Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Individuals with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, have very extreme mood swings, from periods of euphoria to depression. Bipolar disorder can lead to severe depression and even suicide. However, even those with severe bipolar disorder can hold a job, attend school and maintain healthy relationships if they receive professional bipolar disorder treatment.

If left untreated, bipolar disorder can have devastating consequences. It can ruin a person's relationships with family and friends, make it difficult for a person to hold a job and can even lead to suicide.

Bipolar disorder treatment should be ongoing. Patients who stop taking medication could have recurring episodes of bipolar disorder. Changes to the bipolar disorder treatment plan may be needed periodically to manage the illness effectively.

Mental health professionals who are involved with bipolar disorder treatment typically include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and nurses.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Approach At Walden Behavioral Care

Walden takes a "whole health" approach to bipolar disorder treatment. We treat both physical and psychiatric symptoms concurrently. If the patient has a co-occurring disorder, additional diseases are treated at the same time that bipolar disorder treatment is taking place.

Walden provides both inpatient care and partial hospitalization as part of its bipolar disorder treatment program. Treatment changes as the patient progresses, and more intensive treatment is provided when needed.

Types of Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder treatment typically combines drug therapy with behavioral therapy and psychotherapy. A treatment plan is developed based on an in-depth assessment of each patient. Bipolar disorder treatment is most effective if it is designed to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Using Drug Therapy
Standard bipolar disorder treatment includes the use of mood stabilizers. Lithium carbonate, which can reduce the number and intensity of manic episodes or even prevent them, is the most commonly used medication for bipolar disorder treatment.

Anticonvulsant medications, such as valproate, are also frequently used for bipolar disorder treatment. Bipolar disorder treatment may also include medication to increase thyroid hormones, which are often low in patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Using Psychotherapy
The use of cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of group therapy and educational programs, helps those with bipolar disorder change their behavior and how they think, so that they can better control their illness. By recognizing signs of a potential relapse early on, they can better prevent more severe episodes.

Bipolar disorder treatment also typically includes support groups for family members and loved ones.

Other Types of Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes used when the patient is pregnant or other medical conditions make the use of drug therapy too risky.

Co-Occurring Disorders

People with bipolar disorder often have other disorders, such as anxiety disorder. Drug and alcohol abuse are also common. Bipolar disorder treatment should take place at the same time that other disorders are treated.

Helping Someone with Bipolar Disorder

If you suspect you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, do something about it. Seek professional counseling immediately.

For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.