Treatment options for bipolar disorder
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there is hope. With proper bipolar disorder treatment, the majority of patients can substantially stabilize their mood swings and live full, productive lives.
Since bipolar disorder is a lifelong, reoccuring illness, it's necessary to work with your doctor to develop a long-term preventative treatment plan.
A strategy that combines treatment with medication, regular doctor visits and psychotherapy can best manage bipolar disorder over time. Staying on treatment, even during the times you feel well, can help you keep your disease under control and reduce the chance of reocurring, worsening episodes.
Bipolar disorder treatment goals
The major goals of treatment are to:
- manage manic and depressive episodes
- reduce the frequency of the episodes
- avoid cycling from one phase to the other
- improve quality of life both during and between episodes
- monitor and treat co-existing mental and physical conditions
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Did you know that many individuals with bipolar disorder receive medication treatment that isn't considered first-line therapy for the disorder? Valproic acid, the active ingredient found in STAVZOR, is a first-line therapy recommended by the American Psychiatric Association to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder.
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Treatment with mood stabilizer medications
Medications known as mood stabilizers usually are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers work for episodes of mania and depression and can help prevent episodes from reoccurring. You will probably need to continue treatment with mood stabilizers for extended periods of time.
In addition, antidepressant medications may be used to treat the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Since antidepressants may increase the risk for switching into bipolar mania, however, they should be combined with mood stabilizers.
Mood stabilizers
Lithium and valproic acid (valproate) are the most commonly used mood stabilizing drugs. Valproic acid helps to decrease the brain's excitability, allowing you think more calmly and clearly.
STAVZOR is valproic acid medication. Valproic acid is one of the most trusted and effective medications available to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It is recommended as a first-line therapy by the American Psychiatric Association. STAVZOR is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Did you know that STAVZOR has a unique advanced soft gel capsule formulation that can help you start – and stay – on your therapy? STAVZOR is up to 40% smaller than other valproate medications. STAVZOR is a form of valproate that comes in a small, easy-to-swallow soft gel capsule that patients prefer.
Other mood stabilizers include carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine.
Other medications
Other medications that may be used to treat bipolar disorder are being investigated for their effectiveness in treating the manic phases of bipolar disorder. They include gabapentin, zonisamide and topiramate. Another class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics, used to treat schizophrenia, also may have mood stabilizing properties. Some have been approved to treat bipolar mania.
Seeing a doctor regularly will help you stay on track with your therapy. Doctors work with their patients to find the best combination of medications for bipolar disorder. Doctors are alert to changes in symptoms that could mean a change in medications would be beneficial.
Natural supplements
The use of herbal or natural supplements such as St. John's wort should always be discussed with your physician. Little is known about their effects on bipolar disorder, and it is believed that St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. In addition, like prescription antidepressants, St. John's wort may cause a switch into mania in some individuals with bipolar disorder, especially if no mood stabilizer is being taken. Over-the-counter herbal supplements are not FDA evaluated or approved.
Other medical treatment options: electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as electroshock, may be used in some situations to relieve symptoms. The benefits and risks need to be carefully reviewed.
Treatment with psychotherapy
Patients with bipolar disorder also may benefit from psychotherapy, sometimes called "talk therapy" or "psychosocial therapy." In conjunction with medication and regular doctor visits, therapy can help lead to increased mood stability, fewer hospitalizations and improved daily functioning.
Psychotherapy provides support and guidance to you and your family. A licensed psychologist, social worker or counselor typically will provide therapy to you — often working as part of a team with your doctor. These professionals can help you gain insight into yourself, and help you develop strategies for lifestyle changes and problem solving.
- Did you know: Patients with bipolar disorder who combine medical treatment with psychotherapy are likely to have a significant reduction in risk of relapse — and have a longer period of time being well.
Types of psychotherapy
The psychotherapies typically used to help bipolar disorder patients include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy will help you use self-monitoring strategies to recognize the relationship between your emotions, thoughts and behaviors. You will learn to recognize distortions in your thinking and learn ways to change inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. This newer therapy will help you learn to solve problems in interpersonal relationships through stabilizing your daily routines and your sleep/wake cycles. Regular daily routines and sleep schedules — combined with appropriate medication — may help protect against manic episodes.
Family-focused therapy. Your family members will participate in this therapy, which can help them learn strategies to cope with your illness and help you stay well.
- As with medication, it is important to follow the treatment plan for any therapy to achieve the greatest benefit in treating your illness.
There is hope
Bipolar disorder is a serious, lifelong disease. With the help of your doctor and family, however, you can learn how to live a productive, fullfilling life.
- Learn more about a new, easy-to-swallow medication for the manic episodes of your illness.
STAVZOR is a valproic acid — one of the most trusted and effective medications available to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it's recommended as a first-line therapy by the American Psychiatric Association.
