• October 4, 2022
• Center for Developmental Psychiatry

Different Types of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and How to Choose the Right One

Over 46 million worldwide, this includes 2.8% of the U.S. population, have bipolar disorder. If you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you may feel like you’re at the mercy of your condition. Treatment for bipolar disorder can be overwhelming and confusing.

It’s important to find the right treatment for you. This guide will help you understand the different types of treatment available. Read on for more.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, often known as manic depression, is a mental disease. The disease often results in extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder can have periods of mania (an elevated mood).

This is often followed by periods of depression. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition. It can lead to suicide, substance abuse, and other problems if left untreated.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

It is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with bipolar disorder often have family members with the condition. This suggests that there is a genetic component.

Environmental factors, such as stress or trauma, may trigger the onset of bipolar disorder in genetically predisposed people.

Types Of Bipolar Disorder

There are four types of bipolar disorder. These include:

Bipolar I Disorder

This is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar I disorder have periods of mania or hypomania and depression. Some people with bipolar I disorder also have periods of mixed states. They experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time.

Mania is a period of very high energy, mood, and activity levels. During a manic episode, a person may feel like they can do anything. They may be very irritable or angry. They may also take risks, such as spending too much money or engaging in risky sexual behavior.

Depression is a period of low energy, mood, and activity levels. During a depressive episode, a person may feel sad, hopeless, and worthless. They may have trouble sleeping, eating, and concentrating.

Bipolar II Disorder

People that have bipolar II disorder experience periods of depression followed by hypomania. They do not experience full-blown mania.

Hypomania is a period of very high energy, mood, and activity levels that is not as severe as mania. When a person experiences a hypomanic episode, they may feel great and be more productive than normal. They may also be more impulsive and take risks. Such risks include spending too much money or engaging in risky sexual behavior.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder. The difference is their mood swings are not as extreme as those with bipolar I or II disorder.

Mood swings include periods of hypomania followed by periods of depression. These mood swings are not as severe as those of people with bipolar I or II disorder.

Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders

This category is for people with bipolar disorder symptoms that don’t meet the criteria for any other type of bipolar disorder. Examples include:

• People with hypomania that doesn’t last long enough or is not severe enough to be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder
• People with symptoms of mania or depression that last less than seven days
• People with symptoms of mania or depression that are not severe enough to be diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorder
• People with symptoms of bipolar disorder that are caused by another medical condition or substance abuse

Options of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but there is treatment for it. The most effective treatment is a combination of medication and psychological counseling (psychotherapy). Some of the medication options are:

Mood Stabilizers

These medications help even out the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. They can help prevent manic and depressive episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include:

• Lithium
• Valproic acid
• Carbamazepine

Antidepressants

These medications are used to treat the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. They are used in combination with mood stabilizers to treat manic episodes. Examples of antidepressants include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants

Atypical Antipsychotics

These medications are used to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. They are used with mood stabilizers to treat depressive episodes. Examples of atypical antipsychotics include olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a type of psychological counseling. It can help treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of psychotherapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy helps change the negative thinking and behavior patterns that trigger bipolar episodes. It can also help people with bipolar disorder manage their stress and deal with their relationships.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy

This therapy helps people with bipolar disorder keep a regular schedule. It can help stabilize their mood swings. They also teach the person coping and problem-solving skills.

Family Therapy

This type of therapy helps educate and support the family members of people with bipolar disorder. This is important because family members can play a role in triggering bipolar episodes.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This therapy treats people with bipolar disorder who also have Borderline Personality Disorder. It helps people learn to control their emotions and impulses.

Group Psychoeducation

This type of therapy helps educate people with bipolar disorder and their family members. It can help people understand the triggers for bipolar episodes and how to prevent them.

Hospitalization

People with bipolar disorder may need to be hospitalized if they are a danger to themselves or others. They may also be hospitalized if they are not able to take care of themselves.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

This treatment is used for people with bipolar disorder who do not respond to other treatments. It involves passing an electric current through the brain to trigger a seizure.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers

There are treatment centers that specialize in the treatment of bipolar disorder. These centers offer a variety of programs, such as inpatient and outpatient care, that can help people manage their conditions. Bipolar disorder management programs typically include medication, psychotherapy, and education about the disorder.

Going to see a doctor for bipolar disorder is the first step in getting treatment. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also do a physical exam and order tests, such as a blood test or brain scan.

If the doctor thinks you have bipolar disorder, they may refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, for further evaluation and treatment.

How To Choose the Right Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

The best treatment for bipolar disorder is the one that meets the needs of the individual. Some people may only need medication to control their symptoms.

Others may need a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The type of treatment that is right for you may change over time as your condition changes.

It is important to work with a mental health professional who has experience with bipolar disorder. They can help you create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Get Help at an Established Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center

If you are considering a treatment center for bipolar disorder, make sure to research the center and make sure it is a good fit for you. Start with the Center for Developmental Psychiatry. We are an established bipolar disorder treatment center that offers a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of our patients.

Schedule an appointment to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or a loved one manage bipolar disorder.