Bipolar Disorder Slideshow Pictures Phobias Slideshow Pictures Depression Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Mara Aloi, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Follow-up

It is critically important for people with bipolar disorder to take all medication as directed. You will very likely be tempted to stop your medication. Many people with bipolar disorder do so. Don't do so. Instead, talk it over with your health-care provider. Stopping your medication will probably cause your symptoms to come back. It may also cause uncomfortable or alarming withdrawal symptoms.

Depending on which medication is used, you may need regular blood tests to monitor levels and to check for side effects of the drug.

You should have regular appointments with your health-care provider to see how well the treatment is working and detect any instability of your mood.

Regular sessions with a psychotherapist or counselor are also important.

Ongoing education for you and your family is crucial to help everyone deal with the disease.

You and your family should be taught to watch for early warning signs of crisis and ways to deal with stress to prevent recurrences.