Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where people go through dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, that last several days or weeks. It's not just about feeling “up”...
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where people go through dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, that last several days or weeks. It's not just about feeling “up” or “down” - these changes significantly impact a person’s daily life.
During manic episodes, a person might feel unusually energetic or irritable. They tend to experience grandiose ideas, feel the need to sleep less, talk a lot more, and jump quickly from one thought (or task) to the next. While this may, at times, look like endless productivity or creativity, it often spirals into reckless choices and problems at work, home, or with friends. There’s also a milder version of mania called hypomania. Hypomania doesn’t completely disrupt daily life, but it’s still a noticeable shift from that person’s usual self.
Mania or hypomania isn’t the full picture. People with bipolar disorder also have periods of depression where they experience low moods, reduced interest in things, low energy, reduced interactions and trouble getting through regular routines. Sometimes, a person might also experience both depressive and manic symptoms at the same time.
The pattern of bipolar disorder tends to be cycles of these highs and lows, with stable periods in between that can last days, weeks, or even months. What those stable times look like depends a lot on life situations, stress, or any other health problems the person is dealing with. Things like major life events, arguments, new responsibilities, or alcohol and drug use can trigger episodes.
In times when the symptoms of bipolar disorder cannot be managed at home, Adayu offers a safe and structured environment to restore a sense of stability in your daily life rhythm.
What is the treatment?
Assessment
At Adayu, we see assessments as an ongoing process—not just ticking boxes on a form. We try to understand both the condition and the individual who’s living with it. We undertake an in-depth exploration, both of their symptom profile and their lived experience. What are their mood symptoms like? How intense? How long do they last? How do these episodes play out what triggers them, how often do they happen, and how does recovery look? Are manic episodes stronger, or depressive episodes more common? Have sleep, energy, activity, or behaviour changed? How has all this affected work, relationships, or everyday routines?
Identifying triggers and recognizing warning signs early can empower you to prevent future episodes. We also check for any other co-morbid mental health concerns (like anxiety, ADHD, or substance use) or medical problems that might play a role.
The evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder calls for a multi-disciplinary team, involving psychiatrists, psychologists and wellness experts. At our centre, treatment is a team effort, and plans are regularly updated.
Pharmacological Treatment
Medication is a cornerstone, especially for stabilising mood swings and preventing relapses. Our process involves carefully picking the right mood stabilisers and other medications suited to the specific clincal picture, making sure the dose and duration are just right and keeping a close eye on the response to treatment. We also monitor closely for any side effects. Blood tests may at times be required to track and titrate drug levels and ensure their efficacy.
Treatment doesn’t stop at medication. In bipolar disorder, we also address things other conditions such as substance use or other psychiatric diagnoses, as well as stressful life events or changes in roles and relationships which may be interacting with the illness. We will adjust the plan as you move from an acute episode to recovery and then into ongoing maintenance.
Psychotherapy
Therapy is a foundation of long-term bipolar management. While medicine can steady moods, therapy helps people gain insight, build strong coping skills, and prevent another episode. At Adayu, we tailor therapy to where you are in your journey, whether you are in the midst of an acute episode, on the mend, or working to stay well.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is especially useful during the lows and for staying stable. The focus here is on spotting and changing negative ways of thinking, creating practical strategies for dealing with hopelessness or inactivity, building problem-solving and coping skills, and recognising the signs of a possible relapse. As you get better, CBT will help regain confidence and pick up your regular responsibilities again.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) is based on how disruptions in daily habits and sleep can trigger episodes. Through this approach, we build routines for sleeping, eating, and activity that are consistent. We also understand how changes in relationships, jobs, or losses affect mood, track patterns and catch warning signs early. With time, this helps with overall stability and keeps the cycle from repeating.
An integrative approach
The treatment for bipolar disorder isn’t static—it changes depending on which phase the person is in: In the acute phase, treatment centres around stabilising symptoms and offering support. During recovery, we work on understanding the illness better, building routines, and strengthening coping strategies. In the ongoing maintenance phase, the focus shifts towards preventing relapse, spotting early signs, and handling new life stresses. Over time, people gain more awareness, feel more in control, and function better—not just in their mental health, but across their lives.
During the recovery and maintenance phases of treatment, our team of wellness experts will step in to support you as you structure your daily routine. As you begin your journey towards healing, start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session facilitated by our yoga practitioner. Our nutritionist will ensure you eat nutritious and timely meals. Channel your energies at our roof top gymnasium with workout sessions tailored by our in-house physiotherapist. Art therapy and recreational activities will keep you mindfully engaged through the day. These are the pillars that will help you reset and stabilize your life rhythm.
Caring for Families
Bipolar disorder affects not just an individual, but the whole family. Family focused therapy therefore involves both the person and their loved ones. The focus here is on psychoeducating the family about bipolar disorder, improving communication and teamwork, dealing with any family stressors that could contribute to relapse, and helping with treatment compliance. This approach creates a steadier, more supportive home life and is important for recovery.
Aftercare
Through your stay at Adayu, it is our endeavour to equip you with the skills you need to lead a healthy and productive life, and we will continue to support you every step of the way. We Our team will create a collaborative aftercare plan to facilitate your transition back to your everyday life. Our team will be available via our 24x7 emergency services and our outpatient clinic. We are also available via tele-consultation to ensure that the right care is always at hand.