The primary method of treatment for bipolar disorder is the use of medication to treat and prevent the symptoms. The prescriptions for treatment are usually specific to mania or depression. There are general classes and specific drugs used in the management of symptoms for mania and depression.
A treatment plan for bipolar disorder primarily consists of medication and some form of psychological therapy. At times, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary to safely reach a point of stability. There are also treatment options that are less common or considered only in acute situations.
Treatments for Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder treatment often focuses on life adjustments and the problems that increase because of the mania or depression, they help the individual recognize the onset of an episode and enable them to take action. Supportive therapy is needed to help the individual accept the disorder and understand the major impact it has on life management.
Anyone who has bipolar disorder should be under the care of a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment, as well as a psychologist. Psychologists provide the individual and their family support, education, coping skills training, symptoms monitoring and support so the individual will continue treatment. The psychiatrist also monitors the medication required for treatment.
Almost all people with bipolar disorder, even those with the most severe forms can get considerable stabilization of their mood swings. One medication, lithium, is usually effective in controlling mania and preventing the reappearance of both mania and depression. The mood stabilizing anticonvulsants carbamazepine and valproate have also been found useful, especially in more difficult to treat bipolar episodes. Often these medications are combined with lithium for optimal effect.
Some scientists have theorized that the anticonvulsant medications work because they have an effect on kindling, a process in which the brain becomes more sensitive to tension and eventually begins to show episodes of irregular activity even without a stressor. It is thought that lithium acts to block the early stages of this kindling process and carbamazepine and valproate have their effects later. Children and teenagers with bipolar disorder are normally treated with lithium, but carbamazepine and valproate are also used.
Treating Mania and Depression
Valproate has lately been approved by the food and drug administration (FDA) for treatment-sensitive mania. The highly effective benzodiazepines, clonazepam and lorazepam, may be helpful adjuncts for insomnia. For depression, more than one type of antidepressant can be used when combined with lithium, carbamazepine, or valproate. Constructing a life chart of mood symptoms, medications and life events may help the healthcare expert treat the illness optimally. Long term prophylactic treatment is almost always indicated.
