Bipolar disorders are described by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a group of brain disorders that cause extreme change in a person’s energy, mood, and ability to function.

Bipolar disorder includes three different conditions bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

• Bipolar I disorder is a manic-depressive disorder that exists with and without psychotic episodes
• Bipolar II disorder consists of depressive and manic episodes which alternate and are typically less severe and do not inhibit function
• Cyclothymic disorder causes brief episodes of hypomania and depression

The first steps in identifying bipolar disorder is to visit a doctor or mental health professional. At Northlake Behavioral Health System, our licensed doctors may perform a physical evaluation to rule out any other conditions that may be causing symptoms. If no other illnesses are present, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive mental health evaluation to assess the patient’s symptoms in accordance with the specific criteria from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania.

Suicidal behavior disorder is a proposed DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition), diagnosis which would be assigned to individuals who have made a suicide attempt within the past two years. A suicide attempt is defined, as a self-harmed act deliberately carried out where there is a clear expectation of death. Considering suicidal behavior as a condition independent of depression or other mental disorders.

Warning Signs

Often times a person may display certain behaviors before a suicide attempt, such as:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Pulling away from friends
• Heavy alcohol or drug use
• Changes in eating or sleep habits
• Trouble at work or at school
• Talking about suicide or death, attempts at self harm
• Arranging ways to commit suicide such as getting pills or buying a gun

Always take any threats or attempts at suicide seriously.

​If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call us at 985-626-6300. Our staff is available for support 24/7.

Depression is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression; which is a common and serious mood disorder. Those who suffer from depression experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lose interest in activities once enjoyed. Aside from the emotional problems caused by depression individuals can also present physical symptoms such as chronic pain or digestive issues. According to the DSM-5 diagnositc criteria an individual must show symptoms for at least 2 weeks.

Speaking with our professional staff at Northlake, we can help determine a proper treatment plan to manage these symptoms and help patients return to activities they once enjoyed.

Treatment for depression involves behavioral and holistic therapies, medication and wellness education. Such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-focused therapy
• Trauma-focused therapy
• Holistic therapies such as yoga therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy and recreational therapy
• Mindfulness training
• Fitness and nutrition training

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is persistent, excessive and intrusive worry when there is no specific threat present or posing actual risk. This can be a difficult disorder to diagnose because anxiety is an emotional state which everyone experiences from time to time in response to everyday life stresses.

At Northlake Behavioral Health System, our mental health professionals will help patients undergo an evaluation to assess symptoms and build a proper treatment plan. Our main goal is to help patients with the disorder to feel better physically and mentally to make it possible to engage in relationships, work or school and other daily situations for which the anxiety previously seemed paralyzing.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by marked instability in functioning that affects mood, interpersonal relationships, and reality testing. Symptoms of BPD may result in experiencing poor boundaries between self and others, as well as poor emotion regulation.

At Northlake Behavioral Health System, individuals can receive expert care by a team of compassionate and experienced professionals. It is possible to manage symptoms of BPD and live a healthier and happier life.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of mental health problem that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a car accident, natural disaster or sexual assault. Symptoms associated with PTSD include recurrent and involuntary distressing memories, nightmares and intense psychological distress related to the traumatic event. If not properly treated, symptoms can last for decades.

At Northlake Behavioral Health System, we understand how PTSD can affect all areas of a patients life. We are committed to teaching, learning and helping patients manage these symptoms to live a healthier life.

Psychosis occurs when an individuals’ thoughts and emotions are impaired that external reality is lost. This condition is often accompanied by schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar I disorder. In other cases, psychosis may occur as a side-effect of substance use.

Symptoms of psychosis often include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are when an individual sees, hears or feels something that isn’t actually there. Delusions are perceived altered reality that is persistently held despite contrary evidence. These symptoms often result in strange behavior, disorganized thoughts and difficulty communicating.

Northlake Behavioral Health System has a team of professionals who are prepared to handle those who are struggling with psychosis.

ADHD, or attention deficit disorder, is a chronic condition that includes attention difficulty, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. This often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD usually include limited attention and hyperactivity.

Northlake Behavioral Health System is equipped in helping those struggling with ADHD by hosting therapy sessions and administering medication, if needed. We believe in providing the best possible tools for our patients to handle these conditions on their own in the future.

Substance use disorder is a common, recurrent and often serious illness; but they are treatable and many people recover. Substance abuse is a serious condition as it affects a person’s ability to function. Harmful repercussions can occur if not treated such as functional impairment in school, work, relationships and life and physical impairment of health.

It is our goal at Northlake Behavioral Health System to help clients structure a proper treatment plan to manage these symptoms and help patients confidently return to daily life without fear of relapse.