If you think you may have bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor or a trusted friend or family member. Another person may be able to assist you in taking the first steps toward treating the condition. Most people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling, productive lives if they continue with their treatment and regularly see their doctor. Hospitalization may be required in some cases of bipolar disorder, but in most cases, the condition can be successfully treated in an outpatient setting, ideally by seeing a psychiatrist. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide — or if you think a loved one may harm themself or others — seek emergency medical help immediately. Once your mood swings and other symptoms are under control, you’ll work with your doctor to develop a maintenance treatment plan to manage your condition over the long term. A number of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder:
Mood stabilizersAntipsychoticsAntidepressantsAnti-anxiety medications
Depakote (divalproex sodium)Lamictal (lamotrigine)Lithobid (lithium)Tegretol (carbamazepine)
Antipsychotic drugs may also be used to control episodes of depression or mania. They can be used as treatment on their own or combined with a mood stabilizer, especially in more severe cases when delusions or hallucinations are occurring. Drugs in this class include:
Abilify (aripiprazole)Geodon (ziprasidone)Haldol (haloperidol)Latuda (lurasidone)Proloxin (fluphenazine)Risperdal (risperidone)Saphris (asenapine)Seroquel (quetiapine)Zyprexa (olanzapine)
In rare cases, an antidepressant may also be added along with a mood stabilizer or an antipsychotic to help manage a severe, acute episode of depression. Finally, in severe cases, your doctor may recommend a benzodiazepine — or another type of anti-anxiety medication — to help manage symptoms of restlessness, irritability, and sleep in the short term. Benzodiazepines are only recommended for short-term treatment, while mood stabilizers and the other medicines listed are given for longer periods of time. There’s a certain amount of trial and error associated with finding the right treatment for each individual’s bipolar disorder. But, you and your doctor should be able to find a combination that works well for you. Be sure to continue sharing with your doctor what symptoms you’re having, as well as any medication side effects you’re experiencing. In addition to their potential for side effects, many of the drugs used to treat bipolar disorder can interact with birth control pills or may have health implications for women who are pregnant or might become pregnant. If you’re using birth control, are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting any medication for bipolar disorder. In ECT, your brain is treated with small electrical currents, which cause a short period of controlled seizure activity that’s designed to affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that affect the brain). ECT can be used to treat both manic and depressive episodes. In TMS, small magnetic pulses are applied to your brain to stimulate nerve cells that control mood regulation. TMS is primarily used to treat depressive episodes. Both of these approaches typically involve multiple treatments. Your doctor may also recommend educational and support programs for you and your family, which may help you better understand the disease and its symptoms, as well as how to cope with it. When a child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, teachers, school administrators, and other support staff are often engaged in treatment to make sure the child is doing well. Talk to your doctor before starting any nontraditional treatment for bipolar disorder to make sure that it won’t interact with any prescription medications you’re taking. Most importantly, don’t stop taking prescribed medications even if you’re feeling better. This could cause your symptoms to worsen.
Learning about the disorder can also help you educate your family and friends about your struggles so that they can better support you. In addition, there are many sources of support for people with bipolar disorder and their families. As you and your doctor work to refine your treatment to minimize both symptoms and side effects, try to be patient and remain motivated toward achieving your recovery goals. There are many combinations of treatments, and one of them will most likely work for you. In addition, try to find healthy ways to channel your energy and manage or reduce stress. For example, it helps to quit drinking alcohol or using drugs, as these substances can worsen the risk-taking behaviors associated with episodes of mania or hypomania as well as make episodes of depression more severe. Be sure to surround yourself with supportive, caring friends and family who will help you cope with your condition and who don’t encourage negative or destructive behaviors. And exercise regularly because physical activity can reduce stress, stabilize your mood, and signal your brain to release chemicals called endorphins that make you feel good. Getting enough exercise can also help improve your sleep, which may help stabilize your mood. Work with your doctor to develop an exercise regimen that’s right for you. Consider taking on hobbies that help you relax, or explore certain relaxation techniques — such as yoga or meditation — that are designed to reduce stress. DBSA aims to support people with mood disorders — specifically, depression and bipolar disorder. Through DBSA’s directories, you could find a local or online support group to connect with other people with depression or bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic This top U.S. hospital offers educational information about bipolar disorder and myriad other health conditions. If you live near a Mayo Clinic location, you could schedule an appointment to receive care for bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) NIMH is an institute within the National Institutes of Health, the world’s largest biomedical research agency. Through the NIMH, you could seek help for bipolar disorder or participate in a research trial to help experts learn more about bipolar disorder and potential treatments. National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) NAMI is an educational and advocacy organization geared toward raising awareness about mental illness and improving the lives of people with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. NAMI’s directory can connect you with a chapter in your area. If you’re interested in federal advocacy efforts for mental health-related research and care, check out opportunities to get involved. Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.
