Bipolar disease, also known as bipolar disorder, refers to a type of mental illness involving high periods of mania and low periods of depression. Much like a pendulum, a person can be sad one moment and in an extreme state of euphoria the next. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), some symptoms include rapid speech, restlessness, fatigue and suicidal thoughts. There are specific steps to treat bipolar disease.
Step 1
Go to your psychiatrist and obtain a prescription for a mood stabilizer, an atypical antipsychotic, an antidepressant or an anti-seizure medication. The medication chosen will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Mood stabilizers like Lithium are the first line of treatment for bipolar disease as it works to stabilize your mood swings. Atypical antipsychotics like Olanzapine may be used with an antidepressant medication to decrease bipolar disease symptoms. Anti-seizure medications prevent mood swings. Talk to your psychiatrist and he will develop the best treatment for you.
Step 2
Go to a psychotherapist and get counseling. There are four types of counseling available to help treat bipolar disease. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change your negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Family therapy helps the entire family resolve conflicts and communicate. Group therapy allows you to learn from other people with bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation allows you to learn more about bipolar disease and recognize early symptoms.
Step 3
Get electroconvulsive therapy, also called shock therapy. This is considered a "last resort" for people who do not see improvement with medications and psychotherapy. In shock therapy, an electrical impulse will go to your brain and trigger a seizure. This seizure can potential decrease your symptoms of bipolar disease.
Things You'll Need
- Mood stabilizer medication
- Atypical antipsychotic medication
- Anti-seizure medication
- Antidepressant medication
