Top Evidence-Based Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that is difficult to manage without effective treatment. There are multiple evidence-based treatments for bipolar that we offer at the Massachusetts Center for Addiction. With an individualized approach, bipolar disorder can be managed and have less of an impact on your life. 

Understanding Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme shifts in mood. It also affects energy levels and even cognitive function. Living with bipolar disorder means cycling between manic episodes where emotions and behaviors are erratic and depressive episodes marked by profound sadness and lack of energy. 

Without treatment to manage bipolar episodes, living daily life can feel like an ongoing, uphill battle. Bipolar disorder can affect one’s relationships, home life, career, and school performance. 

Bipolar disorder is also one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Those on the outside often struggle to understand the shifts in mood and bipolar episodes. Seeking treatment, including family-focused therapy, can help not only the individual but also those who care for them. 

If you’re looking for information on bipolar disorder or how to help someone with a mental health condition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers resources and a 24-hour National Helpline. 

Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder 

Psychotherapy plays a critical role in helping individuals with bipolar disorder manage their condition. Here are a few of the most frequently used evidence-based therapies for bipolar disorder. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar is a structured form of psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors. For those with bipolar disorder, CBT can be useful in identifying thoughts and behaviors that serve as early warning signs of an episode. 

By identifying these signs, individuals with bipolar disorder can employ coping strategies or seek additional therapeutic support to reduce the risk of a manic or depressive episode. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy was initially developed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. However, it has also been shown to be effective in treating bipolar disorder. DBT is a fusion between cognitive behavioral therapy practices and mindfulness.

The goal of DBT is to develop emotional regulation skills to more effectively manage the intense emotions and impulsive behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. 

Interpersonal Therapy 

Interpersonal therapy is an approach that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns. Individuals with bipolar disorder frequently struggle with developing and maintaining meaningful relationships. 

By nature, bipolar disorder can cause conflicts in relationships. Working toward improving interpersonal skills can reduce the impact of bipolar disorder on relationships, including family, friendships, and professional acquaintances. 

Individual Psychoeducation 

Knowledge is power. The more a person understands about their mental health condition, the better equipped they are to manage symptoms, recognize triggers, and explore effective treatment options. 

For someone living with bipolar disorder, life can often feel unpredictable and out of control. Psychoeducation returns their personal power back into their own hands. With this information and empowerment, individuals can help those in their lives better understand bipolar disorder and reduce stigma. 

Medication for Bipolar Disorder 

Medication is often an important component of bipolar disorder treatment. Different medications can be used to manage symptoms and bipolar episodes while the individual is receiving other types of treatment. 

Medication for bipolar disorder is based on the types of symptoms a person is experiencing. During manic episodes, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics may be prescribed, while antidepressants are prescribed for depressive episodes. 

Mood Stabilizers 

Lithium may be prescribed to help regulate mood. Additionally, there are a number of anticonvulsant medications that may be used to control mood. These include:

• Valproic acid (Depakene)
• Divalproex sodium (Depakote)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 

Antipsychotic Medications 

There is a lengthy list of medications that may be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Here are a few examples of first-generation, second-generation, and long-lasting antipsychotic medications. 

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Clozapine (Clozaril)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Paliperidone (Sustena)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa Relprevv)

Antidepressants 

Not all antidepressants work in the same way to manage depressive bipolar episodes. The different types of antidepressants include SSRIs, serotonin modulators, SNRIs, Tricyclics, tetracyclics, and MAOIs. 

• SSRIs & Serotonin Modulators: Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft)

• SNRIs: Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor), Levomilnacipran (Fetzima), Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

• Tricyclics & Tetracyclics: Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Imipramine (Tofranil), Protriptyline (Vivactil)

• MAOIs: Phenelzine (Nardil), Selegiline (Emsam), Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Group and Family-Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

In addition to individual therapies and medications, treatment through group therapies can be highly therapeutic for individuals with bipolar disorder. In group therapy, participants share their experiences, learning from each other and fostering a supportive community. Group therapy is effective in helping those with bipolar disorder feel less isolated and stigmatized. 

Family-focused therapy is important for those whose family relationships are impacted by bipolar disorder. Family-focused therapy helps family and loved ones better understand bipolar disorder while improving communication and reducing stress within the family unit.

Family therapy helps individuals build a strong support system for their loved ones. It also ensures they take care of their own mental health during the process. 

Is Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Necessary 

In short, yes, evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder is necessary. Bipolar disorder is extremely challenging to manage without the help of medications and professional therapy. Individuals who don’t seek treatment are at an elevated risk of experiencing extreme episodes, which impact their overall quality of life. Not seeking effective treatment also increases the risk of self-harm. 

Find Your Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center in Massachusetts 

If you or someone you care for is struggling with bipolar disorder, we understand that finding the proper treatment can be a challenge. However, it’s also the most certain path towards stability and recovery. Massachusetts Center for Addiction is a mental health and bipolar disorder treatment center that is equipped with professional, experienced staff that can help. 

We encourage you to contact us so that we can discuss our multidisciplinary approach, including evidence-based therapies, medications, and holistic options for bipolar disorder. Contact the Massachusetts Center for Addiction today at 844-486-0671.