How is bipolar disorder treated?
The overall treatment goal for people living with bipolar disorder is to minimize mood swings and other symptoms so that they can live functional and productive lives. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, and treatment generally needs to be lifelong to most effectively control symptoms. The most effective treatment plans employ a multifaceted approach:
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Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a type of therapy in which a psychotherapist builds a relationship with a client, establishes trust, and helps a client to better cope with bipolar disorder through a variety of forms of psychotherapy, such as family therapy and behavior therapy. These techniques can help people to recognize and work through the issues associated with bipolar disorder.
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Medications may be prescribed to stabilize extremes of mood that occur with bipolar disorder. Medications may include mood stabilizers, such as lithium, antipsychotics and perhaps antidepressants.
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Ongoing outpatient psychiatric and medical care is important to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to assess for side effects and safe levels of medications.
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Inpatient care may be necessary in some cases in which symptoms become so serious that a person is unable to safely care for basic needs and/or has becomes suicidal or a danger to himself, herself or others. In some cases, a person may need to be legally hospitalized against his or her will.
What are the possible complications of bipolar disorder?
Complications of bipolar disorder can be serious and even become life threatening in some cases. You can minimize the risk for serious complications of bipolar disorder by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you.
Complications of bipolar disorder include:
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Decreased ability to function effectively in work, school or daily life
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Delirium (mental confusion)
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Disability
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Paranoia
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Poor quality of life
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Sleep disturbances
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Suicidal thoughts or actions
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Self-harm
INTRODUCTION
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that is characterized by cycling mood changes from intense mania or euphoria to episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder, which seriously affects a person’s mood and interferes with a person’s ability to function effectively in everyday life. Bipolar disorder occurs in equal numbers in both sexes. ...
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SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
The severity and types of symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person but generally affect mood, energy and functioning. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of intense mania or euphoria that alternate with episodes of depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can seriously interfere with a person’s ability to function normally in relationships and activities of everyday life, such as work, school, social activities, and self-care....
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CAUSES
What causes bipolar disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but there may a genetic link to the disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder have a close relative with bipolar disorder or with depression. Bipolar disorder is also sometimes associated with an imbalance of chemicals in the brain or hormonal deficiencies....
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