people sitting in circle in group therapy sessionShare on Pinterest
Getty Images/Vladimir Vladimirov

Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition. Most people manage it with a combination of medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle strategies.

Researchers are still trying to pinpoint exactly what causes bipolar disorder, but many treatments are available to help manage its symptoms.

Treatment varies from person to person because bipolar disorder has several subtypes. And even within those subtypes, people can experience bipolar disorder differently and have different symptoms.

Because the symptoms vary and the exact cause has yet to be discovered, it’s quite difficult to identify a single bipolar disorder treatment that works for everyone.

If you have a bipolar disorder diagnosis, a doctor might recommend an initial treatment. If that treatment does not meet your goals, you can work with your doctor to find a new option.

Here’s an overview of current treatments for bipolar disorder and some resources you may find helpful if you’re in a crisis.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causesTrusted Source distinct shifts in mood, energy, and activity.

If you have bipolar disorder, you may experience highs, known as mania, and lows, known as depression. Mania can include feelings of high energy, racing thoughts, and a decreased need for sleep. In some types of bipolar disorder, people experience hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania.

Depression can decrease your motivation to do even simple things. You might feel hopeless, lack interest in activities, and have changes in your sleep patterns during a period of depression.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some people experience symptoms before an episode of mania or depression starts. Symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns can begin in the days or weeks before the episode.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

  • Bipolar I disorder: This type involves at least one severe manic episode that lasts at least 7 days. You do not need to experience a depressive episode to receive a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder.
  • Bipolar II disorder: This type involves at least one major depressive episode that lasts at least 2 weeks, as well as at least one episode of hypomania. Hypomania lasts at least 4 days and might not affect your daily functioning.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: This condition is sometimes called bipolar III disorder. It involves episodes of hypomania and depression that are less severe than those in bipolar II disorder.

Some people might experience symptoms of bipolar disorder but may not fit into any of these three categories. They might receiveTrusted Source a diagnosis of “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.”

If you have lasting depression or symptoms of mania, a licensed mental health professional can give you a proper diagnosis and help you find a treatment that works for you.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder include depression, mania, and hypomania.

If you feel like you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a licensed mental health professional can help.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is usually based onTrusted Source symptoms, personal history, and experiences. A doctor might also perform a physical exam or do other testing to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

When visiting a doctor or mental health professional, you might find it helpful to bring a close loved one with you. They may be able to help identify certain patterns and behaviors that you have trouble identifying on your own.

Once you receive a bipolar disorder diagnosis, a healthcare professional will recommend a treatment plan that might work for you. Options include:

  • medication
  • therapy
  • lifestyle strategies
  • electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Medication is the first-line treatment for all types of bipolar disorder. It is often combined with talk therapy to help people learn about their condition and stay on a treatment plan. Healthcare professionals sometimes recommend ECT when other treatments have not worked.

Lifestyle strategies might include improving sleep, increasing physical activity, and implementing diet changes to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Your care team may include several types of healthcare professionals, such as:

  • psychiatrists
  • psychiatric nurses
  • social workers

Treating bipolar disorder can often be a process of trial and error. While this can be very frustrating at times, it’s important to find a treatment that works best for you.

A doctor will often prescribe one medication to see whether it works. Depending on your symptoms, they may prescribe a combination of medications.

A doctor may prescribe an antipsychotic medication if you’re experiencing acute manic episodes that require hospitalization. However, mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are generally considered the main therapy for bipolar disorder.

Mood stabilizers may be used in combination with antipsychotics because they can take a while to work. In some people, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be used to treat symptoms of depression. Using antidepressants alone is not recommended for people with bipolar disorder I, manic episodes, or episodes with mixed features.

Some medications can take weeks to provide their full, expected results. Make sure you ask your doctor how long your specific medication should take to work and what the expected results are.

Medication

The most common medications prescribed to help treat bipolar disorder include:

  • Lithium: This mood stabilizer comes in the form of an oral solution or an extended- or immediate-release tablet.
  • Atypical antipsychotics: These are prescribed as maintenance medication or to treat mania. Examples include clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine.
  • Anticonvulsants: These can also help stabilize your mood. Examples include divalproex sodium, lamotrigine, and valproic acid.
  • Antidepressants: These drugs can treat depression. Examples include SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclics.

Talk with a healthcare professional before taking a bipolar disorder medication. Some medications may not be safe for certain groups, such as people who are:

  • breastfeeding
  • pregnant
  • using birth control pills

Also, be sure to talk about the risks and benefits of taking certain medications for bipolar disorder, as some medications can cause side effects.

Therapy

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, these are some of the most common therapy options to treat bipolar disorder:

  • Family-focused therapy: These sessions focus on educating you and a close loved one on the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder. You’ll also learn some strategies to try to prevent symptoms.
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: For this type of individual therapy, you keep track of your day-to-day activities and your therapist helps you identify patterns in your daily routine that may trigger symptoms.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy allows you to focus on your thoughts and behavior patterns. You and a therapist will help identify solutions to problems and challenges that you notice in your behaviors.
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy: This form of therapy mixes individual and group therapy to help you become more mindful and better manage emotions.
  • Support groups: Groups may use different therapy methods, but the goal is typically to have a network of people you can relate to and speak openly with. They can also help you stay accountable with treatment.

Lifestyle strategies

Some lifestyle habits may be helpful for managing bipolar disorder symptoms. These include:

  • keeping a consistent sleep schedule
  • adopting a healthy diet
  • finding ways to reduce or manage stress
  • getting regular exercise
  • maintaining a support network of family and friends
  • keeping a mood journal
  • avoiding alcohol and other drugs

Complementary treatment options

Small studies suggest that some complementary treatment methods may help manage mood symptoms. For example, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as those in fish oil, might have antidepressant effects. And Rhodiola rosea might help with stress-induced fatigue and depression.

However, these methods are not a replacement for medication, and some may actually induce mania.

Some practices designed to reduce stress might also help with bipolar disorder management, such as:

  • yoga
  • meditation
  • massage therapy

If you try one of these complementary methods, let a doctor know. They can make sure it’s compatible with your prescribed treatment plan.

The goal of medication for bipolar disorder treatment is to help manage anxiety, depression, manic episodes, and other symptoms.

If you regularly take your medication, the hope is that you’ll feel some kind of effect, such as mood stability. But that’s not the case for everyone.

There’s high quality evidence that medications should work for bipolar disorder, but not everyone will experience the same effects.

For example, a 2023 review of studies found that two-thirds of people who took lithium had significant symptom improvement and that one-half to two-thirds of people respond well to lithium. However, those numbers mean that some people don’t respond well to this medication.

You may not notice subtle changes in your condition, but others around you might. You might consider speaking with trusted friends or family members and asking for their thoughts on how you’ve been doing.

If you’re not feeling any better after taking your medication for a while, consider discussing it with your doctor.

Almost all medications come with side effects. But sometimes the benefits of taking a medication can outweigh its side effects.

Talking about and addressing the side effects of your medication with a doctor is an important part of getting the best care for bipolar disorder.

Each type of medication comes with different side effects. Possible side effects of commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder include:

Some people can experience more severe effects. Report any and all of your concerns to a doctor so they can accurately understand how the medication is affecting you.

If any of your treatments cause thoughts of suicide, contact a doctor immediately. These are signs that your medication and therapy are not working correctly.

Suicide prevention

If suicidal thoughts are surfacing, you’re not alone. Help is available right now:

It is possible that a medication for bipolar disorder might stop working or become less effective at helping you manage your symptoms.

Don’t stop taking your medication until you discuss it with a doctor. They can work with you to change your dose or to find another bipolar disorder medication or treatment.

It may take several tries before you find the right treatment for bipolar disorder. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects or you feel like a certain medication isn’t working properly, talk with your doctor. They may be able to help you find a treatment that works for you.