How to Treat Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a mental illness characterized by abrupt and alternating mood states. A person with bipolar disorder often cycles through stages of depression and mania quickly, or one of the two mood states can dominate while the other occurs less frequently. These people can experience periods of euphoria and then become extremely depressed. People with this illness may need lifelong treatment to lead normal and productive lives. To treat bipolar disorder effectively, it is important to implement a treatment plan that includes medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some signs of this mental illness are shifting mood swings (great highs and lows), irritability, restlessness, impulsive behavior, anxiety, fatigue and thoughts of suicide. Go to doctor to get a diagnosis. To treat bipolar disorder, a proper diagnosis is vital.

• 2

  Take the medications prescribed by your doctor. People with bipolar disorder may need different types of medication such as mood stabilizers (lithium), antidepressants, anti-seizure and atypical antipsychotic medications. Some people may need a combination of these medications. You and your doctor can find the medications that are best for your condition.

• 3

  Go for psychotherapy treatments. A psychiatrist can recommend that a person with this illness see a psychologist or counselor. Some psychotherapy treatments suggested for bipolar disorder are cognitive behavior therapy, psychoeducation and family-focused therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on helping a patient to identify and change negative behavior patterns while psychoeducation can teach people to identify signs of a relapse so they can seek treatment

• 4

  Treat bipolar disorder with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or shock therapy when a person does not show signs of improvement with medication and or psychotherapy. This treatment can also be useful for symptoms of severe depression or suicidal tendencies.

• 5

  Get hospitalized when there are signs of severe depression, mania, psychotic symptoms (delusions) or thoughts of suicide. These are signs that require immediate attention and a person may have to stay in a hospital for a time.

• 6

  Make the necessary lifestyle changes by limiting the use of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes these activities can trigger an episode, requiring treatment for substance abuse. Join support groups to help you cope with this illness. Get enough sleep, as one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is inability to sleep well. Your doctor can recommend sleep medication. Learn to channel excess energy by engaging in exercise, hobbies or sports.

• 7

  Learn to manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga. Remember that to treat bipolar disorder may require a combination of treatment options.