Bipolar Disorder Treatment, Signs & Effects
In honor of World Bipolar Day, our mental health providers wanted to share insightful information about this mental illness, including common signs we look for and treatment options. For those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or think they may have bipolar disorder, it’s important to begin treatment right away.
The rate of suicide among bipolar disorder patients is approximately 10–30 times higher than that of the general population (Suicide Risk in Bipolar Disorder: A Brief Review). While all psychiatric patients are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, patients with bipolar disorder have the second highest risk of suicide (Comparison of Suicide Risk by Mental Illness). However, bipolar disorder can be managed with medication and psychotherapy.
If you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, give us a call to schedule an initial appointment: 605-348-8000.
How does bipolar disorder affect you?
Those with bipolar disorder experience more extreme variations in their mood than the average person. These extreme highs (manic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes) can be very draining and can make it difficult to think clearly.
One of the biggest strains that people with bipolar disorder experience is in their relationships. A manic episode can draw others in with your energy. During a manic episode, you may be seen as energetic, fun, or reactive by your loved ones. On the other hand, during a depressive episode, you may seem depressed, lethargic, or reclusive. These quick and dramatic changes can leave those around you confused or frustrated.
Bipolar disorder can greatly affect your ability to excel at work or school. Extreme changes in mood can affect your energy level, ability to focus, and can make it hard to think clearly. It can also result in poor decision making or impulsive behaviors, which can lead to mistrust in work or school relationships. In a study of 9886 participants with bipolar disorder, 81.32% were unemployed (Predictors of Employment Status for Persons with Bipolar Disorder).
What are the signs of bipolar disorder in adults?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by sudden and dramatic changes in mood. They experience more extreme high and low moods compared to the average person during an episode. Episodes typically last for several days. Some people will experience a manic episode followed by a depressive episode, while others will experience depression and mania at the same time.
Signs of a manic episode:
- A high-energy mood that may be described as euphoric, energetic, or irritable
- Decreased need for sleep
- Overconfidence
- Hyperactive thoughts
- Inability to think clearly
- Making impulsive decisions
Signs of a depressive episode:
- A low-energy mood that may be described as depressed, hopeless, or lonely
- Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
- Feeling unusually tired or lethargic
- Increased need for sleep
- Changes in weight
- Intense feelings of guilt
- Inability to make decisions
- Suicidal thoughts
Women with bipolar disorder tend to experience more depressive episodes or more extreme depressive episodes.
Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Does medication help bipolar disorders? If so, how long does it take for bipolar treatment to work?
Yes, medications can help manage bipolar disorder symptoms. Bipolar disorder is commonly treated with mood stabilizers such as lithium or an anticonvulsant.
It typically takes a minimum of 2 weeks for mood stabilizers to begin working. However, it is common for medications to take 6 weeks to take full effect.
Patients who undergo psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) while taking medication for bipolar disorder see the most improvement in their symptoms.
Can you fight bipolar disorder without medication?
In some cases, bipolar disorder can be managed with a combination of talk therapy and holistic practices including diet, exercise, stress management, sleep habits, and meditation. However, it’s best to manage bipolar disorder with a combination of medication, talk therapy, and holistic practices concurrently for the best results.
Get Help With Bipolar Disorder
If you think you may have bipolar disorder, call today to schedule an initial appointment. Our mental health providers will take a thorough look at your symptoms and medical history to help design the best treatment plan for your condition.
New patient appointments are available now! Complete our appointment request form to get started.

Stephen Manlove, MD graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed residencies in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine through the University of Virginia Medical School. He holds multiple board certifications in psychiatry/neurology, internal medicine and forensic psychiatry. This deep understanding of medicine gives him a unique ability to practice truly holistic psychiatry—fusing lifestyle changes and brain health best practices with genetic testing and a detailed laboratory workup to develop a personalized plan for each patient. As an early adopter of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine/Spravato, he and the Manlove Brain + Body team have helped thousands of patients suffering from treatment resistant depression, anxiety and PTSD.