Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a serious mental health condition that can lead to mood swings, depression, and maniac symptoms. This is a lifelong condition but with proper diagnosis and treatment, the patients can control the distressing symptoms and lead a normal lifestyle.
Some of the common symptoms of bipolar disorder include sleep disturbances, increased energy, distractibility, poor decision-making process, fatigue, and loss of interest. If you experience any of these symptoms then you must seek the assistance of a mental health specialist who can recommend the best bipolar disorder treatment in Siliguri.
Given below are some of the effective treatment options for bipolar disorder.
1. Medications
The first treatment option that the doctor will recommend is medications to balance the extreme mood swings. However, the prescribed medications will depend upon the symptoms and the type of the disorder.
Initially, the doctor may ask you to intake mood stabilizers such as valproic acid and lithium to control the frequency of manic episodes. If you experience maniac and depressive symptoms together then anti-psychotics can also be given. The other medications that can be used to treat the disorder are anti-anxiety and antidepressants.
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatment options for bipolar disorder. Among all the therapies, CBT is the most beneficial one since helps in identifying the unhealthy thoughts triggering the symptoms.
After identifying the negative feelings and thoughts, it is then replaced with positive and healthy ones. The measures that you learn during this therapy will also help in developing coping strategies for difficult situations and managing stress.
3. Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is also a part of psychotherapy, which helps the doctor in providing essential information to the patient regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to cure bipolar disorder.
This will help in enhancing treatment adherence among the patients, who will also follow the recommendations thoroughly to manage this complex mental health issue. You can book an appointment with the best psychiatrist in Siliguri to get effective psychoeducation about the health condition.
4. Family-focused therapy
Family-focused therapy combines the treatment methods of family therapy and psychoeducation to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. In this method, the caregivers and the patients both are motivated to join the psychoeducation sessions.
This helps the family members to indulge and support the patient in overcoming the mental health condition. Expressing your concern and care with clear communication can do wonders in ensuring mental well-being.
5. Hospitalization
In certain cases, the doctor may also recommend special psychiatric treatment in a hospital to stabilize the mood. This is mostly done when the patients are experiencing the symptoms of psychosis or having suicidal thoughts.
Some of the common symptoms of psychosis include disorganized behavior, hallucinations, flat affect, delusions, and isolation. The patients are usually discharged from the hospital when the patient becomes capable of taking care of themselves due to the effectiveness of medication.
Apart from availing of this advantageous bipolar disorder treatment in Siliguri, you can also indulge in certain lifestyle improvements such as medication, exercise, and yoga. You can also maintain a proper sleep cycle, quit drinking alcohol, and keep a mood chart to improve your mental health condition.