Does Bipolar Disorder Have a Cure?
If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with bipolar I, bipolar II, or other subtypes including cyclothymic disorder, you may be wondering: “Does bipolar disorder have a cure?”
The reality is that bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that can be managed but not cured. Managing bipolar disorder requires a personalized treatment plan carefully crafted with the help of a mental health professional to holistically prevent and address its symptoms.
As outlined by the National Health Service, symptoms of bipolar disorder may be managed by one or more of the following:
1. Mood stabilizers that control manic or depressive episodes
Mood-stabilizing medications help to prevent the high and low mood states that are characteristic of bipolar disorders. The most common medications include lithium, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. Given a person’s unique symptoms, experiences, and preferences, a clinician will make a recommendation about one or more medications to consider.
2. Pharmacological interventions that target active symptoms
In addition to a mood stabilizer, a person living with bipolar disorder may need other medications to treat specific manic or depressive symptoms. These may be anti-depressants like bupropion or escitalopram that have shown to prevent the relapse of depression episodes as well as atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine), combination antidepressant-antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications (e.g., benzodiazepines). (Note that anti-depressants are not usually the first-line treatment because they can trigger mania.) Although there are a multitude of treatment options available, only one or a few medications may be effective in treating someone’s bipolar disorder. Medication decisions need to be made in consultation with a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other prescriber. These professionals can account for a person’s priorities, preferences, and life situation (e.g., being pregnant) and recommend one or more medications accordingly.
3. Psychotherapies
By becoming informed about bipolar disorder, people can feel empowered, understand their own experience with the condition, and identify their preferred ways to be supported. A review of studies showed that psychoeducation of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder may improve medication adherence. The review also found that treatment programs that included family members reduced the number of manic or depressive episodes and the number and length of stay of hospitalizations. Therapy can also build skills to help with coping and symptom management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-focused therapy may be valuable for identifying or recognizing signs of one’s own manic or depressive episode. By understanding certain triggers, one can be proactive in managing their symptoms.
4. Lifestyle Care
Finally, lifestyle modifications that build routine enhance stability for someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. These may include establishing a good sleep routine, incorporating physical activity and movement, eating a balanced diet, finding enjoyable hobbies, and building a strong support network. Instituting and maintaining these activities can contribute to a higher quality of life for those living with bipolar disorder.
Does bipolar disorder have a cure? No, but it can be managed.
It often takes patience, persistence, and experimentation to formulate an effective treatment regimen. A person may need to try different combinations of pharmacological and lifestyle changes before they find the right strategy for managing their bipolar disorder and maintaining mental wellness. Having a robust support system and working with a clinician who understands a person’s circumstances can be instrumental to the journey of learning how to live a full and productive life with bipolar disorder.
Joanna is currently working as a clinical research coordinator at the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) after graduating from Boston College studying environmental science and global public health. Her experience working with a multidisciplinary group of clinician scientists on research studies with innovative supportive care interventions that improve the quality of life of patients with cancer and their loved ones sparked a profound interest in psychosocial health, prompting her to serve as a volunteer at Families for Depression Awareness. She is committed to understanding more about the intersection of physical and mental well-being when she matriculates into medical school this upcoming year at Rush Medical College.