Bipolar Disorder: How Can It Be Treated?

1. Bipolar Disorder: How Can It Be Treated? Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes drastic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels of a person. It is a lifelong condition, and if left untreated these unpredictable ups and downs of mood can be devastating. The depressive episodes of the disease make it difficult to lead a stable and productive life. In maniac phase, the patient may become hyperactive or irresponsible. Similarly, in the depressive phase, it becomes difficult for him/her to do anything. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can help avoid these problems. However, successful treatment bipolar disorder treatment involves a combination of factors. Here are some tips to treat this condition. Therapies Therapies are crucial to stabilize the mood, and it is important to see a psychiatrist once or twice a month. Usually, doctors recommend cognitive behavioral therapy that can help them to interpret events and thoughts of patients. Interpersonal therapy is also recommended which helps in maintaining a stable relationship and family interactions – typical problem of people with bipolar disorder. Connect with others Making a balance in social life is often a big problem with patients having bipolar disorder. Overstimulation can be stressful, but so can be isolation. People with bipolar tend to have difficulties in maintaining relationships. To help you out from such situation, you can aim for things that make you feel good, like volunteer for a cause, hobby or sport, etc. It allows you to get your mind off yourself which helps therapeutically. Take medications Medication can help you live a more normal life, especially if your doctor thinks so. However, to cope with regular intake of drugs is not so easy. It needs regular monitoring of blood to make sure that you are taking correct doses, neither high which can be toxic. Skipping doses, no matter due to what reasons can precipitate a reversion. It means, you have to deal with the side effects, which will last for one or two weeks. Take proper sleep People with bipolar disorder often face sleep problems. Either the patients sleep too much, take long naps or experience insomnia even when they are not having an episode. Irregular sleep patterns can aggravate maniac or depressive situation. It is recommended that you get up at the same time every day, even on holidays. If you have time, schedule regular morning activities, like walking or exercising. The right medication, therapy, and some precautions can help you get over with bipolar disorder.