Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Basic Thoughts on Treatment:

Bipolar disorder is a chronic affliction. It can’t be cured by taking medication for a while and then going about your way. Most people who suffer from bipolar disorders must continuously take medication or use other therapeutic methods. If you do take medication, it is usually necessary to also include therapy, lifestyle changes and social support. It is also recommended that you work with an experienced psychiatrist in order to address some of the core issues that accompany bipolar disorder.

Medications:

Medications are the most common method of coping with bipolar disorder. Lithium is one of the more popular medications for alleviating symptoms, though in high dosages it can cause nausea, memory problems, weight gain and other side effects. In smaller dosages, these side effects can be marginal. One detail to note is that symptoms of bipolar disorder will not simply disappear once medication is administered. It takes a great deal of time and some experimentation with different medications for this method to truly be effective.

Anticonvulsant Mood Stabilizers:

Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers are often used in tandem with lithium, or sometimes as an alternative. Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers tend to have less drastic side effects than lithium. They are especially effective in managing manic episodes, but are less effective with preventing and managing depressive episodes, and so may be taken along with antidepressants at times. Anticonvulsants may also be used with antipsychotics, thereby preventing recurrence at a somewhat high rate.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial, especially when used in combination with medication. It can improve patients’ management of lithium treatment (or other medications), it can improve family relationships, social relationships, and overall communication. Psychotherapy has shown itself to be more helpful for females rather than males. Therapy mostly serves as a helpful tool for addressing the ramifications of having disruptive episodes, whether they’re manic or depressive. Psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other licensed counselors are all available for therapy.

Alternative Treatments:

Omega-3 fatty acids are sometimes used as treatment for bipolar syndrome. A therapeutic ingredient in Omega-3 fatty acids is EPA, which can be found in fish, fish eggs, algae, and to a lesser degree, flaxseed oil and walnuts. Acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are also activities that benefit many bipolar people, when taken in conjunction with the right medication. Some people have also tried a ketogenic diet, which is high in protein and low in carbs. Studies are also ongoing about the effects of medicinal cannabis on mania and depression episodes.

Self-Help with Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder is a serious and grave affliction, but it does not have to completely cripple you. In addition to all the other treatments out there, there are certain ways that you can help yourself if you are intent on getting better and managing your bipolar disorder. You can keep stress in check. Granted, this often is out of your control, but your response to stress is somewhat in your control. Make healthy choices for yourself and do not be afraid to reach out to your support network if you are diagnosed bipolar. Keep a little journal where you monitor your moods. See if there is a pattern there and assess whether it's a pattern that needs to be broken. Take charge of your bipolar disorder today!