Treatment of bipolar disorder

Introduction

There are many bipolar disorder treatments. The most important thing is that you talk with your doctor about what treatment will work best for you.

Medications.

Medications are the most common treatment for bipolar disorder. They can help keep your moods under control and help you manage your symptoms.

Medications are used alone or with other treatments, such as talk therapy, exercise programs and group support groups. Some medications also come in combination with each other to help reduce the side effects of one drug while increasing its effectiveness on another condition or symptom (eg, lithium/valproic acid). Medications may have different side effects depending on what they're used to treat—some may make you sleepy while others might cause an increase in energy levels; some may cause weight gain while others may lead to insomnia or sexual dysfunction.

Psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy.

A variety of psychotherapies have been shown to be effective in treating bipolar disorder, including:

• talk therapy (cognitive behavioral, interpersonal)

• family-focused therapy (family psychoeducation and support groups)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe depression, mania and mixed states. It can also be used to treat rapid cycling, psychotic depression, catatonia and other forms of severe mental illness.

The procedure involves administering electrical current through the scalp over several minutes as an alternative to medications such as lithium or divalproex sodium that are often required before ECT can be effective. This causes seizures in the brain which may produce relief from symptoms including anxiety or agitation; however it’s not recommended for those who have had a seizure before because they may experience more symptoms afterwards due to damage caused by the electrical impulses used during treatment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It's been used to treat depression, but it's not currently approved for bipolar disorder.

The process of TMS involves placing a coil on your head, which you then wear for about 20 minutes at a time over several weeks or months. The device sends brief electromagnetic pulses through your scalp and into specific regions of your brain; these pulses cause small electrical currents in nearby neurons due to their magnetic properties, stimulating them into activity while they're active (and not resting).

Complementary and alternative treatments.

While medications are a first line of defense for treating bipolar disorder, many patients also find that complementary and alternative therapies can help them cope with their symptoms. Some of these include acupuncture, mindfulness and meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing exercises), massage therapy and even reiki.

Talk with your medical provider about the treatments that will work for you.

• Talk with your medical provider about the treatments that will work for you.

• Do not stop taking any medications without talking to your provider first, and always follow their instructions.

• If you are considering alternative treatments, talk with your provider first.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder, it’s important to know that there are many treatment options—and all of them can help. Some drugs and treatments work better than others in different people. It’s best to talk with your doctor about the options that might work best for you.