What Are the Treatments for Bipolar & ADHD?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings from extremely depressed to restless and euphoric, or manic. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by problems with focus or hyperactivity, and impulsive or disruptive behavior. Many treatments have been developed that can successfully treat these disorders. While medication is a central part of treatment for both of these disorders, it is not uncommon for a treatment plan to involve both medication and therapy.

Medications for Bipolar Disorder

• Medication is a highly recommended treatment for people with bipolar disorder. The two main types of medications used to treat this disorder are mood stabilizers and anti-seizure medications. Mood stabilizers help regulate and prevent mood swings. Lithium, a mood stabilizer, is often prescribed to control manic episodes. Lifelong use of mood stabilizers may be recommended depending on the severity of mood swings. Anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid and divalproex are used to prevent mood swings in people with rapid cycling between depressive and manic episodes.

Medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• The type of medication most commonly prescribed for ADHD is a stimulant, such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta. A non-stimulant medication, called Strattera, is also prescribed for ADHD. This usually occurs after a person experiences adverse side effects with a stimulant medication. Other less commonly prescribed medications for ADHD include antidepressants and some high blood pressure medications such as clonidine and guanfacine, which can reduce aggression and insomnia symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy can be used to treat both bipolar disorder and ADHD. As a part of this therapy, the patient may receive information regarding his or her disorder as well as ways to cope with symptoms and ways to reduce stress that can trigger symptoms.

Behavior Therapy

• Behavior therapy is a very common type of psychotherapy that can be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and ADHD. This type of therapy, sometimes referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), teaches the patient how to identify negative thoughts, beliefs and behaviors and how to replace them with positive ones. In the case of ADHD in children, parents and teachers may find it helpful to participate and learn strategies to help control the child's behavior.

Family Therapy

• Family therapy is another type of psychotherapy and involves the patient's family in treatment. Family therapy can help resolve family conflicts that may have been caused by the symptoms of bipolar disorder or ADHD. It can also help educate the family of an ADHD or bipolar person about living with someone with the disorder and give them the tools to cope. This type of therapy emphasizes communication while teaching strategies to reduce family stress, resolve conflicts and solve problems in an effective manner.