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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Bipolar Disorder Be Treated?

hi my husband has been diagnosed BI POLAR. due to his extreme anger, extremely hyper, and opposite defiant. He lies a lot and he is a compulsvie spender. he is on Lamictal 200 mg, Lexopro 20 mg, abilify 10 mg. and haven t seen any improvements what can you suggest please thank you
Fri, 28 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Several treatments are available that can help you manage your bipolar disorder. These include medications, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Some natural remedies may also be helpful.

Medications

Recommended medications may include:
1. mood stabilizers, such as Lithium (Lithobid)
2. antipsychotics, such as Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
3. antidepressant-antipsychotics, such as Fluoxetine-Olanzapine (Symbyax)
4. benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication such as Alprazolam (Xanax) that may be used for short-term treatment

Psychotherapy

Recommended psychotherapy treatments may include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy. You and a therapist talk about ways to manage your bipolar disorder. They will help you understand your thinking patterns. They can also help you come up with positive coping strategies.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation is a kind of counseling that helps you and your loved ones understand the disorder. Knowing more about bipolar disorder will help you and others in your life manage it.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) focuses on regulating daily habits, such as sleeping, eating, and exercising. Balancing these everyday basics can help you manage your disorder.

Other treatment options

Other treatment options may include:
1. electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
2. sleep medications
3. supplements
4. acupuncture

Lifestyle changes

There are also some simple steps you can take right now to help manage your bipolar disorder:
1. keep a routine for eating and sleeping
2. learn to recognize mood swings
3. ask a friend or relative to support your treatment plans
4. talk to a doctor or licensed health care provider
5. Other lifestyle changes can also help relieve depressive symptoms caused by bipolar disorder. Check out these seven ways to help manage a depressive episode.

Some natural remedies may be helpful for bipolar disorder. However, it’s important not to use these remedies without first talking with your doctor. These treatments could interfere with medications you’re taking.

The following herbs and supplements may help stabilize your mood and relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder:
1. Rhodiola Rosea. This research also shows that this plant may be a helpful treatment for moderate depression. It may help treat depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.
2. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe is an amino acid supplement. The research shows it can ease symptoms of major depression and other mood disorders.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Sanjay Kini,
General & Family Physician
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How Can Bipolar Disorder Be Treated?

Hi, Several treatments are available that can help you manage your bipolar disorder. These include medications, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Some natural remedies may also be helpful. Medications Recommended medications may include: 1. mood stabilizers, such as Lithium (Lithobid) 2. antipsychotics, such as Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 3. antidepressant-antipsychotics, such as Fluoxetine-Olanzapine (Symbyax) 4. benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication such as Alprazolam (Xanax) that may be used for short-term treatment Psychotherapy Recommended psychotherapy treatments may include: Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy. You and a therapist talk about ways to manage your bipolar disorder. They will help you understand your thinking patterns. They can also help you come up with positive coping strategies. Psychoeducation Psychoeducation is a kind of counseling that helps you and your loved ones understand the disorder. Knowing more about bipolar disorder will help you and others in your life manage it. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) focuses on regulating daily habits, such as sleeping, eating, and exercising. Balancing these everyday basics can help you manage your disorder. Other treatment options Other treatment options may include: 1. electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 2. sleep medications 3. supplements 4. acupuncture Lifestyle changes There are also some simple steps you can take right now to help manage your bipolar disorder: 1. keep a routine for eating and sleeping 2. learn to recognize mood swings 3. ask a friend or relative to support your treatment plans 4. talk to a doctor or licensed health care provider 5. Other lifestyle changes can also help relieve depressive symptoms caused by bipolar disorder. Check out these seven ways to help manage a depressive episode. Some natural remedies may be helpful for bipolar disorder. However, it’s important not to use these remedies without first talking with your doctor. These treatments could interfere with medications you’re taking. The following herbs and supplements may help stabilize your mood and relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder: 1. Rhodiola Rosea. This research also shows that this plant may be a helpful treatment for moderate depression. It may help treat depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. 2. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe is an amino acid supplement. The research shows it can ease symptoms of major depression and other mood disorders. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Sanjay Kini, General & Family Physician