Short-term treatment goals for bipolar disorder
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Treatment & PreventionThe best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and counseling. Doctors often treat the mania symptoms with one set of drugs, and use other drugs to treat depression. Certain drugs are also used for "maintenance" -- to maintain a steady mood over time. Show
DiagnosisTo determine if you have bipolar disorder, your evaluation may include:
Diagnosis in childrenAlthough diagnosis of children and teenagers with bipolar disorder includes the same criteria that are used for adults, symptoms in children and teens often have different patterns and may not fit neatly into the diagnostic categories. Also, children who have bipolar disorder are frequently also diagnosed with other mental health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or behavior problems, which can make diagnosis more complicated. Referral to a child psychiatrist with experience in bipolar disorder is recommended. TreatmentTreatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to control symptoms, and also may include education and support groups. MedicationsA number of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. The types and doses of medications prescribed are based on your particular symptoms. Medications may include:
Finding the right medicationFinding the right medication or medications for you will likely take some trial and error. If one doesn't work well for you, there are several others to try. This process requires patience, as some medications need weeks to months to take full effect. Generally only one medication is changed at a time so that your doctor can identify which medications work to relieve your symptoms with the least bothersome side effects. Medications also may need to be adjusted as your symptoms change. Side effectsMild side effects often improve as you find the right medications and doses that work for you, and your body adjusts to the medications. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you have bothersome side effects. Don't make changes or stop taking your medications. 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, call your doctor. Medications and pregnancyA number of medications for bipolar disorder can be associated with birth defects and can pass through breast milk to your baby. Certain medications, such as valproic acid and divalproex sodium, should not be used during pregnancy. Also, birth control medications may lose effectiveness when taken along with certain bipolar disorder medications. Discuss treatment options with your doctor before you become pregnant, if possible. If you're taking medication to treat your bipolar disorder and think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor right away. PsychotherapyPsychotherapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be provided in individual, family or group settings. Several types of therapy may be helpful. These include:
Other treatment optionsDepending on your needs, other treatments may be added to your depression therapy. During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), electrical currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. ECT may be an option for bipolar treatment if you don't get better with medications, can't take antidepressants for health reasons such as pregnancy or are at high risk of suicide. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is being investigated as an option for those who haven't responded to antidepressants. Treatment in children and teenagersTreatments for children and teenagers are generally decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms, medication side effects and other factors. Generally, treatment includes:
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Alternative medicineThere isn't much research on alternative or complementary medicine — sometimes called integrative medicine — and bipolar disorder. Most of the studies are on major depression, so it isn't clear how these nontraditional approaches work for bipolar disorder. If you choose to use alternative or complementary medicine in addition to your physician-recommended treatment, take some precautions first:
Coping and supportCoping with bipolar disorder can be challenging. Here are some strategies that can help:
Preparing for your appointmentYou may start by seeing your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. You may want to take a family member or friend along to your appointment, if possible, for support and to help remember information. What you can doBefore your appointment, make a list of:
Some questions to ask your doctor may include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor will likely ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask:
Feb. 16, 2021 What are some treatment goals for bipolar disorder?Treatment of bipolar disorder generally begins with the goal of bringing a patient with mania or depression to symptomatic recovery and stable mood. Once stable, the goal progresses to reduction of subthreshold symptoms and relapse prevention.
What is goal directed behavior in bipolar?Increased goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or agitation. Doing risky things that are not typical for that person and have a potential for negative consequences (e.g., unrestrained buying sprees, out-of-control sexual activity, reckless business investments, gambling)
What is the initial goal of treatment during an acute phase of a mood episode?The focus of psychotherapy in the acute phase of treatment is support and education. It can take 4 weeks or more for a severely manic patient to achieve remission and be ready for outpatient care, which requires both medication adherence and attending regular clinic visits. The acute phase usually lasts 6-12 weeks.
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