Bipolar I Rehab: Treatment for Symptoms, Causes, & More

Bipolar I disorder is a serious mental health condition defined by episodes of intense highs (mania or hypomania) and bipolar depression. Over time, the rapid cycling of mood changes can significantly impact relationships, work, and physical health.

If you or a loved one have bipolar I, rehab can help. Rehab programs provide effective treatment, helping patients stabilize symptoms, regain control over mood swings, and build a foundation for long-term wellness.

Bipolar I is a type of bipolar disorder, along with bipolar II disorder and cyclothymic disorder.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), bipolar I is characterized by manic episodes that last for a minimum of 7 days.

People who experience severe manic symptoms that require immediate medical care are also said to have bipolar I.

While scientists don’t know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, there are some common risk factors and root causes for the condition. These include:

• Biological differences, such as brain changes and conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Genetics and family history
• Gender — women are more likely to have bipolar disorder due to sex and thyroid hormones
• Lifestyle and environmental factors, such as physical or sexual abuse, extreme stress, substance abuse, and physical illness

Rehab programs treat bipolar I by identifying and treating these root causes. The process typically involves:

• A psychiatric evaluation
• A tailored treatment plan including therapy, education, and support
• Stabilization, often through medication and psychotherapy
• Long-term strategies for preventing relapse

Bipolar I has a range of physical and psychological symptoms.

Some of these overlap with symptoms of other mood disorders, such as major depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Physical and psychological bipolar I symptoms can be sorted into several groups, including:

• Manic symptoms: These happen during manic episodes and include racing thoughts, impulsivity, grandiosity, reduced need for sleep.
• Depressive symptoms: These happen during episodes of depression and include hopelessness, fatigue, changes in appetite, suicidal thoughts.
• Mixed episodes: These are periods with symptoms of both mania and depression.

Medical providers treat bipolar I symptoms by stabilizing it through medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Psychiatry experts also typically prescribe psychotherapy interventions to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder. These may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy (FFT), and psychoeducation.

If doctors don’t diagnose or treat your bipolar I in time, it can cause various debilitating side effects. These include:

• Loss of interest in passions
• Persistent feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Poor decisiveness or concentration
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt
• Depressed mood
• Major depression or major depressive disorder
• Reduced sex drive
• Psychotic symptoms that may be confused with schizophrenia
• Low self esteem
• Substance use disorders

Rehab centers can monitor and treat these side effects through regular evaluations, talk therapy, and medication adjustments.

Rehab for bipolar I involves multiple treatment types. Your doctor can help you choose the most suitable treatment type.

Here are the top evidence-based treatments that are proven to work for bipolar I.

Residential rehab requires you to live at a treatment facility for around 30 days. You’ll receive 24/7 care in a structured environment.

Residential treatment is best for people experiencing:

• Severe episodes of mania
• Significant major depressive episodes
• Psychosis
• Suicidal ideation or risk of harm to self/others
• Co-occurring addiction or medical conditions

Outpatient rehab allows patients to continue living at home while attending regular sessions in the day or evening.

Outpatient treatment is best for people who:

• Have already stabilized but need ongoing care
• Want flexibility for work, school, or caregiving
• Want to transition back to daily life after inpatient treatment

There are several types of outpatient treatment. These include:

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are almost as intensive as a residential program. They generally provide treatment 8 hours a day for 5 days a week.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) can be a step down from a PHP or a stand-alone treatment. They usually consist of morning or evening therapy sessions.
• Outpatient programs (OPs) are the least-intensive outpatient treatment type. You only have to attend an hour per week before transitioning back to your daily routine.

Therapies are vital to addressing bipolar disorders. Common therapies for bipolar I include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps spot and change negative behaviors and thought patterns that can lead to mood fluctuations.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) builds emotion regulation and distress tolerance. It can manage impulsive behavior.
• Family-focused therapy educates and involves loved ones to support long-term stability.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) promotes mindfulness, acceptance, and committed action. It helps people break free from emotional struggle and avoidance.
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) stabilizes the biologic rhythm disruptions that are common among people with bipolar disorder. It encourages people to develop more regular routines, which can help improve mood.

In addition to medication and therapy, other treatment options for bipolar I include:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often used for treatment-resistant depression or mania.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that may reduce depressive symptoms.
• Light therapy may help with seasonal-related depression.
• Holistic treatments, such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and nutrition support, can improve emotional regulation and overall well-being.
• Psychoeducation helps people recognize symptoms and stay on track with bipolar I treatment.

Recovery from bipolar I is a challenging lifelong process. Here are trusted bipolar I resources to support you:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides education, peer-led support groups, and helplines.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) offers peer support and educational tools.
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator lets you find government-verified mental health and addiction treatment providers.

When not treated in time, bipolar I can be physically, emotionally, and psychologically difficult for patients, caregivers, and loved ones alike.

That’s where rehab comes in. Accredited and well-resourced rehab centers for bipolar I provide evidence-based treatments, licensed professionals, and customized care plans.

Find the best rehab for you by asking your healthcare professional for referrals. You can also reach out to PsyWeb at any time, your trusted informational resource for bipolar I rehab and other mental health care providers.

We can connect you to top treatment centers and help you find a treatment program that’s best suited to you or your loved one.