Indio, California’s Premier Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center

There are various subtypes of bipolar disorder, which can be defined by the symptoms and patterns of the mood episodes a person experiences. The most common types of bipolar disorder include: 

• Bipolar I disorder: Those who have bipolar I disorder have at least one manic episode that lasts one week or longer. A manic episode is characterized by increased energy, impulsivity, and sometimes psychosis. Depressive episodes can occur with bipolar I disorder, alternating with manic episodes.  
• Bipolar II disorder: People who have bipolar II disorder have less severe manic episodes, also known as hypomanic episodes, that last a minimum of four days. With bipolar II disorder, depressive episodes happen more often and are more severe than they are with bipolar I disorder. 
• Cyclothymic disorder: Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is a less severe type of bipolar disorder that involves mild, chronic mood swings that can last around two years in adults and one year in children and teens.  

Bipolar disorder may affect people in different ways, and it can be hard to fit a person’s symptoms into one category, so it is important to seek professional help when trying to determine whether you or a loved one has bipolar disorder. At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, you can receive a diagnosis from a qualified behavioral health professional who can help you understand your symptoms and provide effective, evidence-based treatment. 

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder are different depending on the type of bipolar disorder someone has. Bipolar disorder symptoms can typically be divided into two main categories: manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. 

Signs and symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes can include: 

• Racing, uncontrollable thoughts 
• Extreme multitasking or taking on large projects 
• Elevated mood 
• Decreased need for sleep 
• Changes in speech, including speaking quickly and shifting abruptly between subjects 
• Inflated sense of self-confidence 
• Engagement in high-risk behaviors like excessive spending and reckless driving 
• Substance abuse 
• Making choices that have known negative outcomes 
• Irritability  
• Increased sex drive 

Depending on the type of bipolar disorder someone has, they’ll experience varying degrees of manic or hypomanic symptoms. In addition to phases of manic symptoms, someone who has bipolar disorder will experience phases of depression symptoms, such as: 

• Extreme sadness or hopelessness 
• Low energy 
• Changes in appetite and weight 
• Trouble concentrating or focusing 
• Difficulty completing tasks or projects 
• Insomnia or oversleeping 
• Loss of interest in activities that once seemed important 
• Feelings of worthlessness and shame 
• Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or self-harm 
• Slowed movements 
• Social withdrawal  

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are different from person to person, and each person will have unique patterns of mood episodes. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, a behavioral health professional can help you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.  

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), around 5.7 million American adults have bipolar disorder. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes the following statistics on bipolar disorder: 

• The average age of bipolar disorder symptom onset is 24 years old. 
• If someone has a close relative who has bipolar disorder, they are 5%-10% more likely to develop bipolar disorder. 
• Nearly 80% of those who have bipolar disorder experience severe symptoms that negatively impact their lives. 
• More than 90% of those who have one manic episode will go on to suffer from mood episodes throughout their lives. 

While someone who has bipolar disorder can experience symptoms that negatively affect their life, there is hope. Receiving professional care for bipolar disorder can lead to life-changing healing.  

Watching a loved one struggle with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming, but there are many things you can do to help them have a better quality of life. By listening, researching, and offering support, you can make a real difference for a loved one who has bipolar disorder. Here are some ways you can help your loved one on their healing journey: 

• Learn about bipolar disorder: Educating yourself on the symptoms of bipolar disorder can help you understand your loved one.  
• Promote healthy habits: If your loved one takes medication, help them remember to take it as prescribed. In addition, encourage regular exercise and a healthy diet. 
• Develop a structured routine: Predictability and structure can be highly beneficial for those who are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder.  
• Listen actively: When someone is struggling with bipolar disorder, having someone who will listen without judgment can be very supportive.  
• Help your loved one find treatment: Encouraging your loved one to receive bipolar disorder treatment can be one of the most helpful things you can do.  
• Take your loved one to the hospital: Accompanying your loved one to the hospital when they enter an inpatient program can be reassuring. 

Each patient who receives care at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health completes a thorough evaluation that helps our team create an individualized care plan for them. This evaluation gives us insight into the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and therapeutic goals. Depending on their needs, a patient’s treatment plan at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health may include: 

• Group therapy: Therapists and nurses lead group therapy sessions at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health. Group therapy gives patients the opportunity to share support with peers and receive educational instruction on topics like coping strategies, the effects of trauma, and interpersonal skills.  
• Family therapy: Our team of social workers and licensed therapists can work with patients and their family members to help them improve their communication skills.  
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Our therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients develop coping strategies.  
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Therapists at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health use DBT to help patients who are having a difficult time changing behaviors that are not helping them progress and heal.  
• Motivational interviewing (MI): Motional interviewing includes asking questions that help patients develop their own plan for healing, with only minor assistance from the therapist.  
• Medication management services: For patients whose treatment plans include medication, we provide medication management services. Our team of professionals monitors each patient’s medication response and can alter the dose if needed.  
• Basic medical care: We provide medical care for patients in our inpatient program.  
• Recreational therapies: At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, we offer recreational therapies, such as art, music, and yoga therapies, each day.  

A team of multidisciplinary professionals delivers the therapies and services at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health. This expert team includes: 

• Psychiatric nurse practitioners 
• Psychologists 
• Physician assistants 
• Licensed clinical social workers 
• Licensed professional counselors 
• Registered nurses 
• Nurse practitioners 
• Dietitians 
• Recreational therapists 

Once they’ve designed the patient’s treatment plan, our team works together to comprehensively address the patient’s needs. This includes monitoring their progress and altering their care plan if needed.  

For those who have bipolar disorder, an inpatient hospital can provide the stabilizing care needed to begin the healing process. Inpatient care at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health has many features that can help our patients, including: 

• Secure and comfortable setting: At our inpatient bipolar disorder treatment center, we have state-of-the-art security precautions in place. We maintain controlled access and train our staff on procedures and protocols that can ensure the safety of our patients and staff and prevent self-harm or harm to others, allowing everyone who comes to our hospital to feel safe and comfortable. 
• Supportive community: Patients at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health can connect with their peers who may be facing similar challenges. 
• Co-occurring substance use disorder treatment: If a patient is struggling with bipolar disorder and a co-occurring substance use disorder, we can simultaneously treat both concerns to lead to optimal treatment outcomes. 
• Structured daily schedules: A structured daily routine can give our patients who have bipolar disorder a sense of stability and security. 
• Compassionate care: In our inpatient program, our team of behavioral health professionals strives to offer compassionate care in a nonjudgmental environment.  
• Discharge planning: Our team prepares each patient to transition back to their community by designing a plan for continuing care. This plan may include referrals for outpatient treatment, medication management services, and community support groups.  

In addition to these features, our hospital has a brand-new full gymnasium, a well-appointed cafeteria, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces for patients and visitors. At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, we recognize the courage it takes to receive bipolar disorder treatment, and we want to provide each of our patients with compassionate, clinically excellent care in a safe and comfortable environment. If you have any questions about our bipolar disorder treatment program, please reach out to our team. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health.