Mental Health Illnesses Research Paper

Bipolar Disorder & Treatment Services In Los Angeles

Bipolar disorder is an illness that can have a tragic effect on an individual’s life. It is considered a mood disorder and can be treated with medication, but many do not have their medications or seek treatment. It is estimated that more than 2 million are suffering with the disorder and have frequent mood shifts which have varied emotions (Mayo Clinic). They have what is known as manic episodes and then are generally followed by depressive ones. It can have an effect on every aspect of the individual’s life unless they seek treatment for the disorder. The purpose of this paper is to explore Bipolar disorder, the effect on the individual and treatment options in the Los Angeles area.

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is sometimes referred to as manic depressive because of the mood swings that the individual has. Bi meaning two refers to the person’s mood shifts between a manic state and depression. Mental Health Illnesses The manic mood can last for weeks and causes the person to have an elated mood, take great and dangerous risks, and have difficulty sleeping, talk fast, become easily distracted and have unrealistic beliefs about themselves (NIMH, 2008).  Following the manic episodes is a period of depression that can have devastating effects for the individual. They usually feel tired, have an increased sleep pattern, have trouble concentrating and some even have thoughts of suicide (Smith & Segall, 2011). Because of the mood swings and changes in the person others can notice and they can have difficulty in relationships, with their families and even in their jobs. Those that suffer from Bipolar disorder, as well as other forms of mental illness use addiction as a way to relieve their symptoms and make themselves feel better. This is called self-medicating and rather than dealing with the underlying issues of their mental illness they choose drugs to help cover the symptoms of their disorder (Regier, 1999).

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Treatment Options In Los Angeles For Bipolar Disorder

The first step to identifying the problem or getting help is being appropriately diagnosed. Any type of mental illness must be diagnosed through professional testing with a mental health professional. In some cases individuals, who are severely depressed or in a hyper state of mania are taken into police custody for threatening to harm themselves or others. When this happens they are oftentimes taken to the hospital and admitted. That way they can receive the treatment that they need and not harm themselves.

Individuals and family members of individuals suspected of having Bipolar disorder can learn more about the disease and get help from the UCLA Mood Disorder Clinic. They provide educational programs about Bipolar disorder and will help individuals find appropriate care and treatment. The Psychological Care and Healing Treatment center is a private pay clinic that provides mental health counseling and resources to various mental disorders in the Los Angeles area. Insurance is not accepted and there is not a sliding scale fee for this service.

There are various counselors, doctors and Psychiatrists that provide treatment and counseling to those suffering with Bipolar disorder. Mental Health Illnesses Much of the counseling and therapy also includes family members such as parents, children and spouses as well. This provides help for the family as a whole and helps them deal with the mental illness accordingly and understand what their family member is going through.

Support groups are provided by several organizations in the Los Angeles area. This is not really counseling or therapy group, but rather other individuals suffering from Bipolar disorder that can understand and identify with what others are going through. This helps individuals and their families because they can talk about what they are going through and how to better deal with it. Other issues such as medication, types of therapy and new research are often the topic at the support groups. The Department of Mental Health for Los Angeles has resources and provides support groups to the general public.

Specific Treatment Facilities

Portals House: Wilshire

Portals House: Wilshire is an outpatient treatment facility for individuals suffering from a range of mental illness, such as depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, depression and many more. They service people that do not need to be in the hospital, but will do well in a structured environment. In order to be admitted into the program individuals must have a current diagnosis and having an acute state of the disorder or be referred by another agency. The referring agency could be law enforcement, another counselor or hospital facility. They have a doctor and counselors that provide therapy, social activities and recreational activities. Insurance is accepted and individuals can apply for indigent care payment assistance through the county of Los Angeles.

Assessment Unit

The Assessment Unit is a place where individuals can get treatment for mental disorders like Bipolar disorder. They are not limited to one type of mental illness, but will treat a variety. They are not admitted into the facility, but rather is more like a walk in medical clinic. They have on staff a Psychiatrist, medical doctors as well as counselors to help those that are having acute problems at the time. They are also an outpatient program that will make referrals to people that need additional help or inpatient treatment. They also give help to people that are having life problems like going through a divorce, suffering from violence or substance abuse. The Assessment Unit offers a cash discount and accepts insurance, but does not have a sliding scale fee schedule.

Los Angeles Department of Mental Health (DMH)

The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health is an organization that is funded by federal and state grants that provide a variety of services to those suffering with any type of mental illness or retardation. Not only do they provide counseling, therapy and support groups, but also assist those with mental illness obtain employment, find housing and even childcare. The organization has on staff counselors, doctors and Psychiatrists, but also provides support through a number of providers in the community. Individuals can be screened for services through contacting or going into their office. After the screening they can even be provided with counseling and medication if so needed. Indigent individuals can apply for services and will be treated regardless of their ability to pay for services. Private insurance is also accepted for the services that the department offers.

In conclusion, Bipolar disorder is a disease that can create a great hardship on the person. It is a disease that can be treated with medication and counseling from a professional mental health provider. There are numerous counselors and doctors, as well as treatment facilities that provide treatment to those suffering from Bipolar disorder. There is inpatient as well as outpatient treatment facilities that will help people restore their lives and learn to live with their mental illness. Those living with any type of mental disorder should not live without help or fear of reaching to others for help. Mental illness is no different than any other type of disorder or disease and should be treated with dignity and respect.

References

Bipolar Disorder. Mayo Clinic Diseases & Treatment. Retrieved June 5, 2011, from www.mayoclinic.org/bipolar-disorder/

NIMH · Bipolar Disorder. (2008). NIMH · Home. Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml

Mental Health Illnesses Research Paper