Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder

One brief definition of bipolar disorder is a mental illness that consists of periods of depression and "manic" episodes. Manic episodes include feelings of euphoria, excitability, extended periods of energy, hyperactivity and possibly high-risk behaviors. Depression may consist of suicidal thoughts, sleeping all the time or inability to sleep, agitation, loss of appetite, and lack of interest in activities. The mood swings may extend for days or months at a time in either mood. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, especially if the mood swings are mild and short between episodes. Bipolar disorder is not a curable disease, but it is treatable through the use of medications and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Age at Onset

Bipolar disorder generally begins before the age of 25 and in some cases earlier in childhood. The symptoms may not seem very apparent at first; generally, something more drastic than a few mood swings occurs before help is sought. The symptoms of bipolar can be very severe, interfering with the person's ability to function. Bipolar disorder cannot be detected by blood tests or brain scans; however, these tests can rule out any other issues that could be causing the mood problems. Keeping a record of mood swings can help in diagnosis when help is sought. The use of drugs and alcohol can exacerbate the mood swings, creating a worse depression and adding hallucinations during either type of mood swing.

Treatment

There are many forms of medication to treat the bipolar disorders, and the choice of medication will be determined by the accompanying disorders such as PTSD, anxiety or paranoia. In some cases, a person may need to try different medications until the right one, and the right dosage is found. Some of the different medications include mood stabilizers like lithium, antidepressants and anti-psychotics. In some cases a combination of medications may be used to manage the symptoms of psychosis, depression and anxiety.

Therapy Choices

One form of psychosocial therapy considered for treating bi-polar disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT consists of regular visits with a therapist, counselor or other similar practitioner. The content of a visit with a therapist for bipolar disorder includes discussing the management of emotions and thoughts. The CBT therapist may provide solutions, different ways of defining a problem, coping skills that may help to manage the anxiety or troubling emotional swings that are a major part of bipolar disorder. Medication is an integral part of psychosocial therapy, as is finding a balance, developing a schedule and remaining on the medication.

Family-Focused Therapy (FFT)

Family members are an important aspect to the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can be very difficult to cope with a family member with bipolar disorder. Family-focused therapy is designed to integrate the family members into treatment with the client. The therapist provides the family members with the necessary coping skills, suggestions on self-care, and ongoing support to ensure successful treatment outcomes. Family-focused therapy can consist of anyone close to the person who has bipolar disorder such as significant others, husbands/wives, roommates, close friends, siblings and other relatives.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy was designed to help with stabilizing the daily rhythms of life including sleeping, eating, working and playing. Sleep deprivation, not eating properly or on a schedule, isolation, and either overworking or under-working can create greater problems with bipolar disorder. The goal of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy is to help the person with bipolar disorder to develop a pattern in daily life that will create some form of normal functioning. The primary goal is to help the client with bipolar disorder track the patterns of daily life, identify the problem areas, and provide solutions to create a balance. Interpersonal therapy assists with developing communication skills that will help to improve the interpersonal relationships.

References

• National Institute of Mental Health

• PsychCentral: Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Therapy

• PsychCentral: Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder
  
  
  

Resource

• PsychEducation

• NIMH Psychosocial Treatment for Mental Illness

• National Institute of Mental Health About Bipolar Disorder