Treating Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar Disorder: A Web of Information, Treatment, and Support

Once known as manic-depressive illness and still sometimes called by that name, bipolar disorder affects an estimated 5.7 million adults. Teens and children are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder more frequently, too. There is no cure for the disorder, but it can be managed with a combination of medicine and therapy.

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About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme changes in mood. People with bipolar disorder experience ... read more »

Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but researchers theorize that a mix of family ... read more »

Treating Bipolar Disorder

Medication is the starting point for any bipolar treatment. Lithium is a medication that has been around for years and has been shown, in many cases, to be effective in flattening out the “peaks” and “valleys” of manic and depressive episodes, but there are other prescription drugs available. Other treatment methods include counseling (in combination with medication) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Dulcinea's Insight

Many pharmaceutical companies have programs to help people pay for prescription drugs. If you need such a program, visit the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a nonprofit organization that works with dozens of pharmaceutical companies, to see if you qualify.

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For treatment …

Psych Central discusses the three approaches to treating bipolar disorder: acute, continuation, and maintenance. Learn what kind of practitioner treats bipolar disorder, the types of medications involved, and what approaches don’t work.

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HealthyPlace.com bleakly outlines the serious implications of leaving bipolar disorder untreated. Some behaviors associated with manic phases include excessive spending and promiscuity, which can wreak havoc on a person’s finances and relationships. People with bipolar disorder also have higher rates of substance abuse and suicide.

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To find a doctor …

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a database that you can search by state for a doctor, an in-patient psychiatric hospital, or an outpatient treatment center.

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The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has a brochure to help you find a doctor, along with patient recommendations for doctors and facilities. Click on “Empower Yourself” from the main page, and then on “Find professional help.”

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For questions about medication …

Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association) has a bipolar medication guide that deals with topics such as questions for your doctor, medications for mental illness, and medication for women with bipolar disorder who become pregnant. One section addresses how to find help and pay for medication, including a page with advice if your health insurance denies payment for care. Information is also available in Spanish.

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For treating children …

The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation describes the importance of diagnosing children early and offers advice from other parents on how to find the right doctor. The site also explains parents’ roles in treating bipolar disorder and has a discussion of medication and other treatments. Scroll down to “Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder in Children.”

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For clinical trials …

ClinicalTrials.gov is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. This site provides a list of research clinical trials currently underway to test experimental treatments for bipolar disorder. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guide.

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