Bipolar Treatment

Posted by Rinda on 23/07/2009

A Guide To Bipolar Treatment

By Rinda Ismar

Bipolar  illness should definitely be taken seriously. There are evidence based treatments that can help bipolar patients in which many of them have succeeded in leading perfectly normal lives.

There are several goals to consider in treating patients with mood disorders.
First off, safety of the patient should be assured.
Secondly, a psychiatrist should carry out a complete diagnostic evaluation.
Third, plan a treatment regiment or program.

In clinical psychiatry textbooks it is said that current treatment focuses on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy towards the bipolar patient.
Treatment must involve decreasing stresors in the patients’ lives, since stressful life events are associated with relapse.

Many online internet sales people discourage bipolar treatment using a lot of negative myths only to profit from their own products.
It is statistically proven that patients do very well on leading bipolar medications such as Depakote or Lamictal.

Another bipolar medication is Lithium, which works as a mood stabilizer. Lithium is one of the most leading medication for bipolar disorder.

In additional to bipolar treatment, cognitive therapy is very beneficial. Cognitive therapy is a technique in which patients are taught new ways of thinking and behaving to replace faulty negative attitudes about themselves, the world, and the future. It is a short term therapy program oriented toward current problems and their resolution.

Yoga, meditation, and accupuncture can also be useful as a complementary therapy, where they play a large significant role in emotional wellness of an individual.
Since exercise releases endorphins, it also helps in bipolar treatment. The body’s natural euphoric chemicals boosts the mood considerably.

What other medications and supplements the patient is taking, should be informed to the doctor since there are adverse or interaction reactions when mixed with these drugs.

To reduce the chance of a relapse or a new episode, it is crucial to follow the treatment program.

You may be interested in reading my other post on Stress Anxiety

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder
The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings