How a Psychiatrist Can Help Treat Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can make everyday life difficult. Severe mood swings can negatively affect one’s energy level, finances, career, and relationships. However, treatment can help clients manage the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, putting a happy, healthy life within reach. This article will help readers gain a better understanding of this mood disorder and the psychiatric treatments for it.

Understanding bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder brings extreme highs and lows, also known as “mania” and “depression.” Whether a person experiences mania or hypomania (less severe mania) and depression determines the type of bipolar disorder they have.

Bipolar mania, or a “manic episode,” is a period of abnormally high spirits, extremely high energy, or severe irritability. A manic episode must include specific symptoms for at least seven days or require hospitalization. In addition, the person must have also experienced no less than three of the following symptoms during this time:

• Talking very fast
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling wired or jumpy
• Trouble concentrating
• Barely sleeping (reduced need for sleep)
• Taking unhealthy risks (poor decision-making)
• An uptick in activity (seems to have a bunch of different projects)

A depressive episode is a period of low moods and a loss of interest in hobbies and activities. Other symptoms include fatigue, diet changes, hopelessness, guilt, agitation, slow speech, trouble remembering things, and trouble sleeping. Bipolar depression lasts no less than two continuous weeks.

Types of bipolar disorder

There are three types of bipolar disorder. The primary differences are whether the person experiences mania, hypomania, depressive episodes, or less severe mood swings. The different types of bipolar are:

• Bipolar I: When the person experiences manic episodes. Experiencing depressive episodes is not required for this diagnosis, but a lot of people with bipolar I also experience them.
• Bipolar II: Characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes. As mentioned, hypomania is similar to mania but less severe. It may last anywhere from four days to several months.
• Cyclothymic disorder: Characterized by an unstable mood for at least two years. The person will chronically cycle through hypomania and depressive symptoms during that time.

Treatments for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder may be treated, even in the most severe cases. Often, this will involve a combination of prescription medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. If the client sees no improvement in their symptoms, they may try other psychiatric treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or “TMS.” Below are the most common ways a psychiatrist will help treat bipolar disorder.

Prescription medications for bipolar

Prescription medications are effective in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, it can take time to find the right one. A psychiatrist will consider which of the client’s symptoms impact their life the most and work to target those. They will also consider the client’s medical history to reduce the potential for side effects. Then, the psychiatrist will likely prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotics for bipolar disorder.

Mood stabilizers can include lithium, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, valproic acid, or divalproex sodium. Antipsychotics can include ariprazine, olanzapine-fluoxetine combination, olanzapine, lurasidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, or risperidone. An antidepressant may also be prescribed for depressive episodes. However, taking an antidepressant alone has been known to trigger mania in those with bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists will combine antidepressants with mood stabilizers to prevent this.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy

It is common to pair medication with psychotherapy to treat bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) are the most common for bipolar. While each has its own benefits, they all focus on teaching clients important coping skills and self-management strategies, allowing them to handle episodes when they occur. 

Lifestyle changes

A healthier lifestyle can make the symptoms of bipolar disorder less severe and easier to manage. Quitting alcohol, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise can improve anyone’s mood, including those with bipolar. Keeping track of one’s daily moods (a practice called “mood charting”) can reveal patterns and improvements.

Other treatments for bipolar

A substance use disorder sometimes accompanies bipolar disorder. Substance abuse treatment will likely be necessary in these cases to ensure successful bipolar treatment. Note that alcohol and recreational drugs can trigger manic and depressive episodes and exacerbate symptoms.

In the event that first-line treatments do not yield results, a medical professional may recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Both TMS and ECT involve sending electrical currents to the brain. These treatments are not painful. General anesthesia will be necessary for ECT to ensure patient comfort; TMS is an alternative to ECT, as it does not require anesthesia.

Start on the path to recovery

Many treatment options are available for bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. A psychiatrist can help find the one that works best for you or your loved one. Contact our team to learn more.

Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.

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