Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by significant, often dramatic, shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These profound “mood swings” go far beyond typical emotional ups and downs, ranging from periods of intense elation or irritability (mania/hypomania) to deep sadness and hopelessness (depression). For individuals and families in Newport, Tennessee, and across the East Tennessee region, navigating the unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder can be incredibly challenging, impacting every aspect of life.
At Summit at Harmony Oaks, located in Newport, TN, we understand the profound impact bipolar disorder can have. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed treatment that helps individuals achieve lasting mood stability, develop effective coping strategies, and reclaim a life of balance and well-being. Our mission is to offer a supportive environment where healing and sustained recovery are not just possibilities, but a reality.
What Is Bipolar Disorder? Understanding Mood Swings Beyond “Ups and Downs”
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. These mood episodes are distinct from an individual’s usual mood and behavior and can last for days or even weeks. It’s crucial to understand that bipolar disorder involves significant mood instability, which is far more severe and disruptive than the everyday “ups and downs” everyone experiences. These are extreme shifts that can severely disrupt an individual’s life, relationships, and ability to function.
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: Key Differences
While both Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders involve mood swings, they differ in the severity of their “highs”:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by the occurrence of at least one manic episode. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally increased activity or energy, lasting at least one week and present most of the day, nearly every day. These episodes are often severe enough to cause significant impairment in daily functioning or require hospitalization. Depressive episodes, lasting at least two weeks, are also common in Bipolar I.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode. A hypomanic episode is a less severe form of mania that lasts at least four consecutive days. While hypomania can feel good and even boost productivity, it’s still a distinct shift from normal mood. Individuals with Bipolar II never experience a full manic episode.
Cyclothymia and Other Spectrum Diagnoses
Beyond Bipolar I and II, there are other diagnoses on the bipolar spectrum:
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): A milder, chronic form of bipolar disorder involving numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). The symptoms are less severe than those of full-blown manic or major depressive episodes, but they are persistent and can still cause significant distress or impairment.
- Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: These categories are used when symptoms don’t fully meet the criteria for Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Cyclothymia but still involve significant bipolar features.
Challenges of Misdiagnosis in Rural Regions
Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, frequently mistaken for unipolar depression, anxiety disorders, or even substance use disorders. This is particularly challenging in rural regions like Cocke County, where Newport is located, as access to specialized psychiatric providers can be limited. A thorough and accurate psychiatric evaluation is crucial for correct diagnosis and effective treatment, preventing years of ineffective interventions.
Tennessee’s Mental Health Landscape and Bipolar Disorder
Tennessee faces significant mental health challenges, with a notable portion of its population grappling with serious mental illnesses. Understanding this local context is crucial for appreciating the need for specialized care like that offered at Summit at Harmony Oaks.
Over 937,000 adults in Tennessee experience a mental health condition. Of these, an estimated 252,000 adults suffer from serious mental illnesses, such as severe bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This means that approximately 25% of those with a mental health condition in Tennessee are dealing with severe and often debilitating disorders.
Access to specialized psychiatric providers can be a significant challenge in many areas, particularly in rural counties like Cocke County, where Newport is located. Many rural counties in Tennessee have few or no psychiatrists or psychologists, creating a critical gap in access to expert care for complex conditions like bipolar disorder. This scarcity often leads to delayed or inadequate treatment, exacerbating symptoms and prolonging suffering.
Furthermore, there’s a dangerous intersection between bipolar disorder and opioid misuse in Tennessee. The state has been at the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, and individuals with untreated bipolar disorder may turn to substances to self-medicate their extreme mood swings. This can lead to a dangerous cycle where substance use worsens bipolar symptoms, and vice versa, creating a complex dual diagnosis that requires integrated, specialized care.
Evidence-Based Treatment at Summit at Harmony Oaks
At Summit at Harmony Oaks in Newport, TN, we are committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder. Our approach recognizes the complex interplay between mood instability, co-occurring conditions, and past experiences, ensuring holistic healing.
Initial Diagnostic Evaluation
Your journey with us begins with a thorough and confidential initial diagnostic evaluation. This crucial step is designed to:
- Rule out misdiagnosis or co-occurring disorders: Our expert team conducts a comprehensive assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder, distinguishing it from other conditions and identifying any co-occurring mental health issues or substance use disorders.
- Determine type and severity: We precisely identify the type of bipolar disorder you’re experiencing (Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Cyclothymia) and assess the severity of your symptoms, which guides your personalized treatment plan.
Medication Stabilization and Psychiatric Oversight
Medication is often a cornerstone of effective bipolar disorder treatment. Our medical team, led by Dr. Brian Fuller, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, provides expert psychiatric oversight and ongoing medication stabilization. This includes:
- Mood stabilizers: Medications like lithium and valproate are often prescribed to help stabilize mood swings and prevent episodes.
- Antipsychotics: Atypical antipsychotics may be used to manage manic or mixed episodes, and sometimes to augment mood stabilizers.
- Side effect management: Our team carefully monitors for and manages any potential side effects, ensuring your comfort and adherence to medication.
- Responsible integration: Dr. Fuller emphasizes integrating pharmacology responsibly into the treatment plan, often alongside traditional talk therapy, focusing on low-dose, non-addictive medication where possible.
Intensive Psychotherapy: CBT, DBT, and Trauma Work
Therapy is an essential component of bipolar disorder treatment, helping individuals develop coping skills and manage symptoms. Our programs utilize a diverse array of clinically proven, evidence-based therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors, improving mood awareness and developing healthier coping strategies for mood regulation.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is particularly helpful for individuals with intense emotional dysregulation, which is common in bipolar disorder.
- Trauma Work: Recognizing the links between early trauma and bipolar symptoms, we integrate trauma recovery therapies, including EMDR, to process and heal from past traumatic experiences that may activate or worsen mood episodes. This focus on emotional regulation and relapse prevention is key.
Peer and Group Therapy for Connection and Support
Beyond individual therapy, we emphasize the power of connection and shared experience:
- Group Therapy: Offers a supportive environment for sharing experiences, learning from peers, and fostering community and reducing isolation.
- Peer Support: Many of our staff have first-hand experience in recovery, providing invaluable empathy and guidance. This connection helps clients feel understood and less alone.
Residential Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
For many individuals with bipolar disorder, particularly during periods of severe mood instability or when co-occurring conditions are present, residential treatment offers a uniquely effective pathway to stabilization and lasting recovery.
24/7 Monitoring During High-Risk Episodes
Residential treatment provides a safe and highly structured environment with 24/7 monitoring and supervision. This is crucial during high-risk manic or depressive episodes, where individuals may experience impaired judgment, impulsivity, or suicidal thoughts. The constant oversight ensures immediate intervention and support, preventing self-harm and promoting rapid stabilization. This level of care allows our team to closely monitor medication efficacy and make adjustments as needed in real-time.
Space to Develop Structure and Routines
Bipolar disorder often disrupts daily routines and sleep patterns, which can trigger mood episodes. Residential treatment offers a dedicated space to develop healthy structure and routines. Clients engage in a robust daily schedule of therapy, wellness activities, and group sessions, which helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles, improve discipline, and build consistent habits essential for long-term mood stability. This structured environment provides a foundation that can be difficult to establish in less intensive settings.
Ideal for Dual Diagnosis: Substance Use + Bipolar
Residential treatment is particularly ideal for individuals with a dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and bipolar disorder. These conditions frequently co-occur, with individuals often using substances to self-medicate mood swings. Our integrated residential model allows for simultaneous, intensive treatment of both conditions under one roof. This means addressing both the addiction and the bipolar disorder concurrently, ensuring that the complex interplay between them is understood and managed holistically, leading to more sustainable recovery.
Life After Stabilization: PHP, IOP, and Ongoing Support
Achieving stability in residential treatment is a monumental step, but it’s just one part of the journey. At Summit at Harmony Oaks, we believe in providing a seamless continuum of care to support your long-term well-being.
Flexible Step-Down Options Available in Newport & Chattanooga
As you stabilize and gain new coping skills, you’ll transition to less intensive levels of care. We offer flexible step-down options conveniently available in both Newport, TN (at Summit at Harmony Oaks), and Chattanooga, TN (at our affiliated Harmony Oaks Recovery Center). These include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): An intensive day treatment program that provides structured therapy for several hours a day, allowing you to return home or to supportive housing in the evenings.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Offers more flexibility, with fewer hours per week, allowing you to balance treatment with work, school, or family responsibilities while still receiving robust therapeutic support.
Relapse Prevention and Family Therapy as Part of Aftercare
Our commitment to your recovery extends far beyond your primary program. Relapse prevention is a core component of our aftercare planning, equipping you with strategies to identify triggers, manage stress, and maintain sobriety and mood stability. We also emphasize the importance of family support. Family therapy sessions are often included as part of aftercare, helping to improve communication, rebuild trust, and educate loved ones on how to best support your long-term recovery journey. This comprehensive aftercare ensures you have the tools and network needed for sustained well-being.
Local Data: Why This Care Matters
The comprehensive care offered at Summit at Harmony Oaks is not just about individual healing; it’s about addressing critical public health needs in our local community.
Tennessee faces significant mental health challenges. Suicide rates in TN remain alarmingly high, with over 1,100 deaths per year. This underscores the urgent need for effective mental health interventions, particularly for conditions like bipolar disorder that can involve suicidal ideation. Mental health emergency room visits are also frequently related to mood instability, highlighting the need for preventative and stabilizing care that can reduce reliance on crisis services.
Furthermore, cost and access are significant barriers to mental health care in Tennessee. Many individuals in rural areas like Cocke County struggle to find affordable and accessible psychiatric and therapeutic support. Summit at Harmony Oaks helps bridge this gap by providing high-quality, accredited care, accepting most major private national and state insurance plans, and offering payment options. Our commitment is to ensure that individuals in East Tennessee can access the specialized bipolar disorder treatment they desperately need, close to home.
Most Insurance Accepted
As a member of the Harmony Health Group family of treatment programs, we are able to work with many private insurance plans.
Verify InsuranceBegin Your Bipolar Recovery With a Compassionate Team
If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder in Newport, TN, or the surrounding East Tennessee area, Summit at Harmony Oaks is here to provide the compassionate, evidence-based care you need to achieve lasting mood stability and reclaim your life. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you toward a healthier, happier future.
We offer:
- 24/7 Admissions: Our admissions specialists are available around the clock to provide confidential support and guide you through the intake process.
- Insurance Accepted: We accept most major private national and state insurance plans, and our team can assist with free insurance verification to clarify your coverage.
- Comfortable, Accredited Facility: Our Newport, TN, facility is Joint Commission-accredited and licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, ensuring the highest standards of care in a serene and supportive environment.
Take Control of Bipolar Disorder at Summit at Harmony Oaks in Newport, TN
Contact UsManaging bipolar disorder is challenging, but with the proper support, stability and a fulfilling life are within reach. Summit at Harmony Oaks in Newport, TN, is here to help you navigate the journey with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based care.
Take the courageous first step toward lasting stability today. Call Summit at Harmony Oaks confidentially at (423) 379-7099.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Medications commonly used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers (like lithium and valproate), atypical antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants (often used cautiously and in combination with mood stabilizers to avoid triggering manic episodes). The specific medication regimen is highly individualized and determined by a psychiatrist based on the type of bipolar disorder, symptom presentation, and individual response.
Absolutely. Summit at Harmony Oaks provides comprehensive mental health services, including dedicated residential and outpatient programs for primary mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, even if there is no co-occurring substance use disorder. Our focus is on providing integrated care for all mental health needs.
The time it takes to achieve mood stabilization in bipolar disorder varies significantly for each individual. It can involve an initial period of medication adjustment and intensive therapy, often several weeks or months, followed by ongoing maintenance treatment. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires consistent management, but with effective treatment, individuals can achieve long periods of stability and lead fulfilling lives.
Family involvement can be highly beneficial in bipolar disorder treatment. At Summit at Harmony Oaks, we offer family therapy and education to help family members understand the disorder, improve communication, and learn how to best support their loved one’s recovery journey. This can create a more supportive home environment and improve long-term outcomes.
Residential treatment may be highly beneficial or necessary for individuals experiencing severe mood episodes (manic or depressive), frequent relapses, significant functional impairment, or complex co-occurring conditions. It provides 24/7 monitoring, intensive therapy, and a structured environment that can be crucial for stabilization and developing sustainable coping skills that may be difficult to achieve in outpatient settings. Our assessment team can help determine if residential care is the most appropriate level for your needs.