Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
Unlike many of the other psychiatric disorders, Bipolar I Disorder does not always cause the individual significant distress. Manic episodes can feel great and the destruction is not always prevalent until they are out of the manic phase. Treatment is often sought during the depressive episodes. Often those close to the individual with Bipolar I Disorder are the most likely to recognize the manic symptoms.
Pharmacological
Medication is often a required part of treatment for Bipolar I Disorder as there is a strong biological basis. Typically, this illness will need life-long medication intervention. Since many of the symptoms of mania can be appealing, individual’s may either be resistant to medications or stop them. People also stop medications because they start feeling better and think they no longer need the medications.
Therapy
Family-Focused Therapy includes both the person with Bipolar-Disorder and their parents, spouse, or other family members. The first sessions focus on education about Bipolar Disorder: its symptoms, how to recognize the early warning signs of new episodes, and what to do as a family when this occurs. Later sessions focus on communication and problem-solving skills, especially to address family conflicts.
Interpersonal And Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) is a therapy where the person keeps daily records of their bed times, wake times, activities, and daily routines. The therapist works with the person to regulate their daily routines and sleep-wake cycles as a way to stabilize moods.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the relationship between a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They identify negative thoughts and thinking patterns and rehearse more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is similar to CBT, but combines more Buddhist principals. There is a focus on mindfulness and “coming to terms” with your negative thoughts and feelings so you can build coping skills to combat depression.
Group Psychoeducation gets people together, with a facilitator, that are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Some groups are highly structured and follow an educational and skill-training agenda. Others focus on the group members sharing their stories and receiving feedback from people who have gone through similar situations. Groups help to reduce feelings of isolation that often come with mental illness.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Healthy Eating. We know that omega-3 fatty acids are important for your brain to work right. And researchers have found a link between low levels of vitamin D and B vitamins in people with depression. So eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, lots of fresh produce, lean meats, and salmon, tuna, and other fish with heart-healthy fats.
Sleep. During a manic phase, the individual may sleep very little and during a depressive phase may hardly get out of bed. Lack of sleep can trigger a mood change.
Follow these tips to establish healthy sleep habits:
Meditation
Acupuncture
Omega-3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)
Vitamin D
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Treating Underlying Medical Causes
Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke: The brain is often the place in the body that messages (via hormones) to other parts of the body to release hormones. Damage to certain regions of the brain can impact the proper distibution of hormones.
Cushing’s Disease: Often caused by increases in glucocorticoids (steroids) in the body. Many diseases that are treated with steroids and cause Cushing’s (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
Pharmacological
Medication is often a required part of treatment for Bipolar I Disorder as there is a strong biological basis. Typically, this illness will need life-long medication intervention. Since many of the symptoms of mania can be appealing, individual’s may either be resistant to medications or stop them. People also stop medications because they start feeling better and think they no longer need the medications.
Therapy
Family-Focused Therapy includes both the person with Bipolar-Disorder and their parents, spouse, or other family members. The first sessions focus on education about Bipolar Disorder: its symptoms, how to recognize the early warning signs of new episodes, and what to do as a family when this occurs. Later sessions focus on communication and problem-solving skills, especially to address family conflicts.
Interpersonal And Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) is a therapy where the person keeps daily records of their bed times, wake times, activities, and daily routines. The therapist works with the person to regulate their daily routines and sleep-wake cycles as a way to stabilize moods.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the relationship between a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They identify negative thoughts and thinking patterns and rehearse more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is similar to CBT, but combines more Buddhist principals. There is a focus on mindfulness and “coming to terms” with your negative thoughts and feelings so you can build coping skills to combat depression.
Group Psychoeducation gets people together, with a facilitator, that are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Some groups are highly structured and follow an educational and skill-training agenda. Others focus on the group members sharing their stories and receiving feedback from people who have gone through similar situations. Groups help to reduce feelings of isolation that often come with mental illness.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Healthy Eating. We know that omega-3 fatty acids are important for your brain to work right. And researchers have found a link between low levels of vitamin D and B vitamins in people with depression. So eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, lots of fresh produce, lean meats, and salmon, tuna, and other fish with heart-healthy fats.
Sleep. During a manic phase, the individual may sleep very little and during a depressive phase may hardly get out of bed. Lack of sleep can trigger a mood change.
Follow these tips to establish healthy sleep habits:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.
- Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Don’t go to bed unless you are sleepy.
- If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
- Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
- Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings.
- Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Don’t eat a large meal before bedtime. If you are hungry at night, eat a light, healthy snack.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime.
- Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime.
- Take medications a ½ hour before you lay down to go to sleep.
Meditation
Acupuncture
Omega-3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)
Vitamin D
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Treating Underlying Medical Causes
Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke: The brain is often the place in the body that messages (via hormones) to other parts of the body to release hormones. Damage to certain regions of the brain can impact the proper distibution of hormones.
Cushing’s Disease: Often caused by increases in glucocorticoids (steroids) in the body. Many diseases that are treated with steroids and cause Cushing’s (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
If you would like to be evaluated for Bipolar Disorder or seek pharmacological treatment.