This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or visit your nearest emergency department.

Quick take: Bipolar disorder causes episodic shifts in mood and energy—mania/hypomania and depression. Treatment is highly effective when the diagnosis is clear and routines are stabilized. Mood stabilizers/atypical antipsychotics are first-line; targeted psychotherapies and sleep protection reduce relapse. Antidepressant monotherapy is not recommended. (National Institute of Mental Health)

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood condition defined by distinct episodes:

• Mania: abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, pressured speech, impulsive/risky behavior; often causes marked impairment or hospitalization (Bipolar I).
• Hypomania: similar symptoms, less severe and no hospitalization, often noticed as an unusually productive/energized period (Bipolar II when paired with major depression).
• Depression: low mood or loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes, slowed thinking, hopelessness.
  Symptoms are not constant—they come in episodes—but the condition is usually lifelong and benefits from maintenance care. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Types at a glance

• Bipolar I: ≥1 manic episode (± depression).
• Bipolar II: recurrent depression with hypomania (no full mania).
• Cyclothymic disorder: chronic, fluctuating subthreshold symptoms for ≥2 years.
  Guidelines cover adults, teens, and—in specialized care—children. (NICE)

Getting the diagnosis right (why it matters)

A thorough evaluation reviews lifetime patterns, family history, prior antidepressant reactions (e.g., mood flips), substances/sleep, medical contributors, and safety. The reason it matters: antidepressant monotherapy can destabilize bipolar depression; mood stabilizers and/or atypical antipsychotics are the anchor. At CHARIS MIND & BODY WELLNESS, we screen for bipolar spectrum features whenever depression has atypical course, early onset, or strong family loading. (National Institute of Mental Health)

What treatments actually work?

1. Medications (first-line anchors)
   • Lithium — robust for mania and maintenance; suicide-risk reduction noted in guideline reviews (requires labs).
   • Lamotrigine — helpful for bipolar depression/maintenance (slow titration).
   • Atypical antipsychotics — agent-specific evidence for mania and bipolar depression (e.g., quetiapine, lurasidone; others for mania).
   • Antidepressants — not used alone in bipolar disorder; if used, they’re added to a mood stabilizer with close monitoring.
     (Exact agent choice depends on episode polarity, comorbidities, side-effect profile, and patient preferences.) (Psychiatry Online)
2. Targeted psychotherapies & relapse prevention
   • CBT for bipolar depression and coping skills.
   • Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): stabilizes sleep/wake and daily routines—key for preventing relapse.
   • Family-focused therapy: improves communication/support and reduces rehospitalization.
   • At CHARIS MIND & BODY WELLNESS, we build a personal relapse plan (early-warning signs, sleep triggers, medication “what-ifs,” contact tree) so you and your supports know what to do before an episode escalates. (NICE)
3. Sleep is treatment

   Irregular sleep can trigger mood episodes. We protect an anchor wake time, reduce evening stimulation/light, and plan travel/shift-work strategies up front. (Medication plans often include nighttime agents that support restorative sleep without oversedation.) (NICE)

4. Substances & medical comorbidities

   Alcohol/cannabis can worsen cycling and medication adherence; thyroid issues and sleep apnea can mimic or aggravate symptoms—so we screen and treat systematically. (NICE)

Special situations

Perinatal planning (pregnancy/postpartum)

Do not stop mood stabilizers abruptly. Coordinate psychiatry + OB for preconception planning, trimester-specific choices (e.g., lithium or lamotrigine with monitoring when appropriate), and postpartum sleep protection to reduce relapse risk. (ACOG)

Teens and young adults

Onset often appears in late adolescence/early adulthood. Collaborative family work, safety plans, and school/work coordination matter. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Skills you can start this week

• Rhythm reset: fix your wake time; daylight within 60 minutes; no drastic weekend swings.
• Early-warning log: track your personal “first signs” (e.g., needing less sleep, increased spending).
• Medication adherence plan: alarms, pillbox, refill triggers; pre-authorized labs scheduled.
• Substance check: a 30-day alcohol/cannabis pause often clarifies baseline mood.

CHARIS MIND & BODY WELLNESS focuses on precision diagnosis, structured monitoring, and collaborative plans that respect your life demands. If a service (e.g., a specific neuromodulation program) isn’t in-house, we coordinate trusted referrals and follow your progress.

Bottom line: Bipolar disorder is treatable. With the right meds, rhythm, and relapse plan, most people return to work, school, parenting—and a stable, satisfying life. (If you recognize yourself here, seek a bipolar-informed evaluation—with CHARIS MIND & BODY WELLNESS or a trusted local clinician.) (National Institute of Mental Health)