How to Treat OCD Bipolar Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression and bipolar disorder often occur simultaneously. According to Brainphysics.com, "Depression has long been known to be comorbid with OCD, but it was not until recently that bipolar disorder was also shown to be linked to OCD." When someone suffers from all three of these conditions, a comprehensive treatment plan including psychotherapy and medication must be initiated.

Instructions

• 1

  Participate in therapy. Psychotherapy for all three conditions is an absolute necessity. Therapy can help you learn to cope with your conditions and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. OCD, bipolar disorder and depression are all conditions that can significantly interfere with your normal life; therapy can help you learn how to stop them from doing this. For example, therapy for OCD might teach you how to cope with your obsessions or fears, while therapy for depression may help you work through your problems and have a more positive outlook.

• 2

  Take antidepressants. Antidepressants can be successful in controlling symptoms of all three of these conditions, though they are more effective to treat OCD and depression.

  According to the Mayo Clinic's website, antidepressants can actually trigger manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. In this situation, you have to weigh the pros and cons of antidepressants with your doctor.

• 3

  Take mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers can help maintain regular moods for patients with bipolar disorder. They can help balance out the manic and depressive episodes more easily. This can also be beneficial for people suffering from OCD and depression, as they often experience unstable mood swings as well.

• 4

  Experiment through trial and error. Sometimes, people with one of these conditions will receive a misdiagnosis for another one. OCD, bipolar disease and depression all have similar and overlapping symptoms and can easily mimic one another. If you truly have all three of these conditions at once, finding the proper treatment plan is going to take a certain measure of trial and error in order to find the right combination of medications and therapy that works for you.