Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression, and still is by some people. The accurate medical term, "bipolar," describes a personality that is plagued by great emotional highs and dramatic lows. In the manic phase, a person might be extraordinarily happy, excited and compelled to move quickly. In the depressive phase, he might be sad, empty and think of suicide. A number of potential aids may help with in the treatment of this mental illness.
Targeted Medications
The first step in treating bipolar disorder often is finding the right medication. The reason drugs are tried first by the psychiatrist or physician, the Mayo Clinic reports, is to stabilize the patient's moods. This can help her move on in her treatment, although the medications usually are not temporary. She may be required to keep taking medicines for mood control the rest of her life. The most common drug prescribed to treat bipolar disorder is lithium, which works to balance moods. Taking this drug may cause damage to the kidneys and thyroid gland, so blood monitoring is required when lithium is prescribed. Anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine, valproic acid and divalproex, also may be prescribed because they help with mood regulation. Antidepressants such as fluoxetine, venlafaxine, and phenelzine also may be prescribed, but usually with mood stabilizers because antidepressants can spark manic episodes. Antipsychotic drugs, such as quetiapine and olanzapine, may be tried as well. A combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine also may be used to treat bipolar disorder. Anxiety relief drugs, such as those classified as benzodiazepines---medicines such alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide---may be prescribed, but they foster dependence.
Psychotherapy
Once the person's moods are stabilized---leveling the manic and depressive stages of the mental illness---he may begin psychotherapy. While bipolar disorder may be caused by hormonal or neurotransmitter disturbances, among other things, the use of psychotherapy along with medicine may help regulate mental problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. This also may include more common counseling and group therapy. Therapy alone may not work without medications. Counseling also may be needed to treat specific aspects of problems such as drug or alcohol abuse. Without this kind of detoxification and counseling, patients may not be able to achieve the mental states they desire.
Hospitalization
Especially at the beginning of the recognition of bipolar disorder, patients may need to be hospitalized. This, the Mayo Clinic states, is important if the person indulges in dangerous activities, expresses suicidal intentions or has disassociated with reality in a psychotic manner.
