Components Of Effective Bipolar Disorder Treatment

By Sheila Wilson

Bipolar disorder is a psychological illness that causes abnormal mood swings. Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression and mania. Episodes of mania can cause irritability, euphoria, and impulsive behavior.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder. The fact that there is no cure can be devastating for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, however they should realize that there is effective bipolar disorder treatment. There are often several component of effective bipolar disorder treatment including medication, therapy, and lifestyle management.

Medication is perhaps the most important part of bipolar disorder treatment though many people including bipolar disorder patients do not take full advantage of the medication that is available. A psychiatrist often prescribes a mood stabilizing medication, however bipolar disorder patients are notoriously inconsistent with taking their medication.

Mood stabilizing medication is not the only medication that may be used to treat bipolar disorder and its symptoms. A patient with bipolar disorder who suffers the most ill effects from depression may also be prescribed an antidepressant. Sleeping medication for insomnia and anti-anxiety medication for anxiety symptoms are also commonly prescribed to bipolar disorder patients.

Individual and family therapy can be beneficial for bipolar disorder patients. While individual therapy may help the bipolar disorder patient learn to manage stress and cope with the symptoms, therapeutic sessions with family are beneficial in repairing any strain on the relationships that the bipolar disorder has caused.

People with bipolar disorder must pay special attention to routine care of themselves in order to help prevent bipolar disorder symptoms. Getting regular exercise, being on a healthy sleep cycle, taking medication, and routinely engaging in stress management activities are considered part of lifestyle management for bipolar disorder treatment. Healthy routines like this can help prevent bipolar disorder symptoms.

The general public have a lot of misconceptions about bipolar disorder. Therefore, the patient should educate themselves about bipolar disorder, its symptoms, and effective treatments. People with bipolar disorder may also have to educate their families and friends about the true nature of the disorder as opposed to the extreme cases of unmanaged bipolar disorder that they may have heard in the media.

Emotional support from friends and family is an important part of bipolar disorder treatment. If a person with bipolar disorder does not have supportive friends or family, they should look for support groups for bipolar disorder or depression and other reliable sources of support. - 29881

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