Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder, Psychological Solutions

Picture Source: Reliant Family Psychiatry

In order to treat bipolar disorder with or without medication, a proper assessment must first be made. A proper assessment includes the following:

Physiological Examination

The doctor may perform a physical examination and several tests, because medical problems can sometimes cause symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Psychiatric Evaluation

Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, who will talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. Perhaps you fill out a psychological self-assessment questionnaire or a validated psychological test. 

Also, with your permission, the psychiatrist can ask your family members or close friends to provide information about your symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria For Bipolar Disorder

Before treating bipolar disorder, a psychiatrist or psychologist should compare your symptoms to the criteria for bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis In Children

Although the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents follows the same criteria used for adults, symptoms in children and adolescents often have different patterns and may not fit neatly into the diagnostic category.

Children with bipolar disorder are also often diagnosed with other psychological conditions, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or behavioral problems, which can complicate the diagnosis.

Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder

The best treatment for bipolar disorder is done by a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise and experience in this field. A team of specialists may be involved in the treatment of bipolar disorder. This team can include a psychologist, social worker and psychiatrist. 

In some theories, bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. And the treatment is only in the management of its symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment for bipolar disorder may include:

• Psychotherapy By A Psychologist

Usually the main and most effective treatment for psychological disorders is psychotherapy, this treatment method which is mostly a psychotherapy approach has the best results if it is combined with other treatment methods.

• Medications

You will often need to start taking medication at the beginning of treatment to stabilize your mood. Of course, it depends on the severity of the disorder.

• Continued Drug Treatment

Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with drugs or non-drug methods, even when you feel better. People who have been treated are at risk of relapse.

• Daily Treatment Plans

Your doctor may suggest a daily treatment plan. These programs will include the support and advice you need while getting your symptoms under your control.

• Substance Abuse Treatment

If you have an alcohol or drug addiction, you will also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, managing and treating bipolar disorder is very difficult.

• Hospitalization

If you have dangerous behaviors, your doctor may hospitalize you. Often during severe depression, people think of suicide or self-harm, or during mania, they engage in risky behaviors. In these dangerous situations, the doctor may order hospitalization.

In summary, initial treatments for bipolar disorder include medications and psychological counseling to control symptoms, and may also include education and support groups.

Psychotherapy For The Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder

Psychotherapy is an essential part of treating bipolar disorder and can be provided in individual, family, or group settings. Several types of treatment may be helpful. Psychotherapy can have a different approach depending on the cause of your problem. 

Usually, psychological treatments or psychotherapy are long-term in terms of time, but they are the main part of the treatment.

Other Treatment Options For Bipolar Disorder

Depending on your needs, other treatments may be added to your depression sessions.

During electrical brain stimulation (TDCS) therapy, very mild electrical currents are passed through your brain, deliberately facilitating neuronal movement. TDCS appears to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reverse the symptoms of certain mental illnesses.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is being explored as an option for those who have not responded to antidepressants.

Bipolar Drug Treatment

Some medications are more commonly used to treat bipolar disorder than others. The types and dosage of prescribed drugs are based on the symptoms and severity of your symptoms. Medications may include:

• Mood Stabilizers

You usually need mood stabilizers to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium, valproic acid, sodium, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine.

• Antipsychotics

If symptoms of depression or mania persist despite treatment with other medications, adding an antipsychotic such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone, aripiprazole, lorasidone (Latuda), or asenapine (Zaphris) may help. 

Your doctor may prescribe some of these medications alone or in combination with a mood stabilizer.

• Antidepressants

Your psychiatrist may add an antidepressant to help manage episodes of depression. Because an antidepressant can sometimes trigger a manic episode, it is usually prescribed in combination with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic.

• Antidepressant-analgesic

 Symbyax is a combination of the antidepressant fluoxetine and the antipsychotic olanzapine. It works as a depression treatment and mood stabilizer.

• Anti-anxiety Medications

Benzodiazepines may help with anxiety and improve sleep, but are usually used short-term. Definitely, the best medicine is the one prescribed by a psychiatrist.

The effectiveness of medication and the treatment of bipolar disorder require patience, as some medications take time to take full effect.

Side Effects Of Bipolar Medications

By prescribing the right medications and dosages that work for you, mild side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medications. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you have bothersome side effects.

Do not make arbitrary changes or stop taking your medication. If you stop your medication, you may experience withdrawal effects or your symptoms may worsen or return. 

You may become very depressed, feel suicidal, or go into a manic or hypomanic episode. If you think you need to make a change, contact your doctor.

Medications And Pregnancy

Some medications for bipolar disorder can harm an unborn baby and can be passed to your baby through breast milk. Certain medications such as valproic acid and dibaloprex sodium should not be used during pregnancy. Also, birth control pills interact with some bipolar disorder medications.

Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder In Children And Adolescents

Depending on symptoms, drug side effects, and other factors, different treatment prescriptions are usually complicated for children and adolescents.

Medications used for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder are usually the same medications used for adults. But there is less research on the safety and effectiveness of bipolar medications in children than in adults, so treatment decisions are often based on research on adults.

Psychotherapy can also help children and adolescents manage their disorder, develop coping skills, overcome learning difficulties, overcome social problems, and help strengthen family bonds and communication.

• Psychological Education

Psychological education can include learning the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they differ from behaviors related to child development, status and culturally appropriate behavior. Understanding and educating yourself about bipolar disorder can also help you support your child.

• Support

Working with teachers and school counselors and encouraging support from family and friends can help identify services and encourage success.

Healthy Lifestyle In Bipolar Treatment

You may need to make lifestyle changes to stop the cycles of behavior that cause your bipolar disorder. Here are some effective steps:

• Stop Drinking Or Using Recreational Drugs And Alcohol

One of the biggest concerns with bipolar disorder is the negative consequences of risky behavior and drug or alcohol abuse. In relation to leaving these items, be sure to ask for help.

• Build Healthy Relationships

Surround yourself with people who are positive influences. Friends and family members can support and help you with warning signs of mood swings.

• Create A Healthy Lifestyle

Having a regular routine for sleeping, eating and exercising can help balance your mood. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. Eat a healthy diet. If you take lithium, talk to your doctor about proper fluid and salt intake. 

If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what you can do.

• Research Before Taking Other Medications

Before taking medications prescribed by another doctor or any supplements or over-the-counter medications, check with your doctor. Sometimes certain medications can cause depression or mania, or they may interfere with medications you take for bipolar disorder.

• Keep A Chart Of Mood Swings

Keeping a record of daily moods, treatments, sleep, activities, and emotions may help identify triggers, effective treatment options, and adjust treatment if needed.

Medication Free Bipolar Treatment 

Dealing with bipolar disorder can be challenging. In this article, there are some strategies that can help you:

• Learn About Bipolar Disorder

Learning about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick with your treatment plan and recognize your mood swings.

• Focus On Your Goals

Learning to manage bipolar disorder takes time. By reminding yourself of your goals, tell yourself that you can work to repair damaged relationships and other problems caused by your mood swings.

• Join A Support Group

Bipolar support groups can help you connect with others facing similar challenges and share your experiences.

Find healthy media and healthy ways to channel your energy, such as exploring hobbies, sports, and recreational activities.

• Learn Relaxation Techniques And Stress Management

Yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation or other relaxation techniques can help you in times of stress.

Preparing To Meet With A Psychologist Or Psychiatrist

Before the appointment with a psychologist, make a list of the following:

• Symptoms you have had

• Key personal information, including any stress or recent life changes

• Any medications, herbs, or other supplements you take, and the dosages of each.

Final Words

Finding a good and professional counselor at a counseling center that will provide you with the best services in the field of bipolar disorder treatment can be a big problem. Especially if you want to see a psychiatrist for the first time. 

You can  contact Reliant Family Psychiatry for consultation and more information about good counseling centers in the Grand Prairie and Mansfield TX in this field .