- Contents
- What is bipolar disorder?
- What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
- How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
- What illnesses often co-exist with bipolar disorder?
- What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?
- Genetics
- Brain structure and functioning
- How is bipolar disorder treated?
- Medications
- Psychotherapy
- Other treatments
- What research is NIMH doing to improve treatments for bipolar disorder?
- How can I help a friend or relative who has bipolar disorder?
- How can caregivers find support?
- How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?
- Where can I go for help?
- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
- Citations
- For more information on bipolar disorder
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively over the long-term. Proper treatment helps many people with bipolar disorder—even those with the most severe forms of the illness—gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms.24,25,26 But because it is a lifelong illness, long-term, continuous treatment is needed to control symptoms.27
However, even with proper treatment, mood changes can occur. In the NIMH-funded Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) study—the largest treatment study ever conducted for bipolar disorder—almost half of those who recovered still had lingering symptoms. Having another mental disorder in addition to bipolar disorder increased one's chances for a relapse.28 See STEP-BD for more information.
Treatment is more effective if you work closely with a doctor and talk openly about your concerns and choices. An effective maintenance treatment plan usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Options
Related Information
- See all NIMH publications about:
- Browse Mental Health Topics
- About NIMH Publications
