Bipolar Disorder Information & Discounts

How can I manage bipolar disorder?

Bipolar Medication

Bipolar disorder is usually managed with a combination of bipolar medications plus therapy. Some medications are used to treat periods of depression while others treat periods of mania. See Types of Medication to read a list of bipolar medications. The best regimen of medication depends on the frequency and the intensity of the cycles that the individual patient experiences. Common bipolar medications include anti-epileptics, atypical antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.

Psychotherapy

Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder may benefit more from sessions of psychotherapy rather than using bipolar medication alone. Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder aims to help the patient identify the triggers that indicate the onset of an episode of mania or depression. Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder may also include family therapy that helps to deal with any family issues that may contribute to bipolar symptoms. Psychotherapy may also help the diagnosed individual to set up and follow a structured lifestyle that helps avoid overstimulation and allows the individuals to get enough rest.

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to those with bipolar disorder as diet and everyday activities can greatly contribute to a person’s mood swings and overall well-being. Those with bipolar disorder are encouraged to eat well by avoiding saturated and trans-fats as well as simple carbohydrates. Poor diet can have a negative effect on mood for everyone, especially those with bipolar disorder. Exercise is encouraged to maintain health, help with mood swings and encourage quality sleep. Establishing a daily routine can also be especially beneficial.

Four Common Types of Bipolar Medication

Anti-epileptics or Anticonvulsants

Anti-epileptics are used as a bipolar medication as well as to control seizures in epileptics. Because they are used to treat irregular impulses in the brain, they calm hyperactivity and help to stabilize mood. They can also be used to treat those with migraines and other brain disorders.

Typical Antipsychotics

Typical antipsychotics or first generation antipsychotics were created to treat psychosis in the 1950s. They are bipolar medications that act on the dopamine receptors in the brain and help control the intensity of mood swings. They are also used to treat symptoms of hallucinations and delusions.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotic drugs or second generation antipsychotics are bipolar medications also act on the dopamine receptors in the brain to help calm the intensity of acute manic episodes or severe depression. They may be used with or without a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder. They may also be used as sedatives to treat insomnia and anxiety for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Talk to your doctor about which types of bipolar medication are best for you.

Mood Stabilizers

Typical antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics and anti-epileptics may all be characterized as mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are medications for bipolar disorder that aid the patient by narrowing the gap between the drastic “poles” of mood swings and softening the intensity of episodes. A common bipolar medication that is a mood stabilizer but does not fall into any of the three categories above is Lithium.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder consists of a drastic fluctuation between two abnormal states, mania and depression. An individual with bipolar disorder will display alternating characteristics of both.

Mania

An individual experiencing mania will be abnormally energetic or hyperactive and will appear to be in an extremely elevated mood. The individual may be easily irritable and may experience periods of elevated self-esteem to the point of delusions of grandeur and suspicion of others. Individuals may be highly productive during these periods, although not necessarily with a meaningful task.

Depression

During periods of extreme depression, an individual will experience a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. They will also experience a drop in self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. The depression will affect the individual’s social relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Insomnia, loss of appetite, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations and delusions may also be experienced.