The most effective treatments for bipolar disorder combine medication with some form of psychological therapy. Most people with bipolar disorder – even those with severe forms – can use both of these to effectively control their mood swings and live full and satisfying lives.
Medication
Because of its biological roots, preventative medication can significantly prevent or limit the symptoms of the illness. Lithium, and other mood stabilisers such as Epilim, Tegretol, Lamictal and Zyprexa are commonly prescribed for long-term use.
Psychological therapies
Studies have shown that medication in combination with pyschosocial treatments can lead to much better outcomes for bipolar individuals than just medication alone.
A combination of therapies are effective, including:
- cognitive behavioural therapy
- psycho-education
- family therapy
- interpersonal / social rhythm therapy.
With the insights that therapy can bring, people have a greater chance of:
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recognising the onset of any new episode
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dealing with it appropriately and in time
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keeping up their regular medication to prevent symptoms reoccurring
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developing a more robust self-image to generally better cope with the impact of living with bipolar disorder.
How South Pacific Private can help
South Pacific Private’s specialists can offer an assessment and formulate a treatment plan for bipolar disorder (and other mood disorders, depending on the outcome of your assessment).
We offer a combination of medical, psychological, social and family intervention to help individuals find a healthy balance and prevent future crises.
Our philosophy for treatment is different in three important respects:
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We recognise that bipolar disorder often isn't the only issue.
Often people with bipolar disorder are also battling co-occurring conditions such as alcohol addiction and drug dependancy. Tackling each issue requires a wider strategy than one designed to treat bi-polar disorder alone.
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We treat the whole person, not just an isolated symptom.
Because we are all complex products of our history, we need to dig deep to get to the roots of our problems. South Pacific Private works to identify the possible influencing or contributing factors – home life, work, relationships, personal medical history and past traumatic experiences – to establish the big picture that therapy needs to address.
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Treatment options should fit in with everyday routines.
Not everyone experiences such severe symptoms that they need to be admitted as an inpatient. We offer day and evening programs as well as extended overnight stays, so people can continue their everyday routines while receiving the benefits of treatment.
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Families have an important role to play.
Each of our treatment programs have a place for families to participate, to educate them in the bipolar experience and better equip them for their role as supporters.
Contact us today about South Pacific Private's treatment options for bipolar disorder
If you or someone you know may be struggling with bipolar disorder, feel free to contact our Client Liaison to discuss any questions you might have. Assessments are free.
We can be reached by confidential email or by calling 1800 063 332 for no charge.
Key things to remember
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While there's no cure for bipolar disorder, in most cases it can be
well controlled by a combination of medication and psychological
therapy.
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Therapy is valuable in helping individuals recognise symptoms early,
and giving them a better, more robust outlook for dealing with them.
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The best treatments take into account the whole person, rather than
focusing only on the current symptoms an individual is struggling with.
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