Bipolar Disorder Treatment

(last updated 15 Jan 2012)

Bipolar Affective Disorder is a condition that causes recurrent mood swings. Typically patients suffer recurrent depression and occasionally periods of mania. Such conditions are very disruptive to one’s life and so it is recommended that you seek treatment to help stabilise your moods. This may make the difference in your personal life and occupational life.

Typically we notice that Bipolar depressions do not respond as well to the regular antidepressant treatment, so chances are that your GP or psychiatrist will recommend that you be treated with a Mood stabiliser. These agents may be used on their own or in combination with antidepressants or other mood stabilisers. This really depends on the severity of your illness.

Bipolar disorder treatment is complex to prescribe and may be associated with some side effects, so it is best to consult with a psychiatrist for this treatment. This treatment will often be long term treatment and may be prescribed indefinitely.

In addition to medicine, patients suffering from Bipolar disorder also need to make healthy lifestyle choices and this may be just as important to wellbeing as medicine is. Importantly that good compliance with medicine is essential if you want to get good results.