Cooccurring Bipolar Depression and Anxiety

Over the last three decades, there have been numerous studies showing that that anxiety disorder comorbidity is not only highly prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD), but it also can negatively impact the course, outcome, and treatment of Bipolar Disorder1. The results have shown that at least half of the individuals with Bipolar Disorder are likely to develop an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes and a third of them will manifest an anxiety disorder at any point of time.2 

Patients with BPAD encounter difficulties in work, school, marriages, interpersonal and psychosocial relationships, disability, multiple suicidal attempts, higher rates of completed suicide and complicated medication side effects. Additionally patients with BPAD have high rates of physical and psychiatric comorbidity3 While these mental health conditions may be co-occurring, it is possible to live a full life and to manage the symptoms with effective mental health treatment. AMFM Mental Health has over a decade of experience providing treatment plans to individuals struggling with bipolar depression, depressive disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and other related disorders. Call today to learn how we can help you manage your mental health symptoms.

Types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar I vs Bipolar II

Bipolar I Disorder is considered the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, and is diagnosed when an individual enters a manic state, characterized by an intense mood swing “up”, consisting of high-energy, uncomfortable irritability, racing thoughts and impulsivity. While Bipolar II Disorder is also characterized by manic episodes, they may be shorter or less severe, referred to as hypomania. A person struggling with Bipolar II will experience mood swings between depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes, while an individual struggling with Bipolar I may or may not experience depression.

Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic Episodes

In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) an individual must experience at least one manic episode. Episodes of mania are generally characterized by mood changes, increased energy levels, rapid talking, increased grandiosity, (an overinflated sense of self), distractibility (which may be misattributed or related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), engaging in impulsive or risky behavior, occasionally psychosis, and more.

Hypomanic Episodes

Hypomania refers to a shorter duration of manic symptoms, with generally milder symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience at least one episode of hypomania, in addition to an episode of depression.

Depressive Episodes

In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience both a hypomanic and a depressive episode. Manic depression is characterized by low moods, low energy, suicidal thoughts, or other common symptoms of depression like loss of interest, risk of suicide, low self-esteem, fatigue, or changes in appetite. 

Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in many physical ways throughout the body, depending upon the person and the situation. Because anxiety activates the fight-or-flight response in the nervous systems, the physical symptoms of anxiety may feel life-threatening in the moment. However, if you have experienced anxiety attacks, panic attacks or anxiety symptoms in the past, you may be able to recognize them in advance:

  • Hyperventilation
  • Shortness of Breath‌
  • Muscle Tension
  • Chest Tightness
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Increased Heart Rate

If you’re experiencing common and frequent anxiety symptoms, both medical care as well as mental health treatment may be helpful to provide you with a proper treatment plan.

Techniques to Reduce and Manage Anxiety Symptoms

If you are familiar with the physical symptoms of anxiety and are looking to manage your anxiety as it arises, there are some techniques and strategies you can use to reduce anxiety. Deep breathing and breathing exercises can help to bring the body out of fight-or-flight, and to calm the nervous system. Other wellness activities and relaxation techniques like journaling and ensuring you’re getting enough sleep can help reduce anxiety preventatively, by emphasizing the mind-body connection.

More About Anxiety

An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, and approximately 31.9% of adolescents struggle with any anxiety disorder.4 If you or your loved one are struggling with anxiety and looking for effective treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment to begin your mental health recovery process today. Anxiety disorders can include but are not limited to:
  • Panic Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Specific Phobias
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder

AMFM Treatment Center for Bipolar Depression

AMFM Mental Health Treatment center offers specialized treatment for bipolar depression and anxiety care across multiple locations. Our California, Virginia, and Washington locations offer you or your loved one mental health programming and mental health crisis services at the highest level of care. Our providers offer mental health comprehensive case management‌, a variety of therapies, behavioral health services, and a safe and supportive environment for wellness. We are strategically placed to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs. To find out more about our facilities, contact us. Explore our locations below to find the one nearest to you.

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, contact us.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching for mental health treatment options in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA.These locations in Virginia are qualified to assist with anxiety treatment and to meet your needs. 

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care for lasting well-being.

Types of Therapy Offered for Bipolar Depression

Therapy for Bipolar Depression is a key piece of effective treatment for a greater quality of life and emotional regulation with this lifelong condition. Seeking care from a mental health professional can help regulate extreme mood episodes for a long-term lifestyle change. AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers a combination of holistic mental health services‌ and evidence-based therapies like the following:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy takes place in a one on one setting with a licensed professional, usually consisting of a combination of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies, in which a person can talk through his or her individual struggles. Individual therapy and mental health care is one of the most crucial steps for those facing mental health challenges.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions in cases of mental illness. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”5 The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

TMS Therapy is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer for treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Family Therapy Programs

Family therapy may be used when a loved one’s mental health symptoms are affecting others. This can increase a family members’ understanding of anxiety and talk about how to support each other. Family-focused therapy sessions and support groups can improve communication patterns, focus on problem-solving, address unresolved conflicts, and increase the sense of understanding among one another.

General Inquiry Form

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer
What to expect

Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

Psychiatric Care for Bipolar Disorder

AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides comprehensive psychiatric care, along with traditional therapeutic modalities. Our on-staff clinicians are equipped to design personalized treatment plans for your continued success. In combination with psychotherapy, psychiatric care is handled safely, to help you or your loved one overcome mental health challenges. 

Lithium

For over half a century, Lithium has been used as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder, treating both the manic episodes as well as the bipolar depression.6 However, Lithium treatment can have side effects and complications in long-term use on the kidney and thyroid, and it’s important that an individual keep his or her clinical team in the loop on any side effects as they come up.

Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

Antidepressants and antipsychotics are both commonly used (alone and in tandem) in the treatment of Bipolar Depression and Anxiety as mood stabilizers. For example, fluoxetine can be a helpful SSRI when used in combination with mood stabilizers, and olanzapine is a common antipsychotic used for treating Bipolar depression. However, rapid cycling is sometimes a side effect that is associated with antidepressant treatment in bipolar disorder.7 Conventional antipsychotics have been proven to be effective for short-term treatment of Bipolar Disorder, but there has been little research on the long-term efficacy of antipsychotics and antidepressants for BD.

Divalproex

In recent studies, Divalproex improved depressive morbidity and reduced the probability of depressive relapse in bipolar disorder, particularly in patients who had responded to divalproex when manic, and among patients with a more severe course of illness.8

Verify Your Insurance

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

What to expect

Insurance Verification:

Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:

Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

Spoorthy MS, Chakrabarti S, Grover S. Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research. World J Psychiatry. 2019 Jan 4;9(1):7-29. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v9.i1.7. PMID: 30631749; PMCID: PMC6323556.

Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Bipolar Disorder. Indian J Psychiatry. 2017 Jan;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.196974. PMID: 28216785; PMCID: PMC5310104.

“Any Anxiety Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 8 April 2025.

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, Et. al, The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder. 

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Sep;45(10):1743-1749. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2. Epub 2020 Apr 29. PMID: 32349118; PMCID: PMC7419515.

Kusumakar V. Antidepressants and antipsychotics in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63 Suppl 10:23-8. PMID: 12392350.

Gyulai, L., Bowden, C., McElroy, S. et al. Maintenance Efficacy of Divalproex in the Prevention of Bipolar Depression. Neuropsychopharmacol 28, 1374–1382 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1300190