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How is bipolar disorder treated?
The role of medication and psychosocial treatment
It is important that bipolar disorder is treated as soon as possible and under medical supervision. Most people with bipolar disorder can realise a stabilisation of their mood swings and the associated symptoms with proper treatment. As bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, long-term preventive therapy is needed. In order to control the disease long term, a combination of medication and psychosocial treatment is recommended.
The role of the doctor
The doctor will most probably recommend a continuous therapy to stabilize the mood swings. However, even during treatment, mood swings can occur. This should be immediately reported to the doctor. He may then be able to prevent a serious episode by adapting the treatment plan. It is therefore highly recommended to keep a very open relation with the doctor and discuss any possible concerns that may have something to do with the therapy or with the condition itself.
Bipolar chart
By learning more about bipolar disorder, you and your family will be able to manage your illness more successfully. You can find a mood chart here in psychiatry24x7. This chart is a useful tool to help you and your doctor monitor your illness. It allows you to bring together information about your daily mood, events happening in your life, sleep patterns and medications you are taking.
Medications
Medications known as 'mood stabilizers' usually are prescribed to manage the mood swings of patients with bipolar disorder. These treatments are mostly continued for an extended period of time (years). Other therapies may be added, mostly for shorter periods, to treat episodes of depression or mania, that occur despite the treatment with a mood stabilizer.
Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotic medication, is also used for the treatment of bipolar disorder. These products are of particular value for the treatment of acute mania and to help relieving psychotic symptoms.
Lithium
Lithium has long been used as a first-line treatment to control mania and to prevent the recurrence of both manic and depressive periods.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants, also work as mood stabilizers, especially in patients who are not responding properly, sometimes in combination with lithium, or as an alternative.
A new generation of anticonvulsant therapy, also shows activity in stabilizing mood swings.
Benzodiazepines
High-potency benzodiazepines may be valuable to promote better sleep in patients suffering insomnia. However, as these medications can be habit-forming, they are best prescribed on a short-term basis.
What you should tell your doctor
- Best is to communicate any changes in mood to your doctor. He may be able to prevent a severe manic or depressive episode by adapting the medication
- The doctor should know all the medications, including OTC medications that are being taken. They may interact with the medication for bipolar disorder
- It is very important to take the medications strictly as required, and not give up taking those medications, even when the symptoms seem not to be present. Any concerns about medication or plans to reduce or stop therapy should be discussed with the doctor.
Psychosocial treatments
There are now a number of psychosocial treatments available. It has been shown that they can lead to increased mood stability, fewer hospitalisations and improved functioning. It should be noted that often also family members can benefit from psychosocial therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy helps people with bipolar disorder learn to change inappropriate or negative though patterns and behaviour.
Psychoeducation aims at teaching people with bipolar and their family about the nature of the illness, and how to recognise signs of relapse, so they can seek early intervention and possibly avoid a severe episode of mania or depression.
Family therapy aims at managing the stress that is often present within the family of those suffering.
Electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive (ECT) is sometimes used when other therapy is ineffective. It can be very effective for severe depressive or manic episodes.
Read more about Family and Friends of people who suffers from bipolar disorder or manic depression.
