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Mood Disorders Primary Mental Health

Bipolar Disorder

Medically reviewed: February 6, 2026 Updated: February 6, 2026

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and mania or hypomania—high energy, reduced sleep, and impulsive behavior. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, we provide structured bipolar disorder treatment to help you achieve long-term stability.

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Bipolar Disorder

Key Facts About Bipolar Disorder

  • Bipolar disorder involves episodes at both ends of the mood spectrum—depression and mania/hypomania. 1
  • Treatment often includes mood-stabilizing medication plus psychotherapy and relapse-prevention planning. 2,3
  • Accurate diagnosis matters because treatment differs from depression alone. 1

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by distinct episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania). These episodes involve meaningful changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior—more than typical ups and downs.1

Mania vs. hypomania (plain-language difference)

Mania can involve dangerously elevated or irritable mood, major impairment, and sometimes hospitalization for safety. In severe cases, mania can include psychosis (delusions or hallucinations).1

Hypomania involves similar symptoms but usually with less severe impairment. Even so, hypomania can still lead to impulsive decisions, conflict, and burnout.1

Types of bipolar disorder

  • Bipolar I: at least one manic episode (depressive episodes are common too).1
  • Bipolar II: hypomanic episodes plus major depressive episodes (often depression is the main reason people seek help).1
  • Cyclothymic disorder: long-term pattern of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet full episode criteria but still cause impairment.1

Why bipolar disorder is sometimes missed

Many people seek treatment during depression, while hypomania may feel “productive” or may not be recognized. A careful assessment of past mood episodes, sleep patterns, and impulsivity is critical for accurate diagnosis and safe treatment planning.1

Treatment is different than “depression-only” care

Treatment plans for bipolar disorder usually emphasize mood stabilization plus psychotherapy, education, and relapse-prevention strategies. Treatment for depression alone may not be sufficient and can be risky in some cases without appropriate mood-stabilizing care.2,3


At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, New Jersey, we treat bipolar disorder with an approach that prioritizes mood stabilization, relapse prevention, and functional recovery. Our team coordinates medication management with evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and family therapy—delivered within our mental health treatment program across residential, PHP, and IOP levels of care.

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder includes episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Some symptoms can feel energizing at first, but can quickly become risky or unsafe.

  • Manic or hypomanic mood

    Feeling unusually “high,” euphoric, or intensely irritable.

  • Increased energy/activity

    Restlessness, nonstop projects, or feeling driven.

  • Decreased need for sleep

    Sleeping very little without feeling tired.

  • Racing thoughts

    Thoughts move quickly; hard to slow down.

  • Pressured speech

    Talking fast or more than usual; hard to interrupt.

  • Distractibility

    Attention jumps; difficulty finishing tasks.

  • Inflated self-confidence

    Feeling unusually powerful, special, or certain you can’t fail.

  • Risky behavior

    Spending sprees, unsafe sex, reckless driving, substance misuse.

  • Agitation or anger

    Irritability, conflict, or aggressive outbursts.

  • Depressive episodes

    Low mood, hopelessness, low energy, sleep/appetite changes.

  • Loss of interest

    Pleasure and motivation drop during depression.

  • Psychosis (in severe episodes)

    Delusions or hallucinations that match mood state.

Causes & Risk Factors

Bipolar disorder is usually influenced by multiple factors.

Family history & genetics

Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Stress and trauma exposure

Stressful events can contribute to symptom onset or relapse.

Substance use

Alcohol and drugs can worsen mood instability and complicate recovery.

Sleep disruption

Changes in sleep can trigger or worsen mood episodes.

How Bipolar Disorder Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis requires evaluating both depressive symptoms and any history of manic or hypomanic episodes.

  1. Mood episode history - Clinicians ask about past periods of high energy, reduced sleep, impulsivity, and mood changes.
  2. Functional impact - How symptoms affected work, school, relationships, and safety.
  3. Medical and substance review - Medical issues or substances that can mimic mood symptoms are considered.
  4. Family history - Family patterns can help clarify risk and diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Advanced Health and Education

Effective bipolar treatment usually requires mood-stabilizing care plus therapy and relapse-prevention planning. At our Monmouth County facility, we help clients build routines that protect sleep, reduce triggers, and strengthen support systems. Our approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy when appropriate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched forms of psychotherapy, helping people identify and change the distorted thinking patterns and unhealthy behaviors that contribute to mental health conditions and substance use disorders. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, CBT is a core component of both our mental health and dual diagnosis programs.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness principles to help people who experience intense emotions develop skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, DBT skills are integrated across our treatment programs.

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Family Therapy

Family therapy is an evidence-based approach that involves family members in the treatment process, recognizing that mental health conditions and substance use disorders affect — and are affected by — the entire family system. By improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships, family therapy supports lasting recovery for everyone involved. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, family therapy is a key component of our treatment approach.

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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that improves depression and related symptoms by focusing on relationships, role transitions, conflict, and grief. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, IPT helps clients strengthen relationships and communication as part of their recovery.

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Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps you understand patterns in emotions, relationships, and self-talk—often shaped by past experiences—so you can build healthier ways of coping and connecting. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, psychodynamic therapy helps clients uncover the emotional patterns driving their symptoms.

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Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy teaches skills for noticing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without getting pulled into them—supporting stress reduction, emotion regulation, and relapse prevention. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, mindfulness-based practices are woven into our treatment programs to support lasting recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is bipolar disorder the same as “mood swings”?

No. Bipolar episodes are typically more intense and disruptive than everyday mood changes and involve clear shifts in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.1

Can someone have bipolar disorder without obvious mania?

Yes. In bipolar II disorder, hypomania can be subtle and may not be recognized at first—especially if the person seeks help mainly for depression.1

References

These sources support the information on this page.

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder. Accessed February 6, 2026. Source
  2. Yatham LN, Kennedy SH, Parikh SV, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord. 2018;20(2):97-170. doi:10.1111/bdi.12609. Source
  3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Bipolar Disorder. Accessed February 6, 2026. Source

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Medically Reviewed By

Kelsey Blakeslee
Kelsey Blakeslee , LCSW

Clinical Director

Kelsey Blakeslee, LCSW, LCADC, is the Clinical Director at Advanced Health and Education, where she provides clinical oversight and leadership for complex mental health and substance use treatment programs. Dually licensed in social work and addiction counseling, she integrates CBT-based, skills-focused, and strengths-based approaches to promote high-quality, ethical care. Kelsey is committed to fostering a collaborative treatment culture centered on clinical excellence and client success.

If you're in crisis or need immediate help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7, free, confidential support.

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Bipolar Disorder Help in Eatontown, NJ

If you’re dealing with extreme mood shifts, unsafe impulsivity, or recurring depression that doesn’t fully respond to treatment, we can help. Contact Advanced Health and Education to explore an evaluation and the right level of care.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable medical conditions involving continued use of alcohol or drugs despite harm. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides comprehensive addiction treatment from medical detox through outpatient care, including specialized dual diagnosis programming.

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Stability Is Possible

With the right treatment plan and support, many people with bipolar disorder build long-term stability. We’ll help you take the next step.

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