Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder is a lifelong process that usually involves a combination of bipolar medication and psychotherapy.
Types of Bipolar Medication
There are many types of bipolar medication that can treat this condition. Since each case of bipolar disorder is different, finding the right medication or combination of medications is usually a trial and error process. Each medication has potential side effects that you’ll need to discuss with your doctor. Changing symptoms may also require altering the dosage or switching your bipolar medication.
Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are a commonly used bipolar medication.
Other medications for treating bipolar disorder include the following:
- Anti-anxiety medications, like lorazepam and clonazepam, may calm anxiety and agitation associated with manic episodes.
- Antidepressants may treat bipolar depression tendencies, although this is somewhat controversial; some evidence indicates that antidepressants may trigger manic episodes or a pattern of rapid mood changes.
- Antipsychotics often stabilize bipolar patients’ mood.
Psychotherapy Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Treating bipolar disorder may also involve psychotherapy. As one of the most common therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
Counseling, or psychoeducation, may also help you and your loved ones learn about bipolar disorder. Understanding the condition can help you get the best support and treatment for bipolar disorder.
Other possible forms of psychotherapy for treating bipolar disorder include:
- Family therapy: You and your family see a mental health provider together to identify causes of and reduce stress.
- Group therapy: You meet with a group and learn from other bipolar sufferers.
Other Medical Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
A person who is behaving dangerously, feels suicidal or becomes detached from reality (psychotic) may require hospitalization.
Another treatment for bipolar disorder is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which passes electrical currents through the brain. Although researchers don’t fully understand how ECT works, experts believe this method of treating bipolar disorder changes brain chemistry, improving depressed moods.
Lifestyle Changes
When managing bipolar disorder, you’ll need support, either from family and friends or through a support group. You may also want to make the following lifestyle changes:
- Avoid unhealthy relationships: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who don’t encourage unhealthy behavior or attitudes.
- Don’t drink or use drugs: Get help quitting if necessary.
- Exercise regularly: Moderate, regular exercise helps steady moods by releasing brain chemicals (endorphins) that help you feel good.
- Sleep: Getting enough sleep will help you manage moods.
Alternative Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Little research is available on the effectiveness of alternative treatment for bipolar disorder. Some alternative medicines, particularly supplements and herbs, may interact with medications, so let your doctor know if you’re using any supplements or alternative treatments.
Alternative treatments for bipolar disorder include:
- Acupuncture can relieve depression, and is safe to use with other bipolar disorder treatments.
- Massage therapy may relieve anxiety and stress that can worsen bipolar symptoms.
- Omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain function and relieve bipolar depression. Omega-3s are available in foods like fatty fish and walnuts, or as supplements.
- St. John’s wort may alleviate bipolar/depression symptoms. It may, however, interact with other medications and/or trigger mania.
- S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is an amino acid supplement that can help brain function. SAMe may also trigger mania in some people.
- Yoga may ease depression and bipolar mood swings.
Resources
Aetna IntelliHealth Staff. (2008). Bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness or manic depression). Retrieved May 20, 2010, from the Aetna website: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/W/9339/34929.html.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Bipolar disorder: Treatments and drugs. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Bipolar disorder: Lifestyle and home remedies. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Bipolar disorder: Alternative medicine. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=alternative-medicine.
National Institute of Mental Health Staff. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml.