How is bipolar disorder treated in adults?
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Guidelines indicate that for treatment of bipolar disorder in adults, individuals need a combination of the following:
- Maintenance Therapy: Medications such as lithium, lamotrigine, and olanzapine are currently recommended options for maintenance therapy;
- Treatment of Mania: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g. olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine), lithium, and valproate are all medications that are recommended for the treatment of mania;
- Treatment of Depression: Most guidelines recommend an antidepressant only if in combination with a mood stabiliser (e.g. lithium, valproate) or antimanic agent for the treatment of Bipolar Depression since antidepressants alone may induce switching to mania or hypomania, mixed episodes, and rapid cycling. Current research is focused on finding better ways to treat this hard-to-treat phase of the disorder.
- Overall Treatment of the Disorder: A comprehensive and coordinated approach, which includes both medication and psychotherapy, is recommended to provide optimal care for those with bipolar disorder.
Guidelines indicate that for treatment of bipolar disorder in adults, individuals need a combination of the following: Maintenance Therapy: Medications such as lithium, lamotrigine, and olanzapine are currently recommended options for... More -
Dr. Ruth White answered:Medication, Psychotherapy and Lifestyle changes are the three most common ways of treating bipolar disorder. Some people use alternate therapies like Chinese medicines or naturopathy. Medications include anti-depressants and mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety medications. Psychotherapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Lifestyle changes include regular exercise, reducing or eliminating mood influencers like caffeine and alcohol, and a healthy diet that includes Vitamin D and Omega 3s. Other behavior changes like reducing stress and sticking to a sleep routine because sleep is very important to moods.Medication, Psychotherapy and Lifestyle changes are the three most common ways of treating bipolar disorder. Some people use alternate therapies like Chinese medicines or naturopathy. Medications include anti-depressants and mood stabilizers and... More
