Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder (known also as manic depression) is a disorder that causes shifts in mood, thinking, energy, and behavior from the highs of mania to the lows of depression. A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. The cycles and duration of the mood can last days, weeks, or months. The causes of bipolar disorder are not completely understood. The symptoms can be subtle and confusing, thus being often overlooked. The peaks of the illness can disrupt people's lives.

Treatment for bipolar disorder requires long term commitment. Medication alone is not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Medications that belong to the class of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics are used individually or in a medication cocktail to target both poles of the illness. Stressful life events can trigger bipolar disorder in people with genetic variability. Sleep deprivation can also trigger an episode of mania. Often, substance abuse is a comorbidity which can complicate the treatment. Despite its chronic course, many people affected by this illness can lead productive life with proper treatment.