Treatment of bipolar disorder generally begins with the goal of bringing a patient with mania or depression to symptomatic recovery and stable mood. Once stable, the goal progresses to reduction of subthreshold symptoms and relapse prevention.
The main goal of management is to achieve euthymia, normal level of functioning and to avoid switching to hypomanic/manic episode. Among the various mood stabilizers, there is ample evidence to suggest that lithium and lamotrigine may be used as the first line medications in the management of bipolar depression.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. The major objective of long term treatment is to reduce the frequency of these episodes.
A comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder aims to relieve symptoms, restore your ability to function, fix problems the illness has caused at home and at work, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. A comprehensive bipolar treatment plan involves: Medication.
Although bipolar disorder has no cure, people with the condition can experience long periods during which they are free of symptoms. With ongoing treatment and self-management, people with bipolar disorder can maintain a stable mood for extended periods. During intervals of recovery, they may have few or no symptoms.
Although symptoms may come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, ability to function, and family discord. However, proper treatment can lead to better functioning and improved quality of life.
Objectives – goals are the larger, more broad outcomes the therapist and client are working for, while multiple objectives make up each goal; they are small, achievable steps that make up a goal.
Goals are more general than objectives and should be targeted for completion by a specific date within a specified treatment period. Goals should be written in easy to understand language… “NK will take his medication as directed.” “NK will improve his behavior at school.” “NK will improve his hygiene skills.”
Psychoeducation is an intervention strategy based on providing patients and/or relatives with information about the disorder to enhance their understanding and enable early identification of warning signs and mood changes, improving treatment adherence[5-7].
The goal for managing acute manic phases is symptom reduction, with the long-term objective of full remission. In the treatment of depressive episodes, the primary goal comprises the remission of depressive symptoms and the reduction of hypomanic, manic, or mixed manic episodes.
Patients amid a manic phase commonly engage in goal-directed activities that may result in harmful consequences, such as spending excessive money, starting businesses unprepared, traveling, or promiscuity. Many patients engage in property damage or even harm themselves or others through verbal or physical assaults.
Smart goals are a useful method of treatment in mental health difficulties and they are often used in the toolbox of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Time-bound.
In summary, the goal of psychotherapy is to facilitate positive change in clients seeking better emotional and social functioning to improve their feelings of satisfaction and the overall quality of their lives. Psychotherapy helps clients live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.
Disease Management: Maximizing Longevity and Quality of Life
When a medical problem can't be cured or healed, then the goal is to manage it to make sure both the patient's longevity and quality of life are maximized by managing the problem.
Start by asking them what their overall goal really is. Identifying a starting point is next. Helping your clients face and understand exactly where they are in terms of this goal is a good place to start. It's important that they are honest with themselves as well, by examining where things currently stand.
The goals of IMR are: Learn about mental illnesses and strategies for treatment. Understand the illness, including symptoms, possible course and probable long- and short-term outcomes. Medication education, medication adherence, and symptom management.
The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Most people take more than one drug, like a mood-stabilizing drug and an antipsychotic or antidepressant.
Can bipolar disorder cause psychosocial disability? Absolutely. In fact, bipolar disorder is considered to be one of the few mental health conditions that is highly likely to cause a significant and long-term psychosocial disability.
Although the symptoms may vary over time, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment. Following a prescribed treatment plan can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Bipolar disorder may reduce gray matter volume
Gray matter contributes in some way to every aspect of human life. A 2016 meta-analysis found a significantly lower volume of gray matter in the brains of people with bipolar disorder compared with those of people without the condition.
A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of stressful triggers include: the breakdown of a relationship. physical, sexual or emotional abuse.