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Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects mood, energy, and daily functioning—but with the right care, it can be effectively managed. Our program is designed for individuals experiencing mood instability, whether newly diagnosed or struggling with ongoing symptoms. We focus on helping clients stabilize mood patterns, improve daily functioning, and address any co-occurring substance use through integrated, personalized care.

In this guide, we’ll explore what bipolar disorder is and how it is treated.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes noticeable shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These changes go beyond normal ups and downs. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and mania (or a milder form called hypomania), which can affect how they think, feel, and function in daily life.

During a depressive episode, someone may feel deeply sad, hopeless, or lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may have trouble sleeping, low energy, or difficulty concentrating.

During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may feel unusually energized, confident, or restless. They might sleep less, talk more than usual, make impulsive decisions, or take risks they normally wouldn’t.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:

Bipolar I Disorder – involves full manic episodes that may require hospitalization, often alternating with depressive episodes
Bipolar II Disorder – includes hypomanic episodes along with major depression
Cyclothymic Disorder – involves ongoing mood swings that are less severe but still disruptive over time

About 2.8% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder each year, and approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. Nearly 83% of cases are classified as severe, making it one of the most impairing mood disorders.

Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition. With the right combination of therapy, medication, and support, many people are able to manage symptoms and live stable, fulfilling lives.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bipolar disorder does not have a single cause. It develops from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Genetics

Bipolar disorder often runs in families. If a close relative has bipolar disorder or another mood disorder, the risk is higher—but it does not guarantee someone will develop it. The average age of onset is around 25, though symptoms can begin earlier.

Brain Chemistry and Structure

Differences in how the brain regulates mood, energy, and stress may play a role. Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) are commonly linked to mood disorders.

Substance Use

Alcohol and drug use can trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms. In some cases, substance use can mask underlying bipolar disorder or make mood episodes more intense and harder to manage.

Stress and Trauma

High levels of stress, traumatic experiences, or major life changes can contribute to the onset of symptoms or trigger mood episodes, especially in those already at risk.

Sleep Disruption

Irregular sleep patterns or lack of sleep can play a significant role in triggering manic or depressive episodes.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Conditions such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, or ADHD can increase complexity and may raise the risk of developing bipolar disorder or make symptoms more severe.

Understanding these factors is important because it helps guide effective, individualized treatment. At Eleve Behavioral Health, care is designed to address both bipolar disorder and any co-occurring substance use or mental health concerns together, not separately.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves shifts between different mood states. These episodes can vary in intensity and length, but they often affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, sleep, and ability to function day to day.

Depressive Symptoms

During a depressive episode, symptoms may include:

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Low energy or fatigue
Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms can make even basic daily tasks feel overwhelming.

Manic Symptoms

Mania is a more intense elevated mood state and may include:

Unusually high energy or restlessness
Feeling overly confident, powerful, or “invincible.”
Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
Rapid speech or racing thoughts
Increased impulsivity (spending sprees, risky behavior, poor decisions)
Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Irritability or agitation
In severe cases, delusions or hallucinations

Manic episodes often disrupt relationships, work, and safety, and may require immediate care.

Hypomanic Symptoms

Hypomania includes similar symptoms to mania but is less severe. A person may feel more productive or energetic than usual, but the changes are still noticeable to others and can lead to poor judgment or risky behavior.

Mixed Episodes

Some people experience symptoms of depression and mania at the same time. This can look like feeling agitated, restless, or energized while also feeling hopeless or low, which can increase emotional distress and risk.

Co-Occurring Substance Use

It’s common for individuals with bipolar disorder to use drugs or alcohol to cope with mood changes. However, substance use often worsens symptoms, increases the frequency of episodes, and makes treatment more complex.

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorder is highly treatable with the right combination of care. At Eleve Behavioral Health in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, treatment is personalized to help each individual stabilize mood, reduce symptoms, and build a more balanced, consistent daily life.

Most people benefit from a structured approach that includes therapy, medication, and support for any co-occurring substance use.

Medication Management

Medication is often a key part of treating bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and other medications may be used to help regulate mood swings and prevent future episodes. At Eleve Behavioral Health, psychiatric providers carefully monitor medications to ensure they are effective and adjusted as needed over time.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy helps individuals better understand their mood patterns, triggers, and behaviors. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help patients manage negative thought patterns, improve coping skills, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many individuals with bipolar disorder also struggle with substance use. Treating both conditions at the same time—known as dual diagnosis treatment—is essential for long-term stability. At Eleve Behavioral Health in Voorhees Township, NJ, integrated care addresses both mental health and substance use together, not separately.

Group Therapy and Peer Support

Group therapy provides a supportive space to connect with others facing similar challenges. It can help reduce isolation, improve communication skills, and reinforce healthy coping strategies.

Lifestyle and Routine Support

Daily structure plays an important role in managing bipolar disorder. Treatment often includes guidance on:

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Managing stress
Building healthy routines
Improving overall physical health

These changes can help reduce the likelihood of mood episodes.

Ongoing Care and Relapse Prevention

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, but it can be effectively managed with ongoing care. Treatment at Eleve Behavioral Health focuses on helping individuals recognize early warning signs, stay consistent with care, and maintain stability over time.

For those seeking bipolar disorder treatment in Voorhees Township, NJ, Eleve Behavioral Health provides comprehensive, compassionate care designed to support lasting recovery and improved quality of life.

Get Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in New Jersey Today

If you or someone you care about is struggling with bipolar disorder, getting the right help can make a meaningful difference. Bipolar disorder is a manageable condition, but it requires professional, consistent care. With the right treatment plan, many people are able to stabilize their mood, reduce symptoms, and regain control of their lives.

At Eleve Behavioral Health in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, we provide comprehensive bipolar disorder treatment designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies, medication management, and support for co-occurring substance use—because lasting recovery requires treating the whole person.

Whether you are experiencing intense mood swings, struggling with substance use, or have recently been diagnosed, you do not have to manage it alone.

At Eleve Behavioral Health, we offer:

Personalized treatment plans for bipolar disorder
Dual diagnosis care for mental health and substance use
Individual and group therapy
Ongoing support and relapse prevention

If you’re looking for bipolar disorder treatment in New Jersey or mental health and addiction treatment in Voorhees Township, NJ, our team is here to help you take the next step.

Reach out to Eleve Behavioral Health today to learn more about your options. Recovery is possible, and it can start now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. This includes reviewing symptoms, mood patterns, medical history, and, in some cases, input from family members. There is no single lab test—diagnosis is based on patterns over time.

Can bipolar disorder go away on its own?

Bipolar disorder typically does not go away without treatment. Symptoms may come and go, but without care, mood episodes often return and may become more severe or frequent over time.

What is the difference between bipolar disorder and depression?

While both include depressive episodes, bipolar disorder also involves periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania). This key difference affects how the condition is treated.

Can you live a normal life with bipolar disorder?

Yes. With the right combination of treatment, structure, and support, many people with bipolar disorder maintain stable relationships, careers, and daily routines.

Do I need treatment if my symptoms aren’t severe?

Even milder symptoms can worsen over time or lead to risky decisions. Early treatment can help prevent more serious episodes and improve long-term stability.

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