Bipolar Disorder Therapy

What Can Bipolar Treatment Help You With?

Bipolar therapy is important for anyone with bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymia. Bipolar therapy can help you to identify your triggers and learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage your moods.

Bipolar therapy can help you in several ways including:

• Understanding your disorder and how it affects you
• Learning to overcome stress and mood swings
• Challenging negative thoughts and behaviors
• Improving your relationships and communication skills

When choosing a therapist for bipolar disorder, it is important to find someone who has experience treating the disorder and whom you feel comfortable with. You may also want to consider a therapist who is trained in specific therapies that are effective for bipolar disorder, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).

Treatment According to the Type of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is the more severe version of the disorder. Bipolar I is characterized by mania and depression. Treatment for bipolar I disorder involves medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, and therapy.

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by hypomania and depression. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that involves increased mood and energy levels, however does not pose a danger to the individual. Treatment for bipolar II involves medication, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, and therapy.

Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that features shorter and less intense mood changes. Cyclothymia has similar treatment options in which you can choose a combination of medication and therapy, or just therapy to learn to effectively manage your triggers and mood fluctuations.

Medication Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Some medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers such as:

• Lithium (Lithobid)
• Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Antidepressants such as:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)
• Mirtazapine (Remeron)
• Trazodone (Desyrel)

Antipsychotics such as:

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Talk to your doctor about these options and the side effects of each before you start a new medication.

What Therapy Is Best for Bipolar Disorder?

A 2019 study found that complementary treatment, including therapy and medication, was more effective in treating bipolar disorder than medication alone.  According to another research study from 2020 found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy for bipolar disorder.  Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) helps people with bipolar disorder to create healthy schedules around sleep, food, and social activities.

Does TMS Therapy Work for Bipolar Disorder?

TMS therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. In 2019 a study published in Clinical Applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation showed that TMS was effective in decreasing depressive symptoms in patients with bipolar.  Side effects of TMS include headache, scalp discomfort, and tingling.

TMS is typically used when other forms of treatment are found ineffective for the client.

How to Find a Therapist for Bipolar Disorder?

The best therapist for bipolar disorder is someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Research has shown that the most important and effective aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. So if you are looking for help with bipolar disorder, ask your therapist some questions that will be important for you to feel comfortable in the professional relationship.

If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, please know that you are not alone. There is help available, and bipolar therapy in West Palm Beach can be an effective way to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our bipolar disorder therapists