Medical treatments for bipolar disorder (manic depression)
It is not possible to prevent the onset of this disease. On the other hand, there are several healthy habits and measures that can limit the severity of symptoms, to some extent, and help stabilize mood.
For example, it is important:
- to have a regular rhythm of sleep and sufficiently long nights
- to practice regular physical activity
- avoiding the use of tobacco, cannabis, alcohol and other drugs
- to surround yourself and try to avoid stressful situations (or prepare for them)
Medical treatments
The treatment of bipolar disorders has a dual objective: that of alleviating the symptoms in the event of an acute episode (whether manic or depressive), and that of preventing relapses, by stabilizing the mood in the long term.
Treatment recommendations vary a bit from country to country3,6, but they generally advocate the same drug strategy.
The care of the patient must be based, as far as possible, on a multidisciplinary team, associating attending physician, psychiatrist, psychologist. Support is also recommended for the immediate entourage of the patient, for whom the disease is trying and destabilizing.
hospitalization
In severe cases of manic or depressive attacks, in particular when suicidal thoughts are present or when the “unbridled” behavior risks endangering the patient, his entourage or his property, hospitalization is necessary.
Psychological care
A support psychological is recommended in addition to pharmacological treatment. Whether cognitive and behavioral, interpersonal or group therapy, this type of intervention has been shown to be beneficial, particularly in treating acute episodes of depression but also as a background treatment to stabilize mood and limit symptoms. long-term relapses.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a brief therapy focused on eliminating (or correcting) wrong or negative behaviors and thoughts. Interpersonal therapy, on the other hand, is also brief (12 to 16 sessions). Initially developed to treat depression, it focuses on life events precipitating the disease, and the patient’s relationships with those around him (interpersonal relationships).