through a manic or depressive episode.
5. Support With Wellness and Holistic Care
Living with bipolar can take a huge toll on your mind and body. Because of this, it is important to find a center that promotes wellness and holistic care as well.
This can help patients create more control and balance in their daily lives, from exercise, to sleep, to diet and nutrition. This doesn’t just benefit their health. It can also have a profound impact on their enjoyment of life.
So you or your loved one won’t just come out of a center feeling like their symptoms are under control. They’ll also feel more confident and happy returning to life as well.
Get Help From the Best Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center Today
As you can see, a bipolar disorder treatment center needs to do a lot more than hand out treatment plans to patients.
A great center takes a patient-centered approach and provides a range of support. This ensures that every patient finds the help they need to manage their symptoms of bipolar.
Are you looking for support with bipolar disorder? Then schedule a call with the Developmental Psychiatrist today to discuss your concerns. We’re happy to help.