Other forms of treatment/management
Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT)
This is sometimes given in hospital. Although it may be considered to be a controversial or old-fashioned treatment, it can be very effective in severe depression. Very rarely it is used to treat severe intractable mania when drug treatments prove ineffective.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
Ongoing care of people with Bipolar disorders is usually undertaken in the community by a multidisciplinary team co-ordinated by the community mental health services. The team will include psychiatrists, community psychiatrist nurses, occupational therapists and social workers working in close collaboration with social service departments. One member of the team co-ordinates the care and is known as the Care Co-ordinator.
The NHS Care Programme Approach (CPA)
For more information about the Care Programme Approach (CPA)
General Practitioner (GP)
Some people with Bipolar disorder whose episodes of hypomania are infrequent and whose symptoms remain stable on medication may be under the care of a general practitioner. They may visit a community mental health clinic once or twice a year, or return to the care of the team if an episode of hypomania or depression does not respond readily to increased medication. People with milder forms of the illness may have a good understanding of the condition and recognise the return of serious symptoms that merit an increase in treatment.
Other therapies
Different types of psychotherapy are used to treat Bipolar disorders, usually when the acute episode of mania or depression has been stabilised with medication. These therapies help people to understand their illness and to learn strategies to manage their symptoms on a day - to - day basis. It is very useful if people can learn to recognise the early warning signs of a relapse, such that they can increase their medication or seek extra help to prevent deterioration. Cognitive behaviour therapy is being increasingly used to good effect.
More information about this condition
Amended September 2011
