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Psychotherapy: Bipolar Disorder

Psychotherapy: Bipolar Disorder

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March 2, 2012

Psychotherapy: Bipolar Disorder I’ve chosen to research treatment for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder causes severe changes in mood and attitude. Elevated energy levels and depression can sometimes alternate. Bipolar disorder can also be severe enough to cause delusions and hallucinations. There’s quite a wide array of treatment for bipolar disorder. The most common form of treatment is mood stabilization medications. The first mood stabilizing medication Lithium controls systems of elevated moods. It also helps to prevent the reoccurrence of mood swings and depression. Atypical antipsychotic medications are another form of treatment that may be used in conjunction with other treatments as well. Atypical antipsychotic medications are used to treat patients that have trouble with or experience psychotic episodes. It is also sometimes used just to maintain mood levels if even the patient has never had any psychotic episodes. Some are used only after there has been a sudden episode. Some are also used to control and maintain mixed episodes. Another step in treatment is to use antidepressant medications. They’re used to treat symptoms of depression. Most patients take antidepressants with mood stabilization medications. There are other types of treatment approaches that may work. There are non-drug treatments that are sometimes used alone or along with medications. Some are behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, interpersonal, & social rhythm therapy. These helps by employing anti stress behaviors, identify and modify behavior during mood shifts, reducing strain on relationship due to the disease, and creating and keeping up with a daily routine. Non drug therapy gives the patient

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