Bipolar Affective Disorder & Manic Depression Treatment, Rehabilitation & Recovery Services

Bipolar affective disorder (also known as manic depression, bipolar depression or bipolar disorder) is a condition where the sufferer experiences extreme mood swings. Bipolar refers to the two poles of a personality - in this case feeling incredibly low on the one end (depression), and feeling elated on the other (mania).

Around one in every hundred adults will experience bipolar affective disorder at some stage in their life. During a manic or depressive phase the brain chemistry of a sufferer changes, interfering with the way the brain transmits signals. This information has helped researchers make great strides in bipolar disorder treatment in recent years.

The Causeway Retreat can help you, or someone close to you, recover from bipolar affective disorder with a targeted treatment programme. Escape stress and the demands of the outside world in a unique setting dedicated to rehabilitation - serene, private and totally discreet.

Symptoms of Bipolar Affective Disorder

The main difference between bipolar depression and other forms of depression is that the sufferer tends to feel periods of elation - or mania. This is where the term "manic depressive" comes from.

Each episode (mania or depression) can last for up to several weeks and sufferers can switch rapidly between the two poles. Depressive phases tend to last longer than manic episodes.

However, the depressive phase will share many of the same characteristics as other forms of clinical depression, including these symptoms:

Feeling fatigued and listless,
Feelings of self-hatred and suicidal thoughts,
Pessimism and bleak thoughts,
Insomnia or disturbed sleeping patterns,
No longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure,
Withdrawing from social contact and irritability,
Poor concentration and forgetfulness.

A manic phase may occur soon after, or after several successive, depressive phases. The symptoms of bipolar disorder mania include:

Elation or euphoria,
Feeling particularly energetic and speaking quickly,
Poor judgement (for example, going on a shopping spree that you can't afford etc.),
Feeling self-important, sometimes arrogant,
Being extra loud in a social situation,
Eating little and not sleeping,
Feeling irritated and short-tempered,
Feeling more creative than usual,
Extreme mania can trigger psychosis - features of which include hallucinations and delusions.

Often, sufferers of bipolar disorder say that they are shocked at their own behaviour after the manic phase has ended. Episodes can also be triggered by stressful situations.

Treating Bipolar Disorder at The Causeway Retreat

At The Causeway Retreat near London we understand that bipolar depression is a serious illness. We offer the most modern evidence based treatments, including medication and cognitive behavioural therapy, as recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

However, we also believe that treating bipolar disorder is most effective in a relaxed and therapeutic environment. Our aim is to help you gain lasting control over your illness - with minimal reliance on additional medications.

The Causeway Retreat is private, luxurious and, above all, discreet. Take the next step towards arranging your bipolar disorder treatments by getting in touch with us.