Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that has symptoms of both depression and mania, which is an abnormal sense of elation that can lead to dangerous activities. People with bipolar symptoms range from suicidally depressed to feeling almost invincible. The invincible feeling, or mania, can lead to risky sex, drug binges, shoplifting, compulsive spending, and reckless driving. Fortunately, there are ways to treat bipolar symptoms.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers act in the brain to even out moods, which is important to alleviate bipolar symptoms. Medications such as Tegretol (carbamazepine), Depakote (divalproex), and lithium can all help create a more even mood, but do require regular blood tests.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Paxil (paroxetine) can stop the depressive spectrum of bipolar symptoms but do have some risks and should not be used as the sole medical remedy for such patients. These are often combined with a mood stabilizer and at times, an antipsychotic.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are helpful when bipolar symptoms include delusional thinking and hallucinations, but are used as a last resort in most cases because they are expensive and can have serious side effects. Popular choices include Risperdal (risperidone), Abilify (aripiprazole), and Seroquel (quetiapine).

Support Groups and Therapy

Joining an online or in-person support group can help people with bipolar symptoms express their emotions and meet others who suffer the same condition. Therapy is an essential component for any mental illness treatment.

Hospitalization

Sometimes bipolar symptoms such as severe depression or dangerous mania and delusions require hospitalization. In most cases, medication management, therapy, and group activities are incorporated in a psychiatric hospital stay.

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