Bipolar disorder is a recurrent disease that is both unpredictable and very common; millions of people have this disorder. The extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder can disrupt any daily activities and even hurt relationships. For someone suffering from Bipolar disorder life can sometimes feels like an emotional roller coaster, but with the proper treatment a normal life can be lead.
Bipolar disorder
Also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness — involves dramatic shifts in mood from the highs of mania to the lows of major depression. It is more than just feeling in a good or bad mood and these moods can last for days, weeks, or even months. Bipolar disorder is much more intense and disruptive to everyday functioning. It affects energy and activity levels, your judgment, and behavior.
Diagnosing the problem as soon as possible combined with a comprehensive treatment plan can help prevent any future complications. When getting your diagnosis, you should feel some relief as the first, and hardest step is behind you. The best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and counseling,
Certain drugs are used for “maintenance”, which help to maintain a steady mood. Some treatments may cause challenges for the patient in that they include mood variations, taking multiple medications at one time, under educated family members not familiar with the facts of bipolar disorder or the fact that some treatment strategies have not been greatly studied and that medication can be costly.
Some studies even suggest that Electro-Convulsive therapy is a very effective treatment for many patients for small episodes or for maintenance.
There are also non-medical treatments available. Psychotherapy and sleep management play are big part of bipolar disorder treatment. They can help reduce symptoms and prevent relapse. The Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) is a trial supported by the National Institute of Mental Health. This is the largest treatment study for bipolar disorder.
Many people choose medication for the treatment of their bipolar disorder. mood-stabilizing drugs are the most important for bipolar disorder. These are drugs that work for small episodes of mania and depression and for maintenance. Two mood stabilizers are lithium and Valproate. Lithium has been in use for a long time and is considered a safe option. Lithium however is the best drug for those with pure mania, but also used for patients with other forms of bipolar disorders.
Atypical Anti-psychotics are used to treat schizophrenia but also have stabilizing properties useful for bipolar disorder.
As you can see there are many options available in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The most important part of the process begins with choosing to be tested and understanding your options if your diagnosis is returned as positive.
