Technically, Bipolar Disorder is considered a neurodivergent condition. Neurodivergence is considered brain variation that is outside of society’s norm, or neurotypical brain functions. A neurodivergent individual’s brain function simply operates differently than the “normal” brain. Neurodivergence is not a deficit, but rather points out that someone’s neurological activity works in unique ways. Neurodiversity, on the other hand, refers to the idea that there is natural variation within the human brain.
Neurodivergence can include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome. 1 AMFM Mental Health Treatment has over a decade of experience providing compassionate and personalized treatment for the neurotypical community. If you or a loved one are struggling with Bipolar Disorder, you don’t have to walk through the search for a safe and supportive mental health treatment center alone. Call our caring admissions team today to take the first steps toward a higher quality of life, with healthcare designed to meet your unique needs.
When people think of neurodivergent individuals, individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder may come to mind. Recent studies suggest Autism and Bipolar share genetic links and can commonly co-occur in families. 2 While these conditions may be co-occurring, Autistic people and those with Bipolar Disorder or even Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may be misdiagnosed due to the nature of the emotional dysregulation. Both Autism and Bipolar disorder can also be misdiagnosed due to some of the similar symptoms:
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
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, and more.
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 (manic depression).
In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience both a hypomanic and a depressive episode. Depressive episodes are characterized by low moods, suicidal thoughts, or other common symptoms of depression like loss of interest, low self-esteem, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal ideation and need immediate medical assistance, please call 911 for emergency medical attention, or 988, the National Suicide and Crisis hotline, which is available 24/7, free of cost.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Bipolar Disorder support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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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 2 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 depressive episodes, while an individual struggling with Bipolar I may or may not experience depression.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers a combination of holistic mental health services and evidence-based therapies like the following:
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 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) 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) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment was founded to bring mental health resources and recovery to those who need it, meeting you with empathy at every step of the way. From admissions to aftercare, our teams are trained to provide the highest level of care, combining compassion with evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to encourage and enable long-term behavioral growth and mental well-being in our mental health treatment facilities, to set our clients up for success for the rest of their lives.
You don’t have to embark on this journey alone. Call us to speak confidentially with a member of our care team today.
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Neurodiversity and neurodivergence – ohio.gov. (n.d.-b). https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ood.ohio.gov/Literature/ERAH_Neurodiversity%20at%20Work_Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Bipolar vs. autism – neurodivergent insights. (n.d.). https://neurodivergentinsights.com/bipolar-and-autism/
American Psychological Association. (n.d.-a). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/bipolar-disorder
Novick DM, Swartz HA, Frank E. Suicide attempts in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Bipolar Disord. 2010 Feb;12(1):1-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00786.x. PMID: 20148862; PMCID: PMC4536929.
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.
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