Medications play an important role in helping to stabilize mood swings often found with this type of mental illness. Lithium has been shown to be very effective in helping to control mania and in stopping recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes. Several types of antidepressant have also been found useful in combating depression aspect of bipolar disorder. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy is often helpful in treating severe depression that fails to respond to medication.

Therapy from a qualified provider can also be helpful in educating patient and providing support and guidance to all family members involved. It is important to remember that bipolar disorder is recurrent, and, as such, long-term preventive treatment is indicated in most cases.

Finally, it is important to know that bipolar disorder is a legitimate illness, and that it will not “just go away” if given enough time. Treatment is necessary to help keep disease under control and a maintenance regimen (including both medications and therapy) may be required over length of a person’s life.

Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on bipolar disorder, and depression in general, have appeared in print and on many websites.