Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition.
It is possible to overcome the highs and lows ofbipolar disorderwith lifelong treatment.
Treatment for bipolar disorder includes prescription medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and more.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
In this article, learn about bipolar disorder treatments.
The following are the main treatments for bipolar disorder.
Medication Options
Bipolar disorder is being recognized as a progressive illness.
Early and adequate treatment with medication after the first manic episode is very important.
The medicationlithiumis a mood stabilizer that helps reduce the severity of mood swings.
However, lithium is not the only drug that treats bipolar disorder.
Researchers are increasingly recommending complex combination pharmacotherapy, meaning taking multiple medications at once.
This approach can help reduce side effects and improve long-term outcomes.
Other medications for bipolar disorder include:
Some healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressants for bipolar disorder.
However, this approach is controversial because, in some cases, antidepressants can trigger manic episodes.
Research on the topic has not found antidepressants an effective bipolar disorder treatment.
That said, a few studies have found them helpful in short-term treatment.
For example, psychotherapy is not recommended (or possible) when someone is in a manic phase.
Medications can also change based on symptoms.
It’s essential to seek support to help you recover from such episodes.
An important stage in bipolar treatment is choosing the setting.
This is done in combination with other health professionals, such as counselors, therapists, and social workers.
Finding the proper mental health care can sometimes feel like dating.
Summary
Bipolar disorder is a chronic and progressive mental health condition characterized by manic and/or depressive phases.
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