Introduction
According to hopkinsmedicine.org, “Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. It causes a person to have cycles of extreme mood changes that go beyond normal ups and downs. A person with bipolar cycles between periods of feeling elated, energized and excited with periods of feeling sad and depressed. For this reason, it’s also known as manic depression.” Therefore, to explain further, Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder. How do you treat a mood disorder? This article will answer this specific question. Bipolar Disorder can be treated in three specific ways. They include medication, therapy, and Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This article will provide information on these three important topics.
Medication
The first type of treatment method that is used to treat Bipolar Disorder is medication. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, “Many different drugs are available for bipolar. But, it often takes 4 to 6 weeks for anti-depressants to have a full effect. So, it’s important to keep taking the medicine, even if it doesn’t seem to be working at first. It’s also important to talk to the doctor before stopping. Some people have to switch medicines or add medicines to get results.” On an even further note, do not give up even if you try one medication and it does not work out. There is always another medication that may work better.
Therapy
In addition to medication, another type of treatment that is considered effective for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder is therapy. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, “This is most often cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. It focuses on changing the distorted views you have of yourself and your environment. It works to improve your interpersonal relationship skills. It also helps you identify stressors and learn how to manage them.” To be specific, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a very effective form of treatment that can help alter racing thoughts and help stabilize one’s mood. In addition, interpersonal therapy can also help stabilize one’s mood and improve relationships among family, friends, and peers.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
In addition to medication and therapy, Electroconvulsive therapy is also used to treat Bipolar Disorder. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, “This treatment may be used in people with severe, life-threatening depression that has not responded to medicines. A brief electrical current is passed through the brain, triggering a mild seizure. For unknown reasons, this helps restore the normal balance of chemicals in the brain and ease symptoms.” ECT has been around for awhile but is highly effective.
Conclusion
To conclude this article, medication, therapy, and ECT are considered three highly effective types of treatment to treat Bipolar Disorder. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder, consult a doctor before trying any of these treatment methods.
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