The Answered Patient: Treating Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be devastating -- it damages family life, relationships, and careers. Still, many people with the disease don't ever get the help they need because they fear the stigma of having a mental illness. But doctors stress that there's nothing to be ashamed of -- bipolar disorder is a real disease, and with the right care its symptoms can be controlled.

In this episode of "Say Ahh!" we'll look at how doctors diagnose bipolar disorder, and explore the treatment strategies used to help manage the disease, including:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle changes

Unlike the range of emotions most people have, people with bipolar disorder experience frenzied mania alternating with deep depression, which can drastically interfere with everyday life. Many people experience bipolar symptoms for up to ten years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. And the longer people go untreated, the more severe -- and frequent -- the episodes can become.

Though a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be frightening, it's important to remember that help is available. There are a wide variety of medications used to treat the condition. Some stabilize patients during full-blown episodes, while others are used for long-term control of the disease.

For those living with bipolar disorder, drugs are the cornerstone of care, but combining them with psychotherapy often produces the best results. During psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," a licensed professional works with a patient over the course of weeks, months, or even years to find ways to cope with the ups and downs of the illness.

And evidence shows that maintaining healthy habits such as eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep will not only stabilize moods, it will help improve overall health.

With good habits and the right information, most people with bipolar disorder can manage the disease, and live healthy and productive lives.

For more information, click the link below.

• Bipolar Disorder

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