Jan 02
7

What type of therapy works well for bipolar disorder?

5 Comments

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and would like to know what the best type of therapy is. Does anyone know of therapy or anything that might help?

To start with you’d need to take meds & be stabilised for a long time before thinking of Therapy. As you know bipolar is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, NOT a psychological disorder, so therapy in the beginning isn’t necessary, or, desirable. Psychotherapy later on may be helpful in controlling & managing moods. CBT or DBT are not really as helpful, unless you also have borderline personality, which is psychological in origin. Bipolar needs meds first, then, when stable, consider therapy. But instead of asking us, ask your psychiatrist, they’ll know if & when the time’s right, & what therapy, if any, is most suited to you.

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Posted in Therapy by admin 5 Comments

5 Responses to "What type of therapy works well for bipolar disorder?"

  • Allison says:
    January 29, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    It’s really important that you take your medicine no matter what. If you are newly diagnosed then it may take a little while for them to find the right medicine for you. With bipolar disorder, you have to be consistent with your medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful, especially if you are stable on your meds. Relational therapy is also good if your disorder has caused problems in your relationships and if there are struggles within your family.
    References :

  • tamisara sez says:
    January 29, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    To start with you’d need to take meds & be stabilised for a long time before thinking of therapy. As you know bipolar is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, NOT a psychological disorder, so therapy in the beginning isn’t necessary, or, desirable. Psychotherapy later on may be helpful in controlling & managing moods. CBT or DBT are not really as helpful, unless you also have borderline personality, which is psychological in origin. Bipolar needs meds first, then, when stable, consider therapy. But instead of asking us, ask your psychiatrist, they’ll know if & when the time’s right, & what therapy, if any, is most suited to you.
    References :

  • Alexander says:
    January 29, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    Lithium is one of the most recommended treatments. Its effect is to stabilize moods by reducing manic and depressive episodes. There are other treatments as well such as anticonvulsants. The problem is that these medications come with side effects, and figuring out the right dosage and treatment can take awhile.
    References :

  • Lady says:
    January 29, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    Medication is the first step. If you talk with your doctor, he or she can prescribe you what you need.
    References :
    http://www.bipolaradviceguide.com/the-pros-cons-side-effects-of-lithium-to-treat-bipolar-disorder

  • boogeywoogy says:
    January 30, 2011 at 12:30 am

    I highly recommend "Bipolar Disorder for Dummies". Not only is it the best book I’ve found on the subject, it explains all the latest medications and other treatments. It was written by a psychiatrist and is helpful for anyone touched by the disorder– patients, families, and friends.
    References :
    Diagnosed 17 years ago with Bipolar 1.

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