by Amy Scholten, MPH
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Even if you have severe bipolar disorder, your mood swings and related symptoms can be stabilized with proper treatment. Because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended and almost always indicated. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing this disorder over time.
In most cases, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is continuous. But even when there are no breaks in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may be able to prevent a full-blown episode by making adjustments to your treatment plan. Work closely with your healthcare provider and communicate openly about treatment concerns and options. This can make a difference in treatment effectiveness.
Keep a chart of daily mood symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, and life events. This may help you and your family to understand the illness better. This chart also can help your healthcare provider track and treat the illness most effectively.
Treatment will include: Medications to stabilize moodDiagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that can mimic bipolar disorder, such as abnormal thyroid functionPsychotherapyCounseling to provide you and your family with support, education, and guidancePossible electroconvulsive therapy in severe casesTreatment involves the following: MedicationsOther treatmentsLifestyle changesAlternative and complementary therapies References: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 4th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.; 2000. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/. Hirschfeld RMA. Guideline Watch: Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Disorder. 2nd ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2005. Available at: http://www.psych.org/psych_pract/treatg/pg/prac_guide.cfm. Accessed January 20, 2007. Last reviewed January 2005 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPHPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
