The largest research project to assess what treatment methods work for people with bipolar disorder is the Systematic Treatment Enhancement for Bipolar Disorder , otherwise known as Step-BD. Step-BD followed over 4, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder over time with different treatments.
People with bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms can be wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia. These other illnesses and misdiagnoses can make it hard to treat bipolar disorder. For example, the antidepressants used to treat OCD and the stimulants used to treat ADHD may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder and may even trigger a manic episode.
If you have more than one condition called co-occurring disorders , be sure to get a treatment plan that works for you. Search Close Menu. Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments.
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Advocacy State Fact Sheets. Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Bipolar Disorder. Because bipolar disorder is a chronic illness in which mood episodes typically recur, ongoing preventive treatment is recommended.
Bipolar disorder treatment is individualized; people with bipolar disorder may need to try different medications before finding what works best for them. In some cases, when medication and psychotherapy have not helped, an effective treatment known as electroconvulsive therapy ECT may be used.
ECT involves several rounds of a brief electrical current applied to the scalp while the patient is under anesthesia, leading to a short, controlled seizure. ECT-induced seizures are believed to remodel brain signaling pathways. From these sources, families can learn strategies for coping, participating actively in the treatment, and obtaining support. A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires someone to have at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode see above.
People return to their usual functioning between episodes. People with bipolar II disorder often first seek treatment as a result of their first depressive episode, since hypomanic episodes often feel pleasurable and can even increase performance at work or school. People with bipolar II disorder frequently have other mental illnesses such as an anxiety disorder or substance use disorder, the latter of which can exacerbate symptoms of depression or hypomania.
Treatments for bipolar II are similar to those for bipolar I: medication and psychotherapy. The most commonly used medications are mood stabilizers and antidepressants, depending on the specific symptoms. If depressive symptoms are severe and medication is not effective, ECT see above may be used. Each person's treatment is individualized.
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving many "mood swings," with hypomania and depressive symptoms that occur freqquently. People with cyclothymia experience emotional ups and downs but with less severe symptoms than bipolar I or II disorder. Treatment for cyclothymic disorder can involve medication and talk therapy.
For many people, talk therapy can help with the stresses of mood swings. Learn more about bipolar disorder in teenagers and how to treat it. Bipolar disorder can have two extremes: up and down. To be diagnosed with bipolar, you must experience a period of mania or hypomania. Your brain structure may impact your risk for the disease. Abnormalities in the structure or functions of your brain may increase your risk. Outside factors may contribute, too.
These factors can include:. Each of these factors may influence who develops bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be passed from parent to child. Research has identified a strong genetic link in people with the disorder. If you have a relative with the disorder, your chances of also developing it are four to six times higher than people without a family history of the condition. In addition, not everyone with bipolar disorder has a family history of the disease.
Still, genetics seem to play a considerable role in the incidence of bipolar disorder. If you have a family member with bipolar disorder, find out whether screening might be a good idea for you. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder I involves either one or more manic episodes, or mixed manic and depressive episodes. It may also include a major depressive episode, but it may not. A diagnosis of bipolar II involves one or more major depressive episodes and at least one episode of hypomania.
To be diagnosed with a manic episode, you must experience symptoms that last for at least one week or that cause you to be hospitalized. You must experience symptoms almost all day every day during this time. Major depressive episodes, on the other hand, must last for at least two weeks.
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because mood swings can vary. This age group often has greater changes in mood, behavior, and energy levels. Episodes may happen more often or become more extreme. Therefore, diagnosis is very important.
See how bipolar disorder is diagnosed. Instead, your doctor will use several tests and exams. These may include:. Your doctor may use other tools and tests to diagnose bipolar disorder in addition to these. Read about other tests that can help confirm a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Several treatments are available that can help you manage your bipolar disorder.
These include medications, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Some natural remedies may also be helpful. Recommended medications may include:. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy.
You and a therapist talk about ways to manage your bipolar disorder. They will help you understand your thinking patterns. They can also help you come up with positive coping strategies. You can connect to a mental health care professional in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. Psychoeducation is a kind of counseling that helps you and your loved ones understand the disorder.
Knowing more about bipolar disorder will help you and others in your life manage it. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy IPSRT focuses on regulating daily habits, such as sleeping, eating, and exercising.
Balancing these everyday basics can help you manage your disorder. Other lifestyle changes can also help relieve depressive symptoms caused by bipolar disorder.
Check out these seven ways to help manage a depressive episode. Some natural remedies may be helpful for bipolar disorder. The following herbs and supplements may help stabilize your mood and relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder:. Several other minerals and vitamins may also reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects about 60 million people around the world. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself and those around you.
There are many resources available. You can also find additional resources at the site for the National Institute of Mental Health. If you think a friend, relative, or loved one may have bipolar disorder, your support and understanding is crucial. And read how to help someone living with bipolar disorder. People who are experiencing a depressive episode may have suicidal thoughts. You should always take any talk of suicide seriously. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline.
Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
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