Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is an umbrella term for several related presentations. The initial assessment clarifies which pattern best fits your experience, because it shapes the treatment approach:
Involves at least one full manic episode, which may be severe enough to require hospital care, usually alongside episodes of depression.
Involves hypomanic episodes (a milder form of elevated mood) together with episodes of depression, without the full manic episodes seen in bipolar I.
Involves chronic, fluctuating mood changes with periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for the episodes above, but persist over time.
Where symptoms of elevated mood and depression occur at the same time, which can be particularly distressing and disorienting.
Common signs and symptoms
Bipolar disorder looks different from person to person, and the same person may experience very different episodes at different times. Common patterns people describe when seeking bipolar disorder treatment include:
If you are ever concerned about your safety or someone else’s, contact your GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or in an emergency call 000. Our team can also talk with you about a safety plan as part of ongoing care.
Evidence-based bipolar disorder treatment approaches
Clinical guidelines recognise that psychological therapy, combined with medical management, has an important role in bipolar disorder treatment — particularly in reducing the frequency and intensity of episodes, supporting mood stability, and helping people stay well between episodes. Our Clinical Psychologists draw on the following evidence-based approaches:
IPSRT focuses on stabilising daily routines — sleep, activity and social rhythms — which are closely linked to mood in bipolar disorder. It also addresses the relationship stressors that can trigger episodes.
CBT helps you recognise early warning signs, understand the thoughts and behaviours that feed into mood episodes, and build practical strategies for managing them.
Involving partners or family members can strengthen support, improve communication, and help those close to you recognise early signs — which is associated with better outcomes in the research.
MBCT can help with the depressive side of bipolar disorder and with relating differently to difficult thoughts and feelings.
Understanding your own pattern of the condition, tracking mood over time, and developing a personalised relapse-prevention and early-warning plan are core parts of ongoing bipolar disorder treatment.
Initial assessment and treatment planning
Bipolar disorder treatment at the practice begins with a thorough initial assessment. This first appointment is a chance to:
Medicare rebates for bipolar disorder treatment
Bipolar disorder is covered under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. With a referral from a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan, eligible clients can claim a Medicare rebate of
Book an appointment with your GP and discuss starting a Mental Health Care Plan
Bring the referral and treatment plan to your first appointment with us
We process the Medicare rebate at the time of payment
If you don’t have a referral, or would prefer to start without going through your GP first, bipolar disorder treatment is also available privately without a referral.
Booking an initial bipolar disorder treatment consultation
Reaching out can feel like a big step — especially if you’ve lived with these mood changes for a long time, or aren’t yet sure whether what you’re experiencing is bipolar disorder. We’re happy to help with that conversation.
If you’re submitting an enquiry, please mention bipolar disorder in your message and the team will direct it to the most appropriate Clinical Psychologist for your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder treatment
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