| Most people with bipolar disorder can be helped - but a | | | | stress and coping with suspicions. Basic education |
| psychiatrist or psychologist should first diagnose the | | | | about the nature of the disorder also helps to |
| disorder. Failure to diagnose and treat this disorder can | | | | understand ones behavior. Doctors may use |
| prove fatal. Sometimes undiagnosed bipolar disorder | | | | electroconvulsive therapy for treatment mainly for |
| patient end up in a psychiatric hospital or residential | | | | people who may have episodes of depression |
| treatment centers and may attempt suicide. | | | | associated with suicidal tendencies or in people whose |
| Children and teens with bipolar disorder do not usually | | | | medication has proved to be ineffective. |
| show the same patterns of behavior as adults who | | | | In this treatment electrodes are taped to the patient's |
| have a similar condition. A mental health professional | | | | head and he is anesthetized. After a muscle relaxant |
| has to observe a teen's behavior carefully before | | | | is injected, a small amount of electrical current is |
| making a diagnosis. For treatment of this disorder a | | | | passed through the brain for less than a second. This |
| complete history of the person's past and present | | | | current produces a brain seizure, but because of the |
| experiences is very essential. Family members and | | | | muscle relaxants the body remains calm. This therapy |
| friends should provide helpful insights into the person's | | | | profoundly affects the brain's metabolism and blood |
| behavior, and the doctor may also want a teen to | | | | flow to various areas of the brain is rejuvenated. This |
| have a medical exam to rule out other conditions. | | | | therapy is often highly effective in the treatment of |
| Medication and psychotherapy are known to be | | | | bipolar disorders. |
| effective treatments for bipolar disorder. Occasionally, | | | | Doctors sometimes use antidepressant medications to |
| doctors may also use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). | | | | treat the depression associated with bipolar disorders. |
| Psychotherapy is often used simultaneously with | | | | Additionally, taking medications as prescribed, reporting |
| medications. Detecting the patterns leading up to | | | | any changes in functions and participating in therapy |
| episodes of bipolar disorder and trying to identify | | | | are the keys to living a successful life. In addition to |
| triggers for these episodes is very important. Patterns | | | | treatment, making a few lifestyle changes like reducing |
| may include use of medications or anything that | | | | stress, eating well and getting enough sleep and |
| happens physically or emotionally. | | | | exercise can help a person cope with this condition. |
| Psychotherapy helps provide strategies for managing | | | | |