Medication is often used successfully if you suffer from bipolar disorder, but counseling is also a necessary part of recovery to help in understanding the illness and managing it. Bipolar disorder, once called manic depression, can cause mood swings from an excited manic stage to a phase of depressive moods. The various therapies are there to help you improve communication with others by learning more about the symptoms involved in the mental illness.
Medication
Medication remains a necessary treatment for bipolar disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mood stabilizers may be used to help regulate or modify moods so any behavior will not swing as wildly from depression to mania. Anti-seizure medications are also used to help prevent mood swings. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed, according to each individual. You need to be careful because there is a risk that antidepressants may lead to manic episodes in some patients. Certain medications are used to treat mania and others are used to treat depression, depending on your particular symptoms. A combination of medications may be used to treat both manic and depressive moods. Sleep medications or sedatives may be used if you continue to suffer from sleeping problems following treatment. Sleep disorders are often a symptom with bipolar disorder. Medications are also available to prevent recurrences of the disorder.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy methods, or talk therapy, can help you by providing guidance, support and education about the disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Counseling techniques may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you change your negative thinking and turn those thoughts into more productive or positive patterns. Family therapy involves family members in the treatment. It helps everyone identify stressors that may bring about symptoms and improve communication within the family. Group therapy works in a similar way but allows you to talk over difficulties with other patients who are going through similar problems. Education through therapy is also important in helping you or your loved ones to identify signs of a relapse to seek more treatment if necessary. These therapeutic methods may be used when you choose inpatient hospitalization or outpatient treatment programs.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) might be used if you are suffering from severe depression or have not seen improvements through other treatments, the Mayo Clinic explains. ECT, once called "shock therapy," is often used as a last resort for treatment. Electrical currents are sent to the brain to cause seizure-like reactions. You will be given muscle relaxants and put under anesthesia before the treatment is administered. It is believed that the changes in brain chemistry may lead to mood improvements, but researchers still do not fully understand how ECT works, the Mayo Clinic says. Such treatment is your decision under the advice of your doctor.
