Guidance Lessons on Treating Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a type of mood disorder in which periods of mania (or extremely elevated mood) alternate with periods of depression. Bipolar disorder can only be diagnosed by a trained mental health professional. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder contact a mental health professional immediately.

Once a mental health professional has diagnosed you with bipolar disorder, there are several types of treatments that you may consider, including medication, therapy and natural remedies.

Psychotherapy

• The most common method of psychotherapy for treating bipolar disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you opt for CBT then you will periodically visit a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who will help you modify unwanted thoughts and behaviors through talk therapy. The frequency and duration of your visits will vary based on your doctor's advice.

  There are other types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat bipolar disorder as well. These include family-oriented therapy, in which family members are included in the therapy sessions to help provide you with a more supportive home environment; social rhythm therapy, in which use of a schedule is emphasized to help avoid manic episodes; and psychoeducation, in which you are educated about the nature of bipolar disorder in order to help you recognize and manage manic episodes.

Medication

• Several varieties of medication are available that may help you manage your bipolar symptoms. The most commonly used medications for treating bipolar disease are mood stabilizing medications such as Lithium. Other medications approved for treating bipolar disease include atypical antipsychotic medications and antidepressants.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

• Another method that is approved for treating bipolar disorder is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy. A brief electric shock is administered after you take a muscle relaxant and are placed under anesthesia. ECT is often used to help patients for whom medication and psychotherapy are ineffective.

Natural Remedies

• Although many natural remedies, such as St. John's Wort or omega-3 fatty acids, purport to be effective treatments for bipolar disorder, there is no clinical evidence that suggests that these treatments have any therapeutic benefit. These remedies sometimes interact with other medications, so be sure to consult a doctor before taking them.

  The only way that you can determine which treatment for bipolar disorder is right for you is by consulting with your doctor.