Earlier bipolar depression was treated with medicines and sedatives which had several side effects. However, bipolar depression treatment had tremendously improved in recent years and mainly mood stabilizers are prescribed by the doctors.
Only a few treatments for bipolar depression have been established even though the depression episode is more common than manias and has a more severe effect.
Doctors can prescribe a combination of antipsychotic drugs and antimanic medication to relieve depression symptoms. These drugs control bipolar depression symptoms without further triggering a manic depression episode.
CAUSES OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION
The exact Bipolar depression causes are still unclear. However, it is possible that bipolar depression is caused by a combination of environmental and biological factors. Whereas a family history of bipolar disorder, brain structure and function can form part of risk factors for bipolar depression.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION
The symptoms of bipolar depression and the frequency and intensity with which these symptoms are experienced can differ from individual to individual. However, the majority of symptoms remain the same for most individuals.
The general symptoms for bipolar depression include restlessness or intense irritability, eating and sleeping too much or too little, suicidal thoughts, sadness, easily distracted, risky, and impulsive behavior.
THE STANDARD TREATMENT FOR BIPOLAR DEPRESSION
Generally, antidepressants were added to mood stabilizers if the latter proved ineffective. However, various researches have shown that antidepressants are not entirely useful for the treatment of bipolar depression disorder.
MEDICATION
Generally, a mood stabilizer is prescribed for controlling maniac episodes along with antidepressants.
When the mania persists even after the treatment, Antipsychotics are prescribed by doctors.
Antidepressant-antipsychotic drugs work both as a treatment for depression and a mood stabilizer.
Anti-anxiety medications help to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. It is used for a short-term basis.
THERAPY
IPSRT or Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy helps in stabilizing sleep, diet, and exercise.
CBT or Cognitive-behavioral therapy proves helpful in replacing unhealthy and negative thoughts with positive ones.
Psychoeducation focuses on educating about bipolar disorder.
Family-focused therapy helps a patient and their family members to recognize the symptoms and to stick with a treatment plan.
CONTINUED TREATMENT
It is essential for a patient to stick to the treatment plan, even if and when they feel better. Bipolar depression test proves that patients who skip maintenance treatment are at a high risk of symptoms relapse.
DAY TREATMENT PROGRAMS
Clinical trials for bipolar disorder and depression offer treatment and conduct programs that provide support and counseling to patients along with overall treatment and control of bipolar depression symptoms.
TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The patients are given substance abuse treatment if they have problems with drugs and alcohol. Otherwise, bipolar disorder can prove challenging to manage.
HOSPITALIZATION
Getting treated at a hospital can help in stabilizing moods, prevent dangerous behavior and major depressive or manic episodes.
OTHER TREATMENTS
A range of physical health complications can arise due to bipolar depression. Researches are being made to find out prompt and effective methods to prevent and treat bipolar depression.
The lack of effective treatments usually delays the efficient treatment of bipolar depression. Paid Clinical trials for bipolar disorder and depression California are in the process of testing new methods to detect, prevent, and treat bipolar depression.