Warner Park Recovery Center – Woodland Hills Mental Health
Warner Park Recovery Center – Woodland Hills Mental Health
Managing Mood Swings and Emotional Stability.
Award Winning Facility.
with over 95% client program completion rate!
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Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition classified in the DSM-5 and characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels — cycling between manic or hypomanic episodes of elevated energy and depressive episodes of profound sadness and hopelessness. Unlike ordinary mood fluctuations, these episodes are clinically significant, often lasting days to weeks, and significantly impair a person’s ability to function at work, in relationships, and in daily life. Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults and is recognized in three primary forms: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder, each defined by the type and severity of episodes experienced.
Bipolar Disorder involves mood swings that range from periods of extreme joy, irritability, or high energy to episodes of severe hopelessness, apathy, and depression. These mood shifts are known as manic and depressive episodes. The frequency of mood swings varies—some people experience them rarely, while others have multiple episodes each year. Many individuals with BD have emotional symptoms between major episodes, though some do not. BD is a lifelong condition that can be diagnosed at any age, typically emerging in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can evolve and change over time, making ongoing management important.
Mania and hypomania are periods where the person feels elated and full of energy. Hypomania refers to a less severe or intense version of these symptoms. Both episodes can include these symptoms:
Bipolar I Disorder
Having had at least one manic episode that began with or was followed by a major depressive episode. In some cases, mania can trigger a psychological break from reality called psychosis.
Bipolar II Disorder
Having had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a manic episode.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Having had at least two years in adulthood of many periods of hypomania symptoms and depressive symptoms.
Other Types
Bipolar disorder can also be induced by drug and alcohol usage or due to certain physical illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.
Bipolar Disorder can be managed, treated, and sometimes even alleviated through various approaches. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs can help regulate symptoms, with mental health professionals providing guidance on appropriate options. Therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychoeducation, is also an effective tool for treatment. Additionally, residential or outpatient programs, such as alcohol and drug rehab centers, offer structured support to help stabilize symptoms and address co-occurring conditions. These programs also provide a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation for those with BD.
Bipolar I disorder is defined by the presence of at least one full manic episode — a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and increased energy lasting at least seven days that is severe enough to cause significant impairment or require hospitalization. Bipolar II disorder involves hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania and do not cause the same level of functional impairment, along with at least one major depressive episode. A common misconception is that Bipolar II is a milder condition — in reality, individuals with Bipolar II often spend more total time in depressive episodes and can experience significant disability.
Bipolar disorder is not currently curable, but it is highly manageable with the right combination of treatment. Most people with bipolar disorder can achieve significant mood stability and lead full, productive lives through a combination of mood-stabilizing medications (such as lithium or valproate), psychotherapy, structured routine, and ongoing psychiatric support. The critical factor is consistency — bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, and stopping treatment during periods of stability is one of the most common causes of relapse and hospitalization.
Yes — bipolar disorder has one of the highest rates of co-occurring substance use disorders of any mental health condition. Studies estimate that approximately 56% of people with bipolar disorder will experience a substance use disorder at some point in their lifetime, often driven by attempts to self-medicate manic or depressive episodes with alcohol, cannabis, or stimulants. Substance use significantly worsens the course of bipolar disorder — increasing the frequency of mood episodes, reducing the effectiveness of medications, and raising the risk of suicide — which is why dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both conditions together is strongly recommended.
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