What are the treatment methods for manic depression?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is primarily treated with a comprehensive approach including medication, physical therapy, and psychotherapy. First-line pharmacological treatment mainly involves mood stabilizers. Currently recognized mood stabilizers include lithium salts (lithium carbonate) and antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and valproate. Second-generation antipsychotics, such as clozapine, can also be used as mood stabilizers.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by abnormally elevated or depressed mood, featuring both manic and depressive episodes. The same patient may experience alternating episodes intermittently, or one state may predominate with recurrent episodes. The condition is typically cyclical and may have periods of remission. What are the treatment options for bipolar disorder?
What Are the Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, is primarily managed through comprehensive treatment approaches, including medication, physical therapy, and psychotherapy. First, pharmacological treatment mainly involves mood stabilizers. Widely accepted mood stabilizers currently include lithium salts (lithium carbonate) and antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine, and piracetam. Second-generation antipsychotics such as quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and clozapine can also be used as mood stabilizers.
The second approach is physical therapy, specifically electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or modified ECT. This treatment is suitable for patients with acute severe mania, extreme excitement, or those who do not respond to or cannot tolerate lithium therapy. The third approach is psychotherapy, commonly including cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and traditional Chinese psychological therapy. These therapies can continue for some time after discontinuation of medication and effectively help prevent relapse.
Additionally, it is recommended that individuals seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital upon symptom onset and receive appropriate management under a doctor's guidance. The medications mentioned above are for reference only; specific drug use should always follow a physician’s instructions. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.
