Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Treatment

What Is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder experience rapid shifts between high and low moods (also called mania and depression). Both can lead to erratic behaviors and thoughts, risk-taking, and thoughts of suicide.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are two common types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I: Involves at least one episode of mania — a period of very high energy, mood, or activity that lasts at least a week or may require hospital care. Depressive episodes often occur as well.
• Bipolar II: Involves episodes of depression along with hypomania — a milder form of mania that is less intense and shorter‑lasting.

To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania.

It's not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to also have other mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Substance use disorders
• Trauma

Having more than one disorder can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. Our behavioral health specialists have the experience to understand and accurately diagnose these complex conditions. Together, we’ll ensure you get the personalized treatment you need.

What is Schizophrenia? 

Schizophrenia is a serious, long‑term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves episodes of psychosis, which means losing touch with reality.

Psychosis may include:

• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
• Delusions: Strongly held beliefs that aren’t true.
• Disorganized thoughts, speech, or movements.

These experiences can be confusing or frightening for the person and those around them. Schizophrenia may also occur alongside other mental health conditions. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment and support.

We work with you to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and compassionate, evidence‑based care to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia 

Early identification and accurate diagnosis are key to improving outcomes for people living with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. At our center, licensed mental health professionals who specialize in serious mental illness provide timely, comprehensive evaluations.

The diagnostic process may include:

• Biopsychosocial assessment
• Psychiatric assessment
• Thorough review of medical and mental health history
• Collaboration with our integrated care team
• Physical exams or lab tests, when needed, to rule out medical conditions

We also recognize the vital role families and caregivers play in diagnosis and recovery. With consent, we involve loved ones to provide context, strengthen support systems, and build shared understanding from the start.

Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Treatments

Medications

Medications are the primary treatment for these conditions. Your provider might prescribe one or more types, such as:

• Mood stabilizers
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants

These drugs are typically taken orally, though your provider may recommend a long-acting injectable antipsychotic. We administer and monitor this type of medication at our Outpatient Behavioral Health Center Long-Acting Therapy Clinic.

Therapy and Support

In addition to medication, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) can help people better understand their condition, manage symptoms, and build coping skills. Evidence shows that group therapy and structured programs, such as our CHOICES and Pathways programs, psychoeducation, and care coordination, can improve outcomes when combined with medication. These approaches can reduce relapse risk, strengthen support systems, and improve quality of life.

THRIVE Group

Education, Connection, and Care to Help You Thrive

Transforming Health & Recovery through Integrated Wellness & Education (THRIVE) is a psychoeducational and wellness‑focused group designed for patients receiving long‑acting antipsychotic injections (LAIs). Led by a multidisciplinary team, the program empowers participants with the knowledge, skills, and support to strengthen recovery and overall well-being.

Through engaging group sessions, participants gain:

• Education about their medications and mental health
• Medication and metabolic monitoring for optimal stability
• Peer support through shared experiences and connection
• Tools to enhance physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning

Living with a mental health condition often requires ongoing treatment, and long‑acting antipsychotic injections can be an important part of that plan. THRIVE offers a safe and supportive space where patients can learn more about their treatment, build healthy routines, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Our multidisciplinary team—including pharmacy, social work, nursing, and psychiatry—works together to deliver education, wellness strategies, and personalized guidance. Sessions focus on understanding medications, managing side effects, improving physical health, and strengthening emotional resilience.

Through group discussions, wellness activities, and peer connection, THRIVE helps participants feel more confident in their treatment journey and more supported in daily life.

Location

For more information, call 954-276-3422.

Care for Complex Mental Health Conditions: Why Choose Memorial Healthcare System?

When you come to us for treatment of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, you’ll find: