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.