Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsList of TreatmentsTreatment ResponseComplementary TreatmentSupport During TreatmentWhere to Find TreatmentNext in Bipolar Disorder GuideHow to Support Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
List of Treatments
Treatment Response
Complementary Treatment
Support During Treatment
Where to Find Treatment
Next in Bipolar Disorder Guide
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition. It is possible to overcome the highs and lows ofbipolar disorderwith lifelong treatment. Treatment for bipolar disorder includes prescription medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and more.
In this article, learn about bipolar disorder treatments.
List of Bipolar Disorder Treatments
Treatment is essential to managing bipolar disorder symptoms. When left untreated, bipolar disorder can progress and adversely impact your relationships, employment, and daily functioning, and lead to an increased risk of suicide.
The following are the main treatments for bipolar disorder.
Medication Options
Bipolar disorder is being recognized as a progressive illness. Early and adequate treatment with medication after the first manic episode is very important.
The medicationlithiumis a mood stabilizer that helps reduce the severity of mood swings. It is considered the gold standard for bipolar disorder treatment, with a large body of research supporting lithium as a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder.
However, lithium is not the only drug that treats bipolar disorder. Researchers are increasingly recommending complex combination pharmacotherapy, meaning taking multiple medications at once. This approach can help reduce side effects and improve long-term outcomes.
Other medications for bipolar disorder include:
Some healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressants for bipolar disorder. However, this approach is controversial because, in some cases, antidepressants can trigger manic episodes. Research on the topic has not found antidepressants an effective bipolar disorder treatment. That said, a few studies have found them helpful in short-term treatment.
Therapy Types and Techniques
Therapy is an integral part of bipolar disorder treatment and can improve results when used alongside medication.
Psychotherapy can be done one-on-one or in groups and is helpful during the depression and maintenance phases of bipolar disorder.
Types of psychotherapy that benefit people with bipolar disorder include:
With therapy, people with bipolar disorder have been shown to have reduced relapses, improved medication adherence, improved functioning, increased recognition of early warning signs, better self-management skills, better family communication, and more.
Illness Education
Illness education, also called psychoeducation, involves healthcare providers teaching their patients about bipolar disorder as a condition and how it will affect their life.Education is an integral part of manic or depressive episode prevention, management, and recovery.
Some examples of topics covered in psychoeducation sessions include:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy(ECT) is sometimes called electroshock therapy. According to research, ECT can help manage severe cases of acute mania, mixed episodes, and bipolar depression.It is also beneficial forcatatonia(being unreactive to one’s surroundings) and drug-resistant bipolar disorder.
Light Therapy
Light therapyinvolves sitting in front of alight boxdaily to help reset circadian rhythms and regulate neurotransmitters.
It is most well-known as a treatment forseasonal affective disorder(SAD); however, it can also help treat bipolar disorder, particularly among people who are prone to depressive episodes during the winter months.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) is a treatment for depression in which a qualified healthcare provider uses magnetic waves to stimulate the brain. It can be helpful in the depressive phase of bipolar disorder and has a lower risk of side effects than ECT.
Treatment Response to Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms and treatment for bipolar disorder are different depending on whether a person is in amanic phase(elevated or euphoric mood), depressive phase (low energy and mood), or a period between phases.
For example, psychotherapy is not recommended (or possible) when someone is in a manic phase.
Medications can also change based on symptoms. Benzodiazepines are depressants and may be used short-term during an acute manic phase to help with agitation.Antidepressants may help during a depressive phase but are not recommended long-term as they can trigger manic phases in some people.
Usually, healthcare providers prescribe one or more medications, such as lithium, in combination with psychotherapy for long-term bipolar disorder management.Any other fluctuations in treatment will depend on symptoms and should prompt a consultation with your healthcare team.
What to Do During a Manic EpisodeA manic episode involves an extreme mood swing to euphoria, risk-taking, decreased sleep, racing thoughts, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and more symptoms that disturb a person’s functioning.Often, the person experiencing the manic episode has trouble recognizing this in themselves, so close family and friends should encourage the person to seek help orcall a mental health hotlineon their loved one’s behalf.Treatment for a manic episode can involve:Temporary medication change to reduce symptoms of psychosis, agitation, and maniaTreatment in a residential or inpatient mental health facilityEducation in mood charting and journaling after the acute episode to prevent and identify future manic episodes
What to Do During a Manic Episode
A manic episode involves an extreme mood swing to euphoria, risk-taking, decreased sleep, racing thoughts, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and more symptoms that disturb a person’s functioning.Often, the person experiencing the manic episode has trouble recognizing this in themselves, so close family and friends should encourage the person to seek help orcall a mental health hotlineon their loved one’s behalf.Treatment for a manic episode can involve:Temporary medication change to reduce symptoms of psychosis, agitation, and maniaTreatment in a residential or inpatient mental health facilityEducation in mood charting and journaling after the acute episode to prevent and identify future manic episodes
A manic episode involves an extreme mood swing to euphoria, risk-taking, decreased sleep, racing thoughts, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and more symptoms that disturb a person’s functioning.
Often, the person experiencing the manic episode has trouble recognizing this in themselves, so close family and friends should encourage the person to seek help orcall a mental health hotlineon their loved one’s behalf.
Treatment for a manic episode can involve:
Complementary Bipolar Disorder Treatments
Up to 50% of adults with bipolar disorder use some complementary treatment alongside medical treatment.
Lifestyle and complementary treatments for bipolar disorder include:
Bipolar Disorder Support During Treatment
Living with bipolar disorder, particularly during a manic or depressive phase, is immensely difficult. It’s essential to seek support to help you recover from such episodes.
An important stage in bipolar treatment is choosing the setting. Depending on the severity of symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend aresidential or inpatient facilityfor those having severe symptoms and requiring extra support to ensure their safety and recovery.
Where to Find Bipolar Disorder Treatments
People with bipolar disorder and their families can also seek help from national or local support groups and advocacy organizations.Some of these organizations can connect you with clinical trials for new bipolar treatments.
Resources for bipolar support include:
A Word From VerywellSome people find effective treatment quickly, while it takes others time. Finding the proper mental health care can sometimes feel like dating. You may not end up with the first one you meet; it may take a few tries to find the right fit.—DAKARI QUIMBY, PHD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Some people find effective treatment quickly, while it takes others time. Finding the proper mental health care can sometimes feel like dating. You may not end up with the first one you meet; it may take a few tries to find the right fit.—DAKARI QUIMBY, PHD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Some people find effective treatment quickly, while it takes others time. Finding the proper mental health care can sometimes feel like dating. You may not end up with the first one you meet; it may take a few tries to find the right fit.
—DAKARI QUIMBY, PHD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Post RM.How to prevent the malignant progression of bipolar disorder.Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(5):552-557. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2020-0874Medeiros GC, Senço SB, Lafer B, Almeida KM.Association between duration of untreated bipolar disorder and clinical outcome: data from a Brazilian sample.Braz J Psychiatry. 2016;38(1):6-10. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2015-1680Alda M.Lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: pharmacology and pharmacogenetics.Mol Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;20(6):661-70. doi:10.1038/mp.2015.4.Post RM.New perspectives on the course and treatment of bipolar disorder.Minerva Psychiatry. 2017;58(1). doi:10.23736/S0391-1772.17.01921-5Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.196974Safer DJ.Lorazepam use during clinical trials of adults with bipolar mania episodes.Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2023;33:101122. doi:10.1016%2Fj.conctc.2023.101122Gitlin MJ.Antidepressants in bipolar depression: an enduring controversy.Int J Bipolar Disord. 2018;6:25. doi:10.1186%2Fs40345-018-0133-9Özdel K, Kart A, Türkçapar MH.Cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S66-S76. doi:10.29399/npa.27419Steardo L, Luciano M, Sampogna G, et al.Efficacy of the interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (Ipsrt) in patients with bipolar disorder: results from a real-world, controlled trial.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2020;19:15. doi:10.1186%2Fs12991-020-00266-7Miklowitz DJ, Chung B.Family-focused therapy for bipolar disorder: reflections on 30 years of research.Fam Process. 2016;55(3):483-499. doi:10.1111%2Ffamp.12237Post RM, Yatham LN, Vieta E, Berk M, Nierenberg AA.Beyond evidence‐based treatment of bipolar disorder: rational pragmatic approaches to management.Bipolar Disorders. 2019;21(7):650-659. doi:10.1111/bdi.12813Perugi G, Medda P, Toni C, Mariani MG, Socci C, Mauri M.The role of electroconvulsive therapy (Ect) in bipolar disorder: effectiveness in 522 patients with bipolar depression, mixed-state, mania and catatonic features.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):359-371. doi:10.2174%2F1570159X14666161017233642National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.American Psychiatric Association.What are bipolar disorders?Salem T, Fristad MA.Integrative medicine and lifestyle management in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In:Bipolar Disorder. Primers on psychiatry. Oxford University Press; 2020:267-284. doi:10.1093/med/9780190908096.003.0015National Health Service.Treatment - bipolar disorder.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Post RM.How to prevent the malignant progression of bipolar disorder.Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(5):552-557. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2020-0874Medeiros GC, Senço SB, Lafer B, Almeida KM.Association between duration of untreated bipolar disorder and clinical outcome: data from a Brazilian sample.Braz J Psychiatry. 2016;38(1):6-10. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2015-1680Alda M.Lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: pharmacology and pharmacogenetics.Mol Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;20(6):661-70. doi:10.1038/mp.2015.4.Post RM.New perspectives on the course and treatment of bipolar disorder.Minerva Psychiatry. 2017;58(1). doi:10.23736/S0391-1772.17.01921-5Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.196974Safer DJ.Lorazepam use during clinical trials of adults with bipolar mania episodes.Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2023;33:101122. doi:10.1016%2Fj.conctc.2023.101122Gitlin MJ.Antidepressants in bipolar depression: an enduring controversy.Int J Bipolar Disord. 2018;6:25. doi:10.1186%2Fs40345-018-0133-9Özdel K, Kart A, Türkçapar MH.Cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S66-S76. doi:10.29399/npa.27419Steardo L, Luciano M, Sampogna G, et al.Efficacy of the interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (Ipsrt) in patients with bipolar disorder: results from a real-world, controlled trial.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2020;19:15. doi:10.1186%2Fs12991-020-00266-7Miklowitz DJ, Chung B.Family-focused therapy for bipolar disorder: reflections on 30 years of research.Fam Process. 2016;55(3):483-499. doi:10.1111%2Ffamp.12237Post RM, Yatham LN, Vieta E, Berk M, Nierenberg AA.Beyond evidence‐based treatment of bipolar disorder: rational pragmatic approaches to management.Bipolar Disorders. 2019;21(7):650-659. doi:10.1111/bdi.12813Perugi G, Medda P, Toni C, Mariani MG, Socci C, Mauri M.The role of electroconvulsive therapy (Ect) in bipolar disorder: effectiveness in 522 patients with bipolar depression, mixed-state, mania and catatonic features.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):359-371. doi:10.2174%2F1570159X14666161017233642National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.American Psychiatric Association.What are bipolar disorders?Salem T, Fristad MA.Integrative medicine and lifestyle management in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In:Bipolar Disorder. Primers on psychiatry. Oxford University Press; 2020:267-284. doi:10.1093/med/9780190908096.003.0015National Health Service.Treatment - bipolar disorder.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Post RM.How to prevent the malignant progression of bipolar disorder.Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(5):552-557. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2020-0874Medeiros GC, Senço SB, Lafer B, Almeida KM.Association between duration of untreated bipolar disorder and clinical outcome: data from a Brazilian sample.Braz J Psychiatry. 2016;38(1):6-10. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2015-1680Alda M.Lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: pharmacology and pharmacogenetics.Mol Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;20(6):661-70. doi:10.1038/mp.2015.4.Post RM.New perspectives on the course and treatment of bipolar disorder.Minerva Psychiatry. 2017;58(1). doi:10.23736/S0391-1772.17.01921-5Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.196974Safer DJ.Lorazepam use during clinical trials of adults with bipolar mania episodes.Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2023;33:101122. doi:10.1016%2Fj.conctc.2023.101122Gitlin MJ.Antidepressants in bipolar depression: an enduring controversy.Int J Bipolar Disord. 2018;6:25. doi:10.1186%2Fs40345-018-0133-9Özdel K, Kart A, Türkçapar MH.Cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S66-S76. doi:10.29399/npa.27419Steardo L, Luciano M, Sampogna G, et al.Efficacy of the interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (Ipsrt) in patients with bipolar disorder: results from a real-world, controlled trial.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2020;19:15. doi:10.1186%2Fs12991-020-00266-7Miklowitz DJ, Chung B.Family-focused therapy for bipolar disorder: reflections on 30 years of research.Fam Process. 2016;55(3):483-499. doi:10.1111%2Ffamp.12237Post RM, Yatham LN, Vieta E, Berk M, Nierenberg AA.Beyond evidence‐based treatment of bipolar disorder: rational pragmatic approaches to management.Bipolar Disorders. 2019;21(7):650-659. doi:10.1111/bdi.12813Perugi G, Medda P, Toni C, Mariani MG, Socci C, Mauri M.The role of electroconvulsive therapy (Ect) in bipolar disorder: effectiveness in 522 patients with bipolar depression, mixed-state, mania and catatonic features.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):359-371. doi:10.2174%2F1570159X14666161017233642National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.American Psychiatric Association.What are bipolar disorders?Salem T, Fristad MA.Integrative medicine and lifestyle management in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In:Bipolar Disorder. Primers on psychiatry. Oxford University Press; 2020:267-284. doi:10.1093/med/9780190908096.003.0015National Health Service.Treatment - bipolar disorder.
Post RM.How to prevent the malignant progression of bipolar disorder.Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(5):552-557. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2020-0874
Medeiros GC, Senço SB, Lafer B, Almeida KM.Association between duration of untreated bipolar disorder and clinical outcome: data from a Brazilian sample.Braz J Psychiatry. 2016;38(1):6-10. doi:10.1590%2F1516-4446-2015-1680
Alda M.Lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: pharmacology and pharmacogenetics.Mol Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;20(6):661-70. doi:10.1038/mp.2015.4.
Post RM.New perspectives on the course and treatment of bipolar disorder.Minerva Psychiatry. 2017;58(1). doi:10.23736/S0391-1772.17.01921-5
Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.196974
Safer DJ.Lorazepam use during clinical trials of adults with bipolar mania episodes.Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2023;33:101122. doi:10.1016%2Fj.conctc.2023.101122
Gitlin MJ.Antidepressants in bipolar depression: an enduring controversy.Int J Bipolar Disord. 2018;6:25. doi:10.1186%2Fs40345-018-0133-9
Özdel K, Kart A, Türkçapar MH.Cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S66-S76. doi:10.29399/npa.27419
Steardo L, Luciano M, Sampogna G, et al.Efficacy of the interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (Ipsrt) in patients with bipolar disorder: results from a real-world, controlled trial.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2020;19:15. doi:10.1186%2Fs12991-020-00266-7
Miklowitz DJ, Chung B.Family-focused therapy for bipolar disorder: reflections on 30 years of research.Fam Process. 2016;55(3):483-499. doi:10.1111%2Ffamp.12237
Post RM, Yatham LN, Vieta E, Berk M, Nierenberg AA.Beyond evidence‐based treatment of bipolar disorder: rational pragmatic approaches to management.Bipolar Disorders. 2019;21(7):650-659. doi:10.1111/bdi.12813
Perugi G, Medda P, Toni C, Mariani MG, Socci C, Mauri M.The role of electroconvulsive therapy (Ect) in bipolar disorder: effectiveness in 522 patients with bipolar depression, mixed-state, mania and catatonic features.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):359-371. doi:10.2174%2F1570159X14666161017233642
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
American Psychiatric Association.What are bipolar disorders?
Salem T, Fristad MA.Integrative medicine and lifestyle management in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In:Bipolar Disorder. Primers on psychiatry. Oxford University Press; 2020:267-284. doi:10.1093/med/9780190908096.003.0015
National Health Service.Treatment - bipolar disorder.
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