North Port’s Leading Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center

At North Port Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate care for people who have bipolar disorder, a complex mental health disorder that can manifest in different forms. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR) identifies three main types of bipolar disorder:  

• Bipolar I disorder is defined by experiencing at least one manic episode lasting seven days or more, or manic symptoms severe enough to require the patient to be hospitalized. Depressive episodes often accompany these manic periods, which can create a cycle of extreme highs and lows. 
• Bipolar II disorder includes hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania, that last at least four days. Depressive episodes also occur most days. 
• Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is characterized by alternating hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are less severe but continue over a long period. The mood swings can persist for two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. 

People who have other specified and unspecified bipolar disorders experience symptoms that may not fully align with the above criteria, but they can still benefit from professional treatment. 

A person receives a diagnosis for the specific type of bipolar disorder based on the frequency and duration of the manic and depressive episodes they experience. 

At North Port Behavioral Health, we recognize that bipolar disorder affects each person differently. The personalized care we provide at our bipolar disorder treatment center is designed to meet your specific needs and help you heal, grow, and achieve long-term stability. 

The causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but research shows that genetics, biology, and environment all play a role. Understanding these factors can help you identify if you or a loved one is at risk and can guide early treatment. 

Genetics can be a major indicator of whether a person might develop bipolar disorder. The disorder often runs in families, so if you have a close relative, like a parent or sibling, who has bipolar disorder, it can increase your risk for developing the disorder. However, genetics alone don’t determine whether you will have bipolar disorder. 

Biological factors, like differences in brain structure and function, may also contribute. Bipolar disorder often involves imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which help regulate mood. These imbalances can lead to the extreme highs and lows that characterize the disorder. 

Environmental factors, such as having high levels of stress, experiencing a traumatic event, or losing a loved one, can trigger symptoms in those who are already at risk. Other factors, such as substance use, financial pressures, and poor sleep patterns, can make managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder more difficult. 

At North Port Behavioral Health, we account for these factors when developing a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals with the tools they need to manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. 

Bipolar disorder affects millions of people around the world. In the United States, about 2.8% of adults, or 7 million people, experience symptoms of bipolar disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Men and women are diagnosed at the same rate and often start displaying symptoms in adolescence or early adulthood, though symptoms can appear at any age. 

There are different types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. All types of bipolar disorder are characterized by various patterns of mood episodes. Research from NIMH shows that around 83% of people who have bipolar disorder face significant challenges in daily functioning, emphasizing how much the disorder can affect someone’s quality of life. Many people who have bipolar disorder also have symptoms of anxiety, substance use disorders, or other mental health concerns.  

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can negatively affect your health, relationships, and ability to manage daily responsibilities like work or school. Without proper treatment, people who have bipolar disorder may have more severe and frequent mood episodes. 

Untreated bipolar disorder can worsen an individual’s mental health over time. Long periods of depression may lead a person to have suicidal thoughts or harm themselves. In addition, untreated mania can result in risky behavior and financial or legal concerns. Many people who have bipolar disorder also struggle with other conditions, like anxiety or substance use disorders, which can make healing more difficult. 

Bipolar disorder can also affect physical health when left untreated. Unhealthy habits, getting poor sleep, and the effects of ongoing stress can also lead to higher risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, or obesity. 

Our caring team provides support and treatment that can help you manage your symptoms to prevent these health and social complications, improving your quality of life. 

At North Port Behavioral Health, we offer specialized inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs for patients who have bipolar disorder. We understand that bipolar disorder can significantly impact your mood, relationships, and overall well-being. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve long-term healing and stability in your life. 

In our inpatient program, we offer treatment for adults age 18 and older, with separate units tailored to specific needs, including a unit for mental health disorders like bipolar disorder. Patients typically stay at our treatment center for seven to 10 days, receiving comprehensive care that addresses the symptoms of bipolar disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder if present. In addition to mental health treatment, patients receive basic medical care from the medical doctors and nurse practitioners on our staff. 

The staff at North Port Behavioral Health uses evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and 12-Step programming. Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed counselors, registered nurses, behavioral health technicians, dietitians, and recreational therapists. These experts collaborate to provide our patients with well-rounded and holistic care. 

Patients who require medication management meet with a psychiatrist frequently, at least six days per week. Daily group therapy sessions focus on topics like coping skills, healthy boundaries, and the effects of trauma, while family therapy sessions are available as needed to support healing and communication within the patient’s family. Master’s-level clinicians lead both group and family therapy sessions with a high level of expertise, empathy, and understanding. 

At North Port Behavioral Health, our top priority is to provide you with a fully supportive and safe environment where you can work toward lasting healing. Please call our intake coordinators at any time to learn more about the programs we offer at our bipolar disorder treatment center.