Maybe you have only recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, but, you have probably travelled this road for a long time. You may have been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. You may have been up and down with severe mood swings and relapses. You may feel your current treatment is not working, or you may be plagued by the side effects from medication.
Bipolar Disorder is a serious illness, and each individual’s symptoms are different. Taking an active a role in your treatment plan is the first step toward managing your disorder.
If your symptoms are not under control friends and family may feel confused by your changes in mood. Family therapy may help to promote understanding and strengthen relationships. Friends and family can be a great source of support. They can help you with compliance with your treatment plan and encourage you to avoid triggers; and learn the warning signs of an episode.
To get the most from your treatment, make sure you confide in your doctor about how you are feeling on your medication and any side effects you may be experiencing. Ask about alternate or additional treatment to help treat your symptoms.
There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but, there are effective treatments to help manage the symptoms. Some options may include: therapy, group therapy, and prescription medication or a combination.
Some healthcare teams encourage patients to track their moods and discuss mood changes with a therapist. Many doctors agree that sharing this information and establishing a supportive and consistent relationship between Bipolar patients and a therapist can be an essential part of the treatment plan. In addition to having the opportunity to discuss current problems and ways to cope with symptoms; patients with Bipolar Disorder may also be able to discuss and better understand past episodes and behaviors.
No comments:
Post a Comment