Bipolar Disorder (cont.)
What can people with bipolar disorder expect from treatment?
Bipolar disorder has no cure, but can be effectively treated over the
long-term. It is best controlled when treatment is continuous, rather than on
and off. In the STEP-BD study, a little more than half of the people treated for
bipolar disorder recovered over one year's time. For this study, recovery meant
having two or fewer symptoms of the disorder for at least eight weeks.
However, even with proper treatment, mood changes can occur. In the STEP-BD
study, almost half of those who recovered still had lingering symptoms. These
people experienced a relapse or recurrence that was usually a return to a
depressive state. If a person had a mental illness in addition to bipolar
disorder, he or she was more likely to experience a relapse. Scientists are
unsure, however, how these other illnesses or lingering symptoms increase the
chance of relapse. For some people, combining psychotherapy with medication may
help to prevent or delay relapse.
Treatment may be more effective when people work closely with a doctor and
talk openly about their concerns and choices. Keeping track of mood changes and
symptoms with a daily life chart can help a doctor assess a person's response to
treatments. Sometimes the doctor needs to change a treatment plan to make sure
symptoms are controlled most effectively. A psychiatrist should guide any
changes in type or dose of medication.
How can I help a friend or relative who has bipolar disorder?
If you know someone who has bipolar disorder, it affects you too. The first
and most important thing you can do is help him or her get the right diagnosis
and treatment. You may need to make the appointment and go with him or her to
see the doctor. Encourage your loved one to stay in treatment.
To help a friend or relative, you can:
- Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement
- Learn
about bipolar disorder so you can understand what your friend or relative is
experiencing
- Talk to your friend or relative and listen carefully
- Listen to
feelings your friend or relative expresses-be understanding about situations
that may trigger bipolar symptoms
- Invite your friend or relative out for
positive distractions, such as walks, outings, and other activities
- Remind your
friend or relative that, with time and treatment, he or she can get better.
Never ignore comments about your friend or relative harming himself or herself.
Always report such comments to his or her therapist or doctor.
Support for caregivers
Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can be
difficult for spouses, family members, friends, and other caregivers. Relatives
and friends often have to cope with the person's serious behavioral problems,
such as wild spending sprees during mania, extreme withdrawal during depression,
poor work or school performance. These behaviors can have lasting consequences.
Caregivers usually take care of the medical needs of their loved ones. The
caregivers have to deal with how this affects their own health. The stress that
caregivers are under may lead to missed work or lost free time, strained
relationships with people who may not understand the situation, and physical and
mental exhaustion.
Stress from caregiving can make it hard to cope with a loved one's bipolar
symptoms. One study shows that if a caregiver is under a lot of stress, his or
her loved one has more trouble following the treatment plan, which increases the
chance for a major bipolar episode. It is important that people caring for
those with bipolar disorder also take care of themselves.
Next: How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder? »
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