Bipolar Therapy – What it is and Why it Works

Developed by two doctors, this bipolar therapy approach based on family dynamics actually makes perfect sense, considering that the primary caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder often are in a higher risk for developing the condition or even depression. The results of the study were published in the March issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Dr. David S. Krystal and his wife, Dr. Beth P. Krystal, examined more than 500 families of patients with bipolar disorder and found that those who had both biological parents in the family were less likely to develop the condition than families without biological parents. This research is an important step forward toward discovering why some people get sicker while others with similar backgrounds and life experiences ultimately manage the illness.

The most common types of medication used in the study were mood stabilizers (also known as mood altering agents or MAOIs) such as Ativan, Emmanol, and Manjishtha, and anti-seizure medications including Thiamine, Pralens, and Pantethasone. Treatment with these medications allowed the participants in the study to maintain their mood states even when experiencing psychotic mood states such as delusions. In fact, the researchers found that many people with this disorder actually experienced relief from mood instability and felt much better when their medications were being taken. The good news is that the use of mood stabilizers and anti-seizure medications have been shown to lead to successful long-term remission of bipolar disorders.

Bipolar disorder is often the result of the interaction between genetics and environmental stressors, according to the American Psychological Association. However, the disorder itself can be the result of a tragic life event, chemical imbalance, or some sort of mental or physical trauma. Regardless of what causes the disorder, it can be managed through a combination of psychotherapy and medications. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on how well the client can adjust his or her thinking and behavior to the treatment.

Because the prognosis for a person who has Bipolar Disorder is usually quite grim, it is important to try to prevent the disorder from reoccurring. That is why many people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder are given cognitive behavioral therapy in order to try to help them learn how to recognize the warning signs of an onset of a depressive or manic episode and how to better control these episodes. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also teach patients how to cope with stress, changes in a loved one, or even peer issues. In other cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be prescribed to treat extreme symptoms.

When bipolar therapy is used along with medications, there is a much better chance of a successful outcome. In fact, many patients who have had this disorder for years but do not know what is really going on feel a sense of empowerment after participating in talk therapy. Talking with a therapist gives them the opportunity to learn what triggers their symptoms so they can better avoid those situations. The family therapy component of this treatment option allows the patient and his or her therapist to discuss all aspects of the disorder so that the issues experienced are properly addressed. It is often recommended that medication be kept to a minimum when treating patients for this disorder since too much of a good thing can be harmful.

The most common bipolar type of therapy is known as mood stabilizing therapy. This form of psychotherapy targets imbalances of chemicals in the brain that cause mood swings, which generally start off as mania before progressing to depression. This form of treatment can be effective when treating patients who do not respond well to other forms of treatment or those who experience symptoms for longer periods of time than expected. For patients suffering from bipolar I disorder, the mood stabilizing medication can sometimes have severe side effects, which may make the disorder worse rather than better.

For patients suffering from bipolar II disorder, the mood stabilizing medications can still be helpful, however. They are sometimes more effective in the long run because they are able to prevent manic and depressive symptoms from developing into full-blown attacks. They are also able to help reduce the likelihood of suicide attempts by offering patients ways to deal with any stresses that may occur in the day-to-day lives of everyone around them. If mood swings are a constant experience for a patient, he or she should consider discussing these symptoms and the possible causes of them with a psychologist or psychiatrist in order to find an effective solution for their condition.

Medication treatment, like any form of psychotherapy, is only effective if it is used in conjunction with therapy. There are many types of medication available, which a therapist can prescribe. Some medication treatments are much more effective than others, however, so it is important for patients and their therapists to work together in order to determine what the best medication alternative will be for each individual. In addition to standard medications, patients can also choose to supplement their medication with natural supplements that are available through a medical food store or online.