Hello and welcome to Healthcare magic. Glad to see that you are very much interested in the mental health of your close relative.


Bipolar Depression is a very common mental health condition that can be managed by any psychiatrist. One good thing about it is that unlike some other forms of Psychosis, Bipolar depression responds better to treatment. But even after it becomes better it is very important to continue medicines in low doses to prevent recurrence.
There is no 'specialist' in Bipolar depression as there is no such super-specialty courses. I would recommend you to continue his treatment from a qualified psychiatrist with regular follow up.
Hope I have answered your queries. Feel free to write if you need further clarifications. May your uncle get well soon.

hello, i understand your concern. your uncle is diagnosed as a patient of bipolar depression.
bipolar depression is a different entity from normal unipolar depression, which is very common. in bipolar depression patient is not always depressed there are alternative episodes of depression and hypomania. the depression episode is also different symptomatically in a patient of bipolar depression.

now coming to your question about how long the meds shud be continued? usually bipolar patients are unstable with mood, and they are at higher risk of recurrence with any stressful life event. when the person has been treated effectively for a episode of depression or hypomania, he or she shud take prophylaxis meds for long duration to prevent recurrence of the disorder. there are no any specific guideline for treatment duration in bipolar depression but usually after 1 episode treatment shud be continued for 1 year, if there is 2nd episode then treatment shud be continued for next 2 years, n if there is 3rd episode treatment shud be continued for next 5 years and even with meds patient is having relapse or recurrence then treatment shud be life long.

once the illness has became chronic after 2 to 3 years, it becomes like diabettes u have to take meds for life time. dont stop the meds without an advise from yuor treating psychiatrist..
best of luck..

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are concerned about your uncle's psychiatric problems. Now, Bipolar depression needs to be treated with a mood stabilizer and sometimes, an anti-depressant also may be required. Giving an anti-depressant alone in a patient with Bipolar disorder is not advisable as it can sometimes cause a switch to mania.

Regarding the duration of treatment, it depends on the severity and the number of episodes of illness. But usually, long-term treatment with mood stabilizers is required.

If his symptoms are not fully controlled with the surrent regime of treatment, then he may need an alteration or change in his medication. So, I would advise you to take him to a good psychiatrist in your place to optimize his medication regime.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist