Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder (BD). However, people can recover with proper treatment and lead a satisfying, normal life. Treating BD focuses on controlling and preventing the manic and/or depressive symptoms. Mood stabilizers are the first line of treatment for BD, most often in conjunction with psychosocial therapy. This chapter presents the medications commonly prescribed for treating children and adolescents diagnosed with BD along with their possible side effects. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family-focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are also presented. Chapter 14 returns to the case studies presented in Chapter 13 and describes the real-life outcomes along with questions for class discussion.