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No matter what you are experiencing, treatments and resources are available. VA offers treatment options that are proven to be very effective for most people, and many types of professionals at VA can treat bipolar disorder. Evidence-based therapies are among the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder. They can include the following — which are in many …
Medication
Proper treatment helps most people living with bipolar disorder control their mood swings and other symptoms. Because bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, treatment must be ongoing. If left untreated, the symptoms of bipolar disorder get worse, so diagnosing it and beginning treatment early is important.
Therapy
Exploring Treatment Options. Bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric condition, especially when combined with a substance use disorder. Treatment should draw from multiple modalities and disciplines to address the client’s neurological, psychological, physical, and psychosocial needs. In addition to intensive individual therapy, clients ...
What therapy is best for bipolar disorder?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves trying to change your patterns of thinking, is effective for bipolar disorder, according to the American Psychological Association.May 21, 2021
Who can prescribe medication for bipolar disorder?
There are many medications for treating bipolar disorder, so a psychiatrist, who is best qualified to identify which drugs work best for a specific patient, should oversee treatment. A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor (MD or DO) with specialized training in mental health care.Oct 20, 2020
How do you get tested for bipolar disorder?
There are no specific blood tests or brain scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. Even so, a doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests, including a thyroid function test and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms.Mar 24, 2022
What are 5 signs of bipolar?
Mania and hypomaniaAbnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired.Increased activity, energy or agitation.Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)Decreased need for sleep.Unusual talkativeness.Racing thoughts.Distractibility.More items...•Feb 16, 2021
Can you live with bipolar without medication?
Adults who experience severe bipolar disorder will likely have to remain medicated their whole life. However, it's common for people to go off course with their medications or even stop them entirely.
What happens if you are bipolar and don't take medication?
“Without medication, there could be severe consequences related to poor decision making, at-risk behaviors, sleeplessness, spending sprees, social withdrawal, lack of personal hygiene, trouble meeting professional or school obligations, psychosis, or worse case, suicide,” Bressler says.Mar 8, 2021
Is bipolar curable?
Can bipolar disorder be cured? There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but through behavior therapy and the right combination of mood stabilizers and other bipolar medicines, most people with bipolar disorder can live normal, productive lives and control the illness.Mar 17, 2022
What do bipolar episodes look like?
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). Episodes of mania and depression often last for several weeks or months.