Bipolar disorder treatment focuses on managing significant changes in mood, energy, activity, sleep, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of mania or hypomania and episodes of depression, which can affect relationships, work, and everyday life. With appropriate professional care, symptoms can be managed over the long term.
What Does Bipolar Disorder Treatment Include?
Treatment is tailored to the individual's symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and treatment goals. A psychiatrist may recommend a combination of medication and psychotherapy depending on the person's needs.
Mood stabilizers and certain atypical antipsychotic medicines may be used to manage manic or depressive episodes and reduce the severity or recurrence of mood episodes. Medication should be taken only as prescribed and should not be stopped suddenly without medical guidance.
Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder, including approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people understand mood changes, develop coping strategies, improve routines, and manage stress.
Who May Benefit?
This treatment may be appropriate for people experiencing recurring mood swings, depressive episodes, unusually elevated or irritable moods, changes in sleep or energy, or difficulty managing everyday responsibilities.