Bipolar Disorder

Treatment

With proper treatment, patients with bipolar disorder can live full and productive lives. A health care team, including a psychiatrist, sets and monitors goals for each patient. Medications such as lithium or other mood stabilizing drugs are key to successfully treating bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is often used in conjunction with medication to help patients cope with the illness and identify personal conflicts that aggravate the disorder.

In addition, keeping records of moods, symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns and life events can help patients and their doctors understand the illness. Mayo Clinic emphasizes communication between patients and their physicians. For example, it is important for patients to report mood changes; in such cases, doctors may adjust treatment plans, which can often prevent full-blown episodes.

Treatment may vary over the course of the illness. The classic form of bipolar disorder involves recurrent episodes of mania and depression called bipolar 1 disorder. Some people, however, never develop severe mania but instead experience milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with depression; this form of illness is called bipolar 2 disorder. When four or more episodes of illness occur within 12 months, a person is said to have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling tends to develop later in the course of the illness and is more common among women than men. Although rapid cycling can increase over time, proper treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Medications

Medications are key to successfully treating bipolar disorder. The most common medication used to treat bipolar disorder is lithium, a naturally occurring mineral used as a mood stabilizer. Other commonly prescribed mood stabilizers include valproic acid, carbamazepine, and gabapentin. Patients with bipolar disorder may continue treatment with mood stabilizers for years. Other medications are sometimes added when necessary, typically for shorter periods, to treat episodes of mania or depression that break through despite mood stablizers. Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed in addition to mood stabilizers.

Mayo experts work with patients to monitor their medications, especially antidepressants, which can increase the risk of rapid cycling or manic episodes.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often used in conjunction with medication to help patients identify personal conflicts that aggravate the illness. A therapist can help patients deal with personal relationships, maintain a healthy self-image and ensure that they comply with their treatment. Psychotherapy can also assist patients in coping with medication side effects.