Treatment FAQ

what are treatment options for bipolar disorder

by Maxine Cormier V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You'll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).Feb 16, 2021

Medication

12 rows · May 11, 2013 · Treatment of bipolar disorder conventionally focuses on acute stabilisation, in which the goal ...

Therapy

Newer U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for depression in bipolar disorder include a combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine, which is used for depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, and lamotrigine, which is used for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder.

Which type of therapy is best for treating bipolar disorder?

Mar 27, 2020 · Evidence-based treatments for bipolar disorder include: Medication Psychoeducation Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy Family-Based Services Social Skills Training Illness Self-Management Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Psychosocial Interventions for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders …

What is the most typical treatment for bipolar disorder?

Treatments and Therapies Medications. Certain medications can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some people may need to try several... Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy,” can be an effective part of the treatment plan for people with... Other Treatment Options. ...

What are the most common medications for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is treated with three main classes of medication: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and, while their safety and effectiveness …

What should I include in my Bipolar disorder treatment plan?

Other therapeutic methods are also available for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy is one such option. The goals of this type of therapy are to help improve the patient’s relationships with others and help him learn to manage his daily routines.

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Why is lithium unique?

However, lithium remains unique because its main therapeutic use is in bipolar disorder, and investigation of its mechanism of action has, and remains, crucially important in the identification of future targets . Table 1. Validation evidence of putative treatment development targets in bipolar disorder.

Is quetiapine effective for depression?

Antipsychotic drugs are effective in the acute treatment of mania; their efficacy in the treatment of depression is variable with the clearest evidence for quetiapine.

What is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?

Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, support groups and psychoeducation about the illness are essential to treating bipolar disorder: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps change the negative thinking and behavior associated with depression.

How to help someone with bipolar disorder?

Psychotherapy, support groups and psychoeducation about the illness are essential to treating bipolar disorder: 1 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps change the negative thinking and behavior associated with depression. The goal of this therapy is to recognize negative thoughts and to teach coping strategies. 2 Family-focused therapy helps people with bipolar disorder learn about the illness and carry out a treatment plan. 3 Psychotherapy focused on self-care and stress regulation, and helps a person improve self-care, recognize patterns of the onset of the symptoms and to manage stress.

What is a second generation antipsychotic?

Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) SGAs are commonly used to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder and are often paired with other medications, including mood stabilizers. They are generally used for treating manic or mixed episodes. SGAs are often prescribed to help control acute episodes of mania or depression.

Is lamotrigine FDA approved?

Lamotrigine is used to delay occurrences of bipolar I disorder. Lamotrigine does not have FDA approval for treatment of the acute episodes of depression or mania. Studies of lamotrigine for treatment of acute bipolar depression have produced inconsistent results.

What is the best medication for bipolar depression?

Currently, only quetiapine and the combination of olanzepine and fluoxetine (Symbax) are approved for treating bipolar depression.

Can antidepressants cause bipolar disorder?

Antidepressants present special concerns when used in treating bipolar disorder, as they can trigger mania in some people. A National Institute of Mental Health study showed that taking an antidepressant also to a mood stabilizer is no more effective that using a mood stabilizer alone for bipolar I.

Can bipolar affect a baby?

A complex risk-benefit discussion needs to occur to look at the treatment options available. Some medicines can have risk to the developing fetus and to children in breast milk. However, there is also evidence that being off of all medications increases the likelihood of bipolar symptoms, which itself creates risks to both mother and fetus or baby. Planning ahead and getting good information from your health care team based on your individual circumstances improves your chance of a best outcome.

What is evidence based treatment for bipolar disorder?

What is Evidence-Based Practice for Bipolar Disorder? Research has shown that the treatments listed here are effective for people with bipolar disorder and are considered to be evidence-based. Evidence-based treatments for bipolar disorder include: Medication. Psychoeducation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

How does CBT help with bipolar?

This can help individuals with bipolar disorder minimize the types of stress that can lead to a hospitalization. CBT also helps individuals learn how to identify maladaptive thoughts, logically challenge them, and replace them with more adaptive thoughts. CBT further targets depressive symptoms by encouraging patients to schedule pleasurable ...

Can bipolar be treated concurrently?

Many individuals with bipolar disorder also struggle with an alcohol or substance use disorder. Co-occurring disorders are best treated concurrently, meaning that treatment for bipolar disorder should be integrated with the treatment for the alcohol or drug problem.

What is the purpose of psychoeducation?

Psychoeducation. Psychoeducation educates patients about their illness and the most effective ways of treating symptoms and preventing relapse. Psychoeducation covers topics such as the nature and course of bipolar disorder, the importance of active involvement in treatment, the potential benefits and adverse effects of various treatment options, ...

How does social skills training help bipolar?

Many people with bipolar disorder have difficulties with social skills. Social skills training (SST) aims to correct these deficits by teaching skills to help express emotion and communicate more effectively so individuals are more likely to achieve their goals, develop relationships, and live independently. Social skills are taught in a very systematic way using behavioral techniques, such as modeling, role playing, positive reinforcement, and shaping.

Can weight gain cause bipolar?

Weight gain is a significant and frustrating side effects of some medications used to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Weight gain can lead to problems such as diabetes and hypertension, making it a serious health issue for many individuals.

What is behavioral therapy?

Behavioral therapy focuses on a person’s actions and aims to change unhealthy behavior patterns. CBT is used as an addition to medication and includes psychoeducation about the disorder as well as problem-solving techniques.

How to help someone with bipolar disorder?

Proper diagnosis and treatment can help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and active lives. Talking with a doctor or other licensed health care provider is the first step. The health care provider can complete a physical exam and order necessary medical tests to rule out other conditions. The health care provider may then conduct a mental health evaluation or provide a referral to a trained mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has experience in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Signs and Symptoms. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors —often without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.”.

What does it feel like to be hypomanic?

During a hypomanic episode, a person may feel very good, be able to get things done, and keep up with day-to-day life. The person may not feel that anything is wrong, but family and friends may recognize the changes in mood or activity levels as possible bipolar disorder.

How long does a manic period last?

Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.

When does bipolar disorder start?

Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Bipolar disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth.

Is bipolar disorder a single cause?

Researchers are studying the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most agree that there is no single cause and it is likely that many factors contribute to a person’s chance of having the illness.

What is the purpose of psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.

What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is treated with three main classes of medication: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and, while their safety and effectiveness for the condition are sometimes controversial, antidepressants. Typically, treatment entails a combination of at least one mood-stabilizing drug and/or atypical antipsychotic, plus psychotherapy.

How to help someone with bipolar disorder?

If someone you live with has bipolar disorder, maintain a calm environment, particularly when that person is in a manic phase. Keep to regular routines for daily activities -- sleeping, eating, and exercise. Adequate sleep is very important in preventing the onset of episodes. Avoid excessive stimulation.

What are the different types of depression?

The newer types of nonpharmocological treatments of depression are: 1 VNS (Vagus or Vagal Nerve Stimulation) involves implantation of a device that sends electrical signals to the vagus nerve in order to treat depression. 2 TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a procedure which involves the use of an electromagnetic coil to create electrical currents and stimulate nerve cells in the mood centers of the brain as a treatment for depression. 3 Light therapy has proved effective as an additional treatment when bipolar disorder has a connection to seasonal affective disorder. For those people who usually become depressed in winter, sitting for 20 minutes to 30 minutes a day in front of a special light box with a full-spectrum light can help treat depression.

What is the best medication for bipolar?

The antipsychotic quetiapine ( Seroquel) is approved to treat bipolar I or II depression .

Can antidepressants cause mania?

Some antidepressants -- given alone or in combination with other drugs -- may trigger a manic episode or cause cycles between depression and mania to be more rapid. If an antidepressant is not clearly having a beneficial effect for bipolar depression, there is usually little reason to continue it.

Can alcohol cause bipolar?

Alcohol or illicit drug use can cause or worsen mood symptoms and make prescription medicines work less effectively. IMPORTANT! Help and Support. In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, patients may engage in risky activities, such as fast driving or certain risky sports.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat schizophrenia?

Haloperidol ( Haldol Decanoate) or other newer antipsychotic medications, such as aripiprazole ( Abilify ), asenapine ( Saphris ), olanzapine ( Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprevv, and Zyprexa Zydis ) or risperidone ( Risperdal ), are often given to patients as an alternative to lithium or divalproex.

What is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?

Other therapeutic methods are also available for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy is one such option. The goals of this type of therapy are to help improve the patient’s relationships with others and help him learn to manage his daily routines.

What are the benefits of residential bipolar treatment?

The Benefits of Residential Bipolar Disorder Programs. The benefits of residential bipolar disorder programs are numerous. One of the most important benefits of this type of facility is that you will be able to receive around-the-clock medical supervision while receiving treatment. Due to the risk for self-harm that accompanies bipolar disorder, ...

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is a type of brain disorder that results in changes in activity levels, energy and mood. Individuals who suffer from this disorder may experience difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks. Bipolar disorder treatment program options are ...

How old do you have to be to have bipolar?

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that at least half of all people who develop bipolar disorder do so before the age of 25. Both men and women are equally affected by this condition. Currently, the precise causes of bipolar disorder are not known.

What is the treatment for manic depression?

Therapies for manic depression can be far reaching and may include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medications. Medicines are often considered an integral component in treating bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are often among the first medications to be used in the treatment of this disorder.

How long does a manic phase last?

For instance, if you are experiencing a manic phase, you might notice such symptoms as the following: The manic phase of bipolar disorder can last for weeks or even go on for months. When an individual is in the middle of a depressive episode, he may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Can bipolar be mixed?

It should be noted that bipolar disorder could be somewhat different for each individual. In some instances, an individual with this disorder may experience manic and depressive symptoms at the same time – a condition known as a mixed state. In other cases, symptoms may occur one after another.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Bipolar disorder lasts for a lifetime, with treatments aiming at managing the symptoms by psychotherapy and medication.
Medication

Mood stabilizers: Helps control extreme mood variations.

Carbamazepine . Lamotrigine . Valproate


Antipsychotic drugs: Help reduce symptoms of psychosis such as illusion, hallucination, etc.

Olanzapine . Quetiapine . Lurasidone . Cariprazine


Antidepressants: Helps stabilize the mood swings.

Sertraline . Fluoxetine . Citalopram . Desvenlafaxine . Duloxetine . Levomilnacipran . Venlafaxine


Antianxiety drugs: Reduces anxiousness.

Alprazolam . Clonazepam . Diazepam . Lorazepam . Oxazepam

Therapy

Psychotherapy:Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Psychoeducation and Family-focused therapy are used.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT):Passing mild electrical current to the brain to alter its chemistry and functioning. Usually given in severe cases.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS):Applying a magnetic field to the brain to alter its functions; still being tested. Usually given in severe cases.

Specialist to consult

Psychiatrist
Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Coping and Support

  • To determine if you have bipolar disorder, your evaluation may include: 1. Physical exam.Your doctor may do a physical exam and lab tests to identify any medical problems that could be causing your symptoms. 2. Psychiatric assessment.Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Dependin…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Psychotherapy

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Medications

  • There isn't much research on alternative or complementary medicine — sometimes called integrative medicine — and bipolar disorder. Most of the studies are on major depression, so it isn't clear how these nontraditional approaches work for bipolar disorder. If you choose to use alternative or complementary medicine in addition to your physician-recommended treatment, ta…
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Other Treatments

  • Coping with bipolar disorder can be challenging. Here are some strategies that can help: 1. Learn about bipolar disorder.Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan and recognize mood changes. Help educate your family and friends about what you're going through. 2. Stay focused on your goals.Learning to manage bipolar disorder c…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment Considerations For Women and For Children

  • You may start by seeing your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. You may want to take a family member or friend along to your appointment, if possible, for support and to help remember information.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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