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Bipolar Disorder (cont.)

Other Therapy

For most people with bipolar disorder, medications do not relieve symptoms completely. Psychological counseling (psychotherapy) complements drug therapy.

  • Counseling usually begins in the hospital or when medical treatment begins.

  • Different types of therapy are used. Therapy may be individual or in a group-both can be effective if approached with a positive attitude.

  • The goal is to help the person accept and cope with the disease.

  • It is often very important for the spouse or other family members to be involved during visits to the therapist.

    • It is important to treat the whole family, not just the person with bipolar disorder, not because they are all "sick," but because this disorder affects them all.

    • Family members can learn valuable ways to deal with their loved one's mood swings.


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Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Effective Treatments

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