Thursday, November 27, 2008

Bipolar -Important Treatment Considerations

By Harold Ulvaeus

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is widely used in conjunction with medication to help control the symptoms of bipolar.Part of the therapy is to help the person to overcome the swings of mood, from mania to depression, and to recover from the psychological effects of those mood swings. Usually the symptoms will recur, frequently as the result of some event, sometimes spontaneously. Helping the person to be prepared, and to recognize the symptoms is part of the clinicians task.

It may be attractive to discontinue therapy when things are smooth but life events, return of symptoms are signs to resume the therapy sessions. Even when there is no apparent need for therapy, it is advisable to keep in contact with your therapist.

A great bonus from therapy is the positive feedback and bonding with your therapist. When hard times hit and the treatment, including pharmaceuticals deals lemons having a therapist you trust and have bonded with is of immense value.

Frequently the psychotherapy is the stabilizing piece in the patient's life. Receiving positive feedback, progress reports, along with helping to provide a structure of treatment plan can help the bipolar person feel safe and accomplished.

Remember that optimal treatment of people having bipolar disorder requires an effective approach which integrates psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

Finding effective ways to control the mood swings, avoiding relapse is crucial for the person with bipolar.Pharmaceuticals and therapy are two effective ways and there are many more. Nutrition, Homeopathy, supplements affecting moods, energy therapies, acupuncture and more can help the bipolar person live a life with a lot more ease. - 16083

About the Author: