How to Manage Symptoms With Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder can make it harder for people to manage their mood, energy levels, and thinking patterns. Fortunately, bipolar disorder treatment can help manage their symptoms and find stability in their daily lives. With a personalized and comprehensive approach, bipolar disorder treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes.
Understanding bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can include episodes of mania and depression. During manic episodes, individuals experience the following symptoms:
- Elevated mood and excitement
- Sudden and severe mood changes
- Restlessness
- Rapid speech and thoughts
- Increased energy levels
- Increased impulsivity and poor judgment
- Reckless, risk-taking behavior
Meanwhile, symptoms of depressive episodes may include low energy and fatigue, lack of motivation, and overwhelming sadness. Fortunately, psychiatric bipolar disorder treatment can help stabilize these mood changes and support the patient's daily function. Bipolar disorder is not curable. However, effective treatment allows many individuals to lead balanced, productive, and healthy lives.
Treatment options to alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder
Prescription medication
There are specific medications that psychiatrists can prescribe to help patients manage their bipolar disorder symptoms. They may need to try different medications before finding the medication — or a combination of multiple medications — that works best for their needs. Common medications that the psychiatrist may prescribe include:
- Mood stabilizers. These medications, such as lithium, can help prevent manic or hypomanic episodes.
- Neuroleptic medications. Also known as antipsychotics, psychiatrists often combine these medications with mood stabilizers, helping both manic and depressive episodes.
- Antidepressants. Healthcare providers often prescribe antidepressants with mood stabilizers for depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. However, using them alone can trigger manic episodes.
The type and dosage of medication are typically tailored to each individual's symptoms and medical history. The psychiatrist will regularly monitor to evaluate its effectiveness and manage any related side effects.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can be an effective part of a patient's bipolar treatment plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and manage harmful thought patterns that can contribute to mood swings. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on stabilizing daily routines, which can have a positive impact on the patient's mood regulation. When combined with medication, therapy and psychoeducation provide an opportunity for patients to build healthy coping skills, strengthen their relationships, and improve insight into their triggers and behaviors.
Supportive lifestyle habits
In addition to therapy and medication, the psychiatrist may recommend lifestyle changes to stop behavior patterns that worsen the patient's mood regulation. For example, establishing a regular sleep schedule and engaging in exercise can help them manage their symptoms. Avoiding substance use — smoking, drinking, and recreational drug use — can also contribute to better treatment outcomes.
Long-term symptom management and outlook
Long-term management of bipolar disorder requires patience and commitment. The psychiatrist may make periodic adjustments to treatment plans as necessary based on changes in symptoms, life events, or treatment responses. Missed doses of medication or untreated symptoms can lead to symptom relapse. Open communication with the psychiatrist fosters trust and helps address concerns as they arise.
Schedule a consultation at our Houston office
Bipolar disorder treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For those with bipolar disorder, consistent and comprehensive care offers the most effective approach to improving symptoms and gaining long-term stability. Call our Houston office to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.christiesfamilyhealth.com or call Christies Family Health LLC at (832) 915-1818 for an appointment in our Downey office.
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