Bipolar disorder is the name used to describe a set of ‘mood swing‘ conditions. The most severe case is called ‘manic depression.’ It is a permanent condition and runs an unpredictable course of ups and downs. If left untreated, these ups and downs can be disastrous. Since everyone is different and therefore the appropriate Bipolar Disorder treatment for a particular person is a matter for an experienced surgeon.
If you believe that you are suffering from a bipolar mood disorder, then seek help from a psychiatrist right away. Because when you catch it earlier, you will get a better chance to get rid of it and stay well. Also, the treatment for bipolar disorder aims to reduce the severity of depression to lead a normal life.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Is there a cure for Bipolar Disorder ? Of course, you can use some medications and/ or treatments for controlling the bipolar mood disorder. The bipolar disorder generally involves episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Therefore its management usually involves two parts. The first part is treating the current episode of mania or depression, and the other is preventing the long-term recurrence of mania and depression.
Although bipolar disorder is a disruptive, long-term condition, you can keep your moods in check by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder can be controlled with medications and psychological counseling. Also, the Bipolar disorder treatment involves a combination of at least one mood-stabilizing drug, atypical antipsychotic, and psychotherapy in most cases.
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People with bipolar disorder often seek out treatment according to what part of the cycle they’re in. Generally, the bipolar disorder treatment was divided into three categories. Acute treatment mainly focuses on defeating current symptoms and continues until remission, which occurs when the symptoms are decreased for a period of time. Continuation treatment prevents a return of symptoms from the same manic or depressive episode. Finally, the maintenance treatment prevents a recurrence of symptoms. Hence, go through this article to know How to treat Bipolar Disorder.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder can be treated with Medication, Therapy, Treatments, and lifestyle changes. But before that, you should get diagnosed with an experienced Psychiatrist. Because getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to bipolar disorder treatment. The diagnosis of the disease is made only by taking careful note of symptoms, including their severity, length, and frequency. The psychiatrist will ask you some questions to determine if you have bipolar disorder. If you do, they will conduct different tests and decide what treatments are most suitable for you.
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Initially, your psychiatrist will ask you questions about your personal and family history of mental illness and bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. They also want to know about your medical background and family history, especially whether any of your relatives have had bipolar disorder. The diagnosis of Bipolar disorder consists of the following
Physical Exam
A physical exam or some lab tests may be conducted to identify any medical problems that are causing Bipolar disorder symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
Under this, the specialist will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. They will also conduct a complete psychiatric history. You should answer questions about your symptoms, the history of your problem, any treatment you have previously received, and your family history of mood disorders.
Mood Charting
To identify what’s going on exactly, your doctor may have you keep a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns or other factors that could help with diagnosis and choose the right treatment.
Most of us have become used to specific blood tests or other laboratory measures to help our doctors make an accurate diagnosis. However, most lab tests or imaging tests are not useful in diagnosing bipolar disorder. In fact, the most valuable diagnostic tool may be talking openly with the doctor about your mood swings, behaviors, and lifestyle habits.
Bipolar Disorder Medication
Medications will help you live a much more normal life if you choose to take them. So, you need to start taking medications to balance your moods right away. Because bipolar disorder medication is the initial treatment. If your symptoms are under control, you should work with your doctor to find the best long-term treatment.
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The best medicine for Bipolar Disorder are
- Mood Stabilizers.
- Lithium carbonate.
- Anticonvulsant medicines.
- Antipsychotic medicines.
- Atypical antipsychotics.
- Antidepressants.
Medicines for Bipolar Disorder
Several medications are available for bipolar disorder cure. But the types and doses of medications prescribed are based on your particular symptoms. Generally, these are referred to as mood stabilizers that help in stabilizing mood swings. Taking this medicine will minimize the highs and lows of bipolar disorder and hence keep symptoms under control.
Lithium for Bipolar works effectively in treating the mania. Lithium Carbonate is a long-term method for treating the episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Usually, it was prescribed for at least six months. For lithium to work effective, the dosage must be correct. If it’s not, then you may get side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Anticonvulsant medicines include valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. These medicines are sometimes used to treat episodes of mania. Antipsychotic medicines include aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. These medicines are sometimes prescribed for the treatment of mania or hypomania. Both of these are also referred as long-term mood stabilizers.
Sometimes your doctor may add an anti-depressant to manage depression. Because an antidepressant can sometimes trigger a manic episode, but it was usually prescribed along with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic.
Finding the right medication or medications for you will likely take some trial and error. If one doesn’t work well for you, there are several others to try. But before taking a medicine, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist to understand the risks and benefits of the medication. Also, you should report to them if you have any side effects.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder treatment can provide you the opportunity to live a free and productive life, without the constant mood swings and insecurity. Choosing effective treatment for bipolar disorder provides relief of most symptoms, thereby reducing the intensity of many manic episodes. Also, it allows you to function in your daily life. Listed here are the Bipolar Disorder Treatments without Medication.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the best treatment for Bipolar disorder. It is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be provided in individual, family or group settings. Some psychotherapy treatments used to cure bipolar disorder are
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Psychoeducation.
- Family-focused therapy.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
The focus of cognitive behavioral therapy is identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy and positive ones. It can assist in determining what triggers your bipolar episodes. You also learn effective strategies to manage stress and to cope with upsetting situations.
Psychoeducation
Counseling to help you learn about bipolar disorder (psychoeducation) can help you and your loved ones understand bipolar disorder. Knowing what’s going on can help you get the best support and treatment, and help you and your loved ones recognize warning signs of mood swings.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy is also known as IPSRT focuses on the stabilization of daily rhythms, such as sleep, wake, and mealtimes. A consistent routine allows for better mood management. People with bipolar disorder may benefit from establishing a daily routine for sleep, diet and exercise.
Family Focused Therapy
Living with a person who has bipolar disorder can be difficult. Because it causes strain in your family and marital relationships. But the family-focused therapy solves these problems and works to restore a healthy and supportive home environment. Also, educating family members about the mania and how to manage with its symptoms is a major component of treatment. Hence Family Focused Therapy is the best Bipolar Disorder Treatment.
Electroconvulsive therapy
Under this Electroconvulsive therapy, electrical currents are passed through the brain. This procedure is thought to affect levels of neurotransmitters in your brain and typically offers immediate relief of even severe depression when other treatments don’t work. Physical side effects of this therapy are a headache which was tolerable. Some people may also have memory loss but is temporary. ECT is generally recommended for people who don’t get better results with medications or who can’t take antidepressants due to some health reasons or those at high risk of suicide.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
People who haven’t responded to antidepressants may opt for this Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS is the best mania treatment. During TMS, you should sit in a reclining chair with a treatment coil placed against your scalp. The coil then sends some magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in your brain that are involved in mood regulation and depression. Typically, you may have five treatments each week for up to six weeks.
Alternative Treatments for Bipolar Mood Disorder
Light Therapy
Light therapy helps in treating the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is a type of depression related to when seasons change. This SAD therapy involves working near a light box that imitates natural outdoor light. It may also improve bipolar disorder.
Meditation
Meditation can help you to cope with the stresses of daily life. Not only meditation, but you can also try some breathing exercises and yoga to control the disorder. This therapy can also teach you how to control your reaction to the world around you. Hence it is the best manic depression treatment.
Self-Help Strategies for Bipolar Disorder
Beyond the mania treatment, you get from your doctor; there are many things you can do to reduce your symptoms and stay on track. So, maintain a healthy lifestyle besides taking medicines for Bipolar Disorder.
- Exercise Regularly: People with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Doing exercise regularly helps in stabilizing moods, easing depression, and hence increases sleep.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats because these are linked to brain chemical imbalances. So, eat a balanced diet try eating fish and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
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- Adequate sleep can also stabilize your mood and reduce irritability. Also, get the same number of hours of sleep every night. Because changes in your sleep patterns also sometimes trigger a manic or depressive episode.
- Manage and reduce your stress at work and home.
- Both caffeine and nicotine act as stimulants that make your symptoms worse. So limit your caffeine and nicotine intake.
- Avoid alcohol or illegal drugs during your mania episodes. Because these may disrupt your sleep and also changes your mood.