Bipolar Disorder Treatment Overview

The exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown. While genetic vulnerability and life stress are involved in triggering it, experts believe that an underlying imbalance of brain chemicals produces the symptoms. When levels of these chemicals are too high, mania occurs. When levels are low, there is depression.

This biological understanding of the disorder has opened doors for targeted treatments.

The best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and counseling, although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often successful for people who don't respond to traditional therapy or who can't take the medications.

Doctors often treat the mania symptoms associated with bipolar disorder with one set of drugs, and use other drugs to treat depression. Certain drugs are also used for "maintenance" -- to maintain a steady mood over time. Antidepressants are usually not used alone because they may cause manic attacks in depressed patients.

Most people respond well to medications for bipolar disorder. For many others, the symptoms do not completely disappear despite therapy. The moods may become less intense and more manageable, however.

Remember, getting your diagnosis should come as a relief. Now you know what the problem has been and you're on the road to getting the right treatment for bipolar disorder.

Mania in Bipolar Disorder

If you are suffering from mania associated with bipolar disorder, your doctor initially may treat you with an antipsychotic drug and/or a benzodiazepine to quickly control hyperactivity, sleeplessness, hostility, and irritability.

Your doctor will also likely prescribe a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers help control mood swings, prevent recurrences of mood swings, and reduce the risk of suicide. They are usually taken for a long time, commonly for many years. Examples include lithium and certain anticonvulsant drugs.

Treatment of mania often requires hospitalization because there is high risk for unpredictable, reckless behavior and noncompliance with treatment. For people with extreme mania, pregnant women with mania, or those people whose mania can't be controlled with mood stabilizers, doctors sometimes also recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

If mania occurs while on maintenance therapy, your doctor may simply change your medication dose. Or you may start taking an antipsychotic drug to lessen symptoms.

Nondrug treatments, such as psychotherapy and establishing a well-ordered routine, may help patients in their maintenance phase. This is often suggested along with medication but nondrug treatments are usually not effective alone.

Depression in Bipolar Disorder

Treating an episode of depression in bipolar disorder is controversial and challenging. Using antidepressant medication alone is not recommended because the drugs may flip a person into a manic or hypomanic episode. Hypomania is a more subdued version of mania. Antidepressants alone also may lead to rapid cycling. In rapid cycling, a person may recover more quickly from depression -- but may experience mania and then another episode of depression.