Bipolar Type 2 Treatment

Bipolar II disorder is a mental condition that can cause severe mood disturbances. The most prominent of these mood disturbances are the manic and depressive episodes. Fortunately, there are treatments available that will help regulate moods in order to improve the quality of life.

Treatments

• Treatments for Bipolar II disorder include medications and therapy. The medications come in many different forms, and several types of therapy may be recommended.

Types

• The types of medications used for Bipolar II disorder include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and anti-seizure medications. Therapy includes family therapy, group therapy, and behavioral therapy.

Function of Medication

• Mood stabilizers work to stabilize the drastic mood swings, while anti-seizure medications help prevent them. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications help relieve the depressive episodes of Bipolar II disorder.

Function of Therapy

• Behavioral therapy teaches the patient to recognize and correct inappropriate behavior. Group therapy assists the patient with social skills. Family therapy helps the family recognize the symptoms and conflicts that arise from Bipolar II disorder and teaches them how to cope.

Time Frame

• According to the Mayo Clinic, Bipolar II disorder needs life-long treatment with medication and therapy.

Warning

• The Mayo Clinic warns that a Bipolar II patient should not stop taking their medication without a doctor's consent. To do so can lead to severe manic and depressive episodes.