Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Extreme highs. Debilitating lows. If you or a loved one is navigating the unpredictable nature of mood swings, you may be dealing with bipolar disorder—a complex, long-term mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and live each day.
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we provide comprehensive, personalized treatment to help individuals stabilize their moods, reduce symptoms, and regain control of their lives. Through expert psychiatric care and long-term support, we guide clients toward emotional balance and a higher quality of life.
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings. These shifts include episodes of depression, where individuals may feel deep sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
On the opposite end are manic episodes, characterized by an overly elevated mood, high energy, or irritability, which can often lead to impulsive or risky behaviors. Some individuals may also experience hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania but still involve noticeable changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I
Involves at least one full manic episode, often followed by depressive or hypomanic episodes.
Bipolar II
Characterized by recurrent depressive episodes and milder hypomanic phases—without full-blown mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
A chronic, milder form involving fluctuating low-level depressive and hypomanic symptoms that last two years or more.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms vary but include manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes.
Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization.
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Decreased Sleep: Not just reduced hours, but a diminished need for sleep. An individual might feel extremely energized even after just a couple of hours of rest.
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Elevated Self-Esteem: This can escalate to a level of grandiosity, where one might feel invincible or possess special powers or abilities.
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Rapid Speech or Racing Thoughts: A whirlwind of ideas or thoughts, making it hard to focus on just one. Conversations might jump erratically between topics.
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Increased Distractibility: Easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant stimuli, which might lead to unfinished tasks.
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Engaging in Risky Behaviors: This includes extravagant shopping sprees, reckless driving, making impulsive decisions, or having unsafe sex.
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Overactivity: Increased energy leading to hyperactivity, trying to take on multiple tasks at once, or pursuing grand and unrealistic projects.
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A major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships. An episode includes five or more of these symptoms:
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Prolonged Sadness or Despair: A constant feeling of hopelessness that affects daily functioning.
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Suicidal Thoughts or Feelings: Pondering on death, making actual plans, or even attempting suicide.
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Fatigue and Lethargy: A draining lack of energy where even minor tasks feel monumental.
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Disturbed Sleep and Appetite: This can be manifested as insomnia or oversleeping, as well as overeating or loss of appetite.
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Difficulty Concentrating: Challenges in focusing, making decisions, or recalling details.
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Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Harboring a negative view of oneself, ruminating over past mistakes, or blaming oneself for events outside of one's control.
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Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive problems that don't relent even with treatment.
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Mixed or Rapid Cycling: Fast mood changes.
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Seasonal Changes: Symptoms vary with seasons.
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Pregnancy: Bipolar symptoms can change during pregnancy.
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Severe Mood Swings: Rapid shifts in mood.
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Distinct Episodes: Clear episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression.
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What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
There’s no single cause, but several contributing factors include:
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Genetic Predisposition: A family history of bipolar disorder increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
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Neurological Factors: Irregularities in brain structure and function can contribute to mood swings.
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Environmental Triggers: Trauma, significant life changes, high stress, or substance abuse can trigger or worsen symptoms.
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Hormonal Imbalances: Problems with the thyroid or adrenal glands may affect mood regulation.
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Medications and Drugs: Misuse of substances or certain prescription drugs can exacerbate symptoms.
Understanding these factors is crucial for effectively managing bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—our care plans are tailored to the individual’s diagnosis, symptoms, and life circumstances.
Medication Management
Medications can help stabilize mood and reduce symptom recurrence. Options may include:
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Mood Stabilizers: (e.g., lithium, valproate)
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Atypical Antipsychotics: (e.g., olanzapine, quetiapine)
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Antidepressants: Used with caution and often alongside mood stabilizers
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Anti-anxiety Medications: Short-term support for agitation or sleep issues
Our psychiatric providers monitor each client’s response carefully to optimize safety and effectiveness.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Therapy provides essential support for understanding and managing the emotional challenges of bipolar disorder.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and reframes harmful thought patterns
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Family-Focused Therapy: Educates and involves loved ones for a supportive home environment
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Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Helps regulate daily routines and prevent mood destabilization
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Psychoeducation: Teaches clients how to recognize early warning signs of relapse
Lifestyle & Wellness Support
Sustainable daily habits can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with bipolar disorder:
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Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
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Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques
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Reducing alcohol and drug use
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Exercising regularly to manage stress and mood
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Journaling or tracking symptoms to identify patterns
Bipolar disorder doesn’t have to define your future. At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we provide expert diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support for individuals throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our goal is to help you live with more balance, confidence, and peace of mind.