Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not limited to children -- 30% to 70% of kids with ADHD continue having symptoms when they grow up. In addition, people who were never diagnosed as kids may develop more obvious symptoms in adulthood, causing trouble on the job or in relationships. Many adults don't realize they have ADHD, leaving them mystified about why their goals seem to slip out of reach.Signs of Adult ADHD: Running Late

ADHD in adults follows a slightly different pattern than in children. Adults may be chronically late for work or important events. Adults may realize that their tardiness is undermining their goals, but they just can't seem to be on time.

Signs of Adult ADHD: Risky Driving

One of the hallmarks of ADHD is difficulty keeping your mind on the task at hand. That spells trouble for teens and adults when they're behind the wheel of a vehicle. Studies show that people with ADHD are more likely to speed, have accidents, and lose their drivers' licenses.

Signs of Adult ADHD: Distraction

Adults with ADHD may have trouble prioritizing, starting, and finishing tasks. They tend to be disorganized, restless, and easily distracted. Some people with ADHD have trouble concentrating while reading. The inability to stay focused and follow through on tasks can derail careers, ambitions, and relationships.

Signs of Adult ADHD: Outbursts

Adults with ADHD may have problems with self-control. This can lead to:

• Difficulty controlling anger
• Impulsive behaviors
• Blurting out rude or insulting thoughts

Signs of Adult ADHD: Hyperfocus

Some adults with ADHD can focus intently on things they enjoy or find interesting -- the ability to hyperfocus. But they struggle to pay attention to tasks that bore them. The trouble is that many tasks necessary for success in everyday life are dull, from making a grocery list to filing documents at work. People with ADHD tend to put off boring tasks in favor of more enjoyable activities.

Multitasking or ADHD?

It may seem like everyone has ADHD these days, as we respond to text messages, email, calls, and fast-paced work environments. While all of this can be distracting, most people manage to focus on important responsibilities. In people with ADHD, distractions interfere with the completion of vital tasks at home and at work.

ADHD or Something Else?

If you are often restless and have trouble concentrating, don't jump to the conclusion that you have ADHD. These symptoms are also common in other conditions. Poor concentration is a classic sign of depression. Restlessness or anxiety could indicate an overactive thyroid or anxiety disorder. Your health care provider will investigate whether these conditions could be causing your symptoms instead of -- or in addition to -- ADHD.

What Causes ADHD?

In people with ADHD, brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are less active in areas of the brain that control attention. Researchers don't know exactly what causes this chemical imbalance, but they think genes may play a role, because ADHD often runs in families. Studies have also linked ADHD to prenatal exposure to cigarettes and alcohol.

An Evolutionary Advantage?

One genetic variation that causes ADHD-like traits is more common in the world's nomadic peoples. Researchers think that traits such as impulsive behavior, novelty-seeking, and unpredictability might help nomads track down food and other resources. So the same qualities that make it challenging to excel at a desk job may have been an advantage to nomadic ancestors.

Diagnosing ADHD in Adults

Many adults don't learn that they have ADHD until they get help for another problem, such as anxiety or depression. Discussing poor habits, troubles at work, or marital conflicts often reveals that ADHD is at fault. To confirm the diagnosis, the disorder must have been present during childhood, even if it was never diagnosed. Old report cards or talking with relatives can document childhood problems, such as poor focus and hyperactivity.

Testing for ADHD

During an evaluation for ADHD, some mental health professionals use neuropsychological tests. These can include timed, computer-based tests that measure attention and problem-solving skills. Neuropsychological testing is not needed to make a diagnosis, but it can shed light on how ADHD affects a person's daily life. It can also uncover coexisting conditions, such as learning disabilities.

Complications of Adult ADHD

Coping with the symptoms of adult ADHD can be frustrating in itself. At the same time, many adults with ADHD struggle with depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder. They're also more likely to smoke or abuse drugs. People with ADHD can limit these problems by seeking proper treatment.

Medications for ADHD

The most common medicines for ADHD are stimulants. It may seem ironic that people who are restless or hyperactive get help from stimulants. These drugs may sharpen concentration and curb distractibility by fine-tuning brain circuits that affect attention. If stimulants don't help enough, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to stabilize mood or a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as atomoxetine, which can help control impulsive behaviors.

How Effective Are ADHD Drugs?

There have been far fewer studies of ADHD drugs in adults than in children, but the research to date is promising. Studies have shown adults taking stimulants have fewer ADHD symptoms -- and some people may feel they can concentrate better within about 30 minutes.

Counseling for ADHD

Most adults with ADHD improve when they start medication, but they may continue to struggle with poor habits and low self-esteem. Counseling for ADHD focuses on getting organized, setting helpful routines, repairing relationships, and improving social skills. There is evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly helpful in managing problems of daily life that are associated with ADHD.

Adult ADHD on the Job

Holding down a job can be tough for people with ADHD. They often have trouble breaking down tasks and following directions, staying organized, and making deadlines. They're also prone to tardiness and careless mistakes. In one national survey, only half of adults with ADHD were employed full time, compared to 72% of adults without the disorder. People with ADHD also tend to earn less than their peers.

Careers for Adults with ADHD

There's not much research yet into the careers where people with ADHD are likely to thrive. But ADHD expert Russell A. Barkely, MD, says his patients have excelled in sales, acting, the military, photography, athletic coaching, and many trade professions. A person with ADHD can pursue almost any career that interests them.

Job Coaching for ADHD

People with ADHD may be able to boost their job performance with coaching or mentoring. The mentor will help with organization skills, such as taking notes, keeping a daily planner and prioritizing a to-do list. A quiet workspace with few distractions may help. ADHD is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means employers must make adjustments to support a worker's needs.Adult ADHD and Marriage

ADHD can sabotage marriage and other relationships. The condition makes it difficult to remember social commitments, birthdays, or anniversaries, finish household chores, and pay bills on time. Adults with ADHD may lose their tempers easily or engage in reckless behavior. This leads to higher rates of separation and divorce.

Life Coaching for ADHD

Like having a mentor in the workplace, some people with ADHD benefit from having a coach for everyday life. Coaching is generally a supplement to more formal psychological counseling. The mentor helps the patient put newly learned skills into practice in real-life situations, whether organizing the home or planning a trip.Organizational Skills for ADHD

Smart phone "organizer" apps can be especially useful for people with ADHD. Use an app to create a new to-do list every night, and you'll always have it with you on your phone. Keep your list organized by using four categories: calls, emails, tasks, and errands. Other apps can help you keep your schedule up to date, so you won't miss important events.

Diet Tips for Adults with ADHD

Some experts believe foods that provide quality brain fuel could reduce symptoms of ADHD. High-protein foods, including nuts, meat, beans, and eggs, may improve concentration. Replacing simple carbs with complex carbs, like whole-grain pasta or brown rice, can help ward off mood swings and stabilize energy levels.Does Sugar Worsen ADHD?

The idea that sugar makes people hyperactive is popular, but there is no evidence that sweets cause ADHD or make its symptoms worse. Research in children indicates switching to a sugar substitute, such as aspartame, does not reduce symptoms of ADHD.

Outlook for Adults With ADHD

Adults with ADHD don't outgrow the condition, but many learn to manage it successfully. Long-term treatment can reduce problems at home and at work, bringing patients closer to their families and their professional goals.

Understanding bipolar disorder

Highlights

1. If you have bipolar disorder, your feelings can reach abnormally high or low levels.
2. You must have had at least one manic episode and one major depressive episode for your doctor to diagnose you with bipolar 1 disorder.
3. Bipolar 2 disorder involves a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode.

It’s fairly typical to experience emotional ups and downs. These often depend on what’s going on in your life. Gorgeous weather on a day you planned to be outdoors may make you feel appreciative. Not getting an expected raise at work may lead you to feel angry or frustrated. These responses are generally temporary. This can allow you to live in a relatively calm state most of the time.
If you have bipolar disorder, your feelings can reach abnormally high or low levels. One moment you may be immensely excited or energetic. You may then find yourself sinking into the depths of depression. Some of these emotional peaks and valleys can last for weeks or months. Others may disappear within a few hours. Bipolar disorder is a brain condition that can interfere with daily activities, employment, and relationships. It can affect your overall quality of life.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of extreme highs and extreme lows. The highs are known as manic episodes. The lows are known as depressive episodes. You may have a handful of such episodes a year, or you may have several within a week. Some people with bipolar disorder may have a manic episode and a depressive episode in the same day. People who experience such rapid shifts are said to have “rapid cycling.”
Two types of this condition are bipolar 1 disorder or bipolar 2 disorder. There are other types of bipolar disorder, but this article will focus on these two types. Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder involve highs and lows beyond what would otherwise be considered healthy. The differences lie in how manic or how depressed you are during an episode.

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What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

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The symptoms will vary based on the type of bipolar disorder that you may have.

Mania

A manic episode is more than just a feeling of elation, high energy, or being distracted. During a manic episode, the mania is so intense that it can interfere with your daily activities. It’s difficult to redirect someone in a manic episode toward a calmer, more reasonable state. People who are in the manic phase of the illness can make some very irrational decisions, such as spending large amounts of money that they can’t afford to spend. They may also engage in high-risk behaviors, such as sexual indiscretions despite being in a committed relationship.
An episode can’t be officially deemed manic if it’s caused by outside influences. This includes alcohol, drugs, or another health condition.

Hypomania

Though less severe than a manic episode, a hypomanic phase is still an event in which your behavior differs from your normal state. The differences will be extreme enough that people around you may notice that something is wrong.
Officially, a hypomanic episode isn’t considered hypomania if it’s influenced by drugs or alcohol.
Learn more: How to recognize and treat bipolar disorder in teens »

Depression

Depressive symptoms in someone with bipolar disorder are like those of someone with clinical depression. They may include extended periods of sadness and hopelessness. You may also experience a loss of interest people you once enjoyed spending time with and activities you used to like. Other symptoms include:

• tiredness
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating.
• changes in sleeping habits
• changes in eating habits often change
• thoughts of suicide

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What is bipolar 1 disorder?

You must have had at least one manic episode and one major depressive episode to be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder. The depressive episode must have occurred either before or after the manic episode. The symptoms of a manic episode may be so severe that you require hospital care.
Manic episodes are usually characterized by the following:

• exceptional energy
• restlessness
• difficulty concentrating
• feelings of euphoria
• risky behaviors
• poor sleep

The symptoms of a manic episode tend to be so obvious and intrusive that there’s little doubt that something is wrong.

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What is bipolar 2 disorder?

Bipolar 2 disorder involves a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode. People with bipolar 2 typically don’t experience manic episodes intense enough to require hospitalization.
Bipolar 2 is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression. When there are no manic episodes to suggest bipolar disorder, the depressive symptoms become the focus.

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What causes bipolar disorder?

Scientists don’t know what causes bipolar disorder. Abnormal physical characteristics of the brain or an imbalance in certain brain chemicals may be among the main causes.
As with many medical conditions, bipolar disorder tends to run in families. If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, your risk of developing it is higher. The search continues for the genes responsible for bipolar disorder.
Researchers also believe that severe stress, drug or alcohol abuse, or severely upsetting experiences may trigger bipolar disorder. These experiences can include childhood abuse or the death of a loved one.

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How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

A psychiatrist or other mental health professional typically diagnoses bipolar disorder. The diagnosis will include a review of your medical history, as well as of any symptoms you have that are related to mania and depression. A trained professional will know what questions to ask. It can be very helpful to bring a spouse or close friend with you during the doctor’s visit. They may be able to answer questions about your behavior that you may not be able to answer easily or accurately.
If you have symptoms that seem like bipolar 1 or bipolar 2, you can always start by telling your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist if your symptoms appear serious enough.
A blood test may also be part of the diagnostic process. There are no markers for bipolar disorder in the blood, but a blood test and a comprehensive physical exam may help rule out other possible causes for your behavior.

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How is bipolar disorder treated?

Doctors usually treat bipolar disorder with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
Mood stabilizers are often the first drugs used in treatment. You may take these for a long time. Lithium has been a widely used mood stabilizer for many years. It does have several potential side effects. These include low thyroid function, joint pain, and indigestion. Antipsychotics can be used to treat manic episodes.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of medication to see how you respond. You may need a stronger dose than what they initially prescribe. You may also need a combination of drugs to control your symptoms. All medications have potential side effects and interactions with other drugs. If you’re pregnant or you take other medications, be sure to tell your doctor before taking any new medications.
Writing in a diary can be an especially helpful part of your treatment. Keeping track of your moods, sleeping and eating patterns and significant life events, can help you and your doctor understand how therapy and medications are working. If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, your doctor may order a change in your medications or a different type of psychotherapy.
Learn more: Bipolar disorder: A guide to therapy »

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What is the outlook?

Bipolar disorder isn’t curable. With proper treatment and support from family and friends, you can manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
It’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications and other lifestyle choices. This includes:

• alcohol use
• drug use
• exercise
• diet
• sleep
• stress reduction

Including your friends and family members in your care can be especially helpful.
It’s also helpful to learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know about the condition, the more in control you may feel as you adjust to life after diagnosis. You may be able to repair strained relationships. Educating others about bipolar disorder may make them more understanding of hurtful events from the past.

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Support options

Support groups, both online and in person, can be helpful for people with bipolar disorder. It can also be beneficial for your friends and relatives. Learning about others’ struggles and triumphs may help you get through any challenges you may have.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance maintains a website that provides:

• personal stories from people with bipolar disorder
• contact information for support groups across the United States
• information about the condition and treatments
• material for caregivers and loved ones of those with bipolar disorder

The National Alliance on Mental Illness can also help you find support groups in your area. Good information about bipolar disorder and other conditions can also be found on its website.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2, you should always remember that this is a condition you can manage. You aren’t alone. Talk to your doctor or call a local hospital to find out about support groups or other local resources. 

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another.
People with bipolar disorder have periods or episodes of:

• depression – feeling very low and lethargic
• mania – feeling very high and overactive (less severe mania is known as hypomania)

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on which mood you're experiencing. Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer), and some people may not experience a "normal" mood very often.

Depression

You may initially be diagnosed with clinical depression before having a future manic episode (sometimes years later), after which you may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
During an episode of depression, you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to thoughts of suicide.
If you're feeling suicidal or having severe depressive symptoms, contact your GP, care co-ordinator or local mental health emergency services as soon as possible.
If you want to talk to someone confidentially, call the Samaritans, free of charge, on 116 123. You can talk to them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, visit the Samaritans website or email jo@samaritans.org.

Mania

During a manic phase of bipolar disorder, you may feel very happy and have lots of energy, ambitious plans and ideas. You may spend large amounts of money on things you can't afford and wouldn't normally want.
Not feeling like eating or sleeping, talking quickly and becoming annoyed easily are also common characteristics of this phase.
You may feel very creative and view the manic phase of bipolar as a positive experience. However, you may also experience symptoms of psychosis, where you see or hear things that aren't there or become convinced of things that aren't true.

Living with bipolar disorder

The high and low phases of bipolar disorder are often so extreme that they interfere with everyday life.
However, there are several options for treating bipolar disorder that can make a difference. They aim to control the effects of an episode and help someone with bipolar disorder live life as normally as possible.
The following treatment options are available:

• medication to prevent episodes of mania, hypomania (less severe mania) and depression – these are known as mood stabilisers and are taken every day on a long-term basis
• medication to treat the main symptoms of depression and mania when they occur
• learning to recognise the triggers and signs of an episode of depression or mania
• psychological treatment – such as talking therapy, which can help you deal with depression, and provides advice about how to improve your relationships
• lifestyle advice – such as doing regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy that give you a sense of achievement, as well as advice on improving your diet and getting more sleep

It's thought using a combination of different treatment methods is the best way to control bipolar disorder.
Help and advice for people with a long-term condition or their carers is also available from charities, support groups and associations.
This includes self-help and self-management advice, and learning to deal with the practical aspects of a long-term condition.
Find out more about living with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder and pregnancy

Bipolar disorder, like all other mental health problems, can get worse during pregnancy. However, specialist help is available if you need it.
Read more about bipolar disorder in pregnancy.

What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although it's believed a number of things can trigger an episode. Extreme stress, overwhelming problems and life-changing events are thought to contribute, as well as genetic and chemical factors.

Who's affected?

Bipolar disorder is fairly common and one in every 100 adults will be diagnosed with the condition at some point in their life.
Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, although it often develops between the ages of 15 and 19 and rarely develops after 40. Men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder.
The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely between people. For example, some people only have a couple of bipolar episodes in their lifetime and are stable in between, while others have many episodes.
 
All of us experience changes in our moods. Some days we might feel irritable and frustrated; other days, we’re happy and excited. However, individuals with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings that impair their daily life and negatively affect their relationships.
Approximately 2.6 percent of American adults have bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression and manic depressive disorder), according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These mood swings include “highs” (mania), when individuals feel either on top of the world or on edge, and “lows” (depression), when they feel sad and hopeless. Suicide attempts are common in bipolar disorder, especially during depressive episodes.
Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy. With proper treatment, individuals with bipolar can lead fulfilling, productive lives. This is why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms and see a mental health professional for an evaluation.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

There is no single cause for bipolar disorder. Indeed, like all psychological disorders, bipolar disorder is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including:

• Genetic: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so researchers believe there is a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Scientists also are exploring the presence of abnormalities on specific genes.
• Biological: Researchers believe that some neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, don’t function properly in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• Environmental: Outside factors, such as stress or a major life event, may trigger a genetic predisposition or potential biological reaction. For instance, if bipolar disorder was entirely genetic, both identical twins would have the disorder. But research reveals that one twin can have bipolar, while the other does not, implicating the environment as a potential contributing cause.

What Are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?

• Bipolar I is considered the classic type of bipolar disorder. Individuals experience both manic and depressive episodes of varying lengths.
• Bipolar II involves less severe manic episodes than bipolar I; however, their depressive episodes are the same.
• Cyclothymia is a chronic but milder form of bipolar disorder, characterized by episodes of hypomania and depression that lasts for at least two years.
• Mixed episodes are ones in which mania and depression occur simultaneously. Individuals might feel hopeless and depressed yet energetic and motivated to engage in risky behaviors.
• Rapid-cycling bipolar individuals experience four or more episodes of mania, depression or both within one year.

What Are the Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder?

Risk factors include having:

• Cyclothymia (see definition above). About half of individuals with cyclothymia will experience a manic episode.
• Any other psychological disorder
• A family history of bipolar or other psychological disorders
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Medication interactions. For instance, antidepressants may trigger mania.
• Major life changes
• Severe stress

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are four possible bipolar states:

1. Mania
2. Hypomania
3. Depression
4. A mixture of mania and depression (called a “mixed episode”).

Mood states are highly variable. Some people can experience mood changes in one week, while others can spend months or even years in one episode.

What Does Mania Look Like?

• Feelings of euphoria and elation or irritability and anger
• Impulsive, high-risk behavior, including grand shopping sprees, drug and alcohol abuse and sexual promiscuity
• Aggressive behavior
• Increased energy and rapid speech
• Fleeting, often grandiose ideas
• Decreased sleep (typically the individual doesn’t feel tired after as few as three hours of sleep)
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty concentrating; disorganized thoughts
• Inflated self-esteem
• Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

What Does Hypomania Look Like?

Hypomania is less severe than a full-blown manic episode. Hypomanic individuals can seem pleasant, friendly, energetic and productive. Though it doesn’t sound problematic, increasing hypomania can lead to risky behaviors and full mania.

What Does Depression Look Like?

• Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities; loss of energy (sometimes to the point of inability to get out of bed)
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt
• Inability to concentrate or make a decision
• Thoughts of death and suicide

What Does a Mixed Episode Look Like?

Mixed episodes involve simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression, including irritability, depressed mood, extreme energy, thoughts of suicide and changes in sleep and appetite.

A Note about Suicide

Because of the high suicide risk in those with bipolar disorder, it’s important to note the warning signs. In addition to those mentioned in the depression symptoms above, others include:

• Withdrawing from loved ones and isolating oneself
• Talking or writing about death or suicide
• Putting personal affairs in order
• Previous attempts

For more information about suicide, check out Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

There are no medical tests to diagnose bipolar disorder. However, a psychologist, psychiatrist or other trained mental health professional can diagnose the disorder by conducting a face-to-face clinical interview. Your clinical interview will include detailed questions about your and your family’s medical and mental health history and your symptoms.

What Treatments Exist for Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help in reducing both the number of episodes and their intensity. Treatment also can help prevent future episodes if the individual is willing to work on personal issues and develop healthy habits.

What Kinds of Medication Are Used for Bipolar Disorder?

• Mood stabilizers. These medications are prescribed to help stabilize manic symptoms, prevent future episodes and reduce suicide risk, and are the most commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder. The most well-known of these is lithium, which seems to be effective for most people who experience manic and hypomanic episodes. Other commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder include anticonvulsant (or anti-seizure) medications (because they also have mood stabilizing effects). These medications include: valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax).Every medication has its own set of potentially serious side effects. For instance, Lamictal can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a potentially fatal skin disease, though this is rare and is entirely avoidable by careful, slow dose titration.
• Atypical antipsychotics. The newest medications, atypical antipsychotics were originally developed to treat psychosis (a symptom of schizophrenia). Like the mood stabilizers above, atypical antipsychotics help to control mood swings. These seven medications are commonly prescribed for bipolar: aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), clozapine (Clozaril) and olanzapine/fluoxetine (Symbyax).Contrary to popular belief, these medications aren’t without significant side effects, including rapid weight gain, high cholesterol and risk for diabetes, which occurs most commonly with olanzapine and clozapine. In some cases, atypical antipsychotics have been associated with a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).In June 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all companies who manufacture atypical antipsychotics include a warning about the elevated risk for hyperglycemia and diabetes (see here ).In addition, several organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and American Psychiatric Association, have published recommendations for doctors on how to treat patients taking these medications. For more information, read the press releases at the American Diabetes Association website.
• Calcium-channel blockers. Used to treat angina and high blood pressure, these medications — including verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan) and nimodipine (Nimotop) — also have mood stabilizing effects. They have fewer side effects than other bipolar drugs but aren’t as effective.
• Combination therapy. When one medication isn’t working, a doctor might prescribe two mood stabilizers or a mood stabilizer along with an adjunctive medication to treat symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia and psychosis. For example, Xanax (alprazolam), a fast-acting benzodiazepine, typically is taken for two weeks before mood-stabilizing medication starts to work. Antidepressants might be prescribed for patients who are in a depressive phase, but research suggests they aren’t effective, can trigger mania and exacerbate episodes long term.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a crucial component of long-term bipolar disorder management. Even when your mood swings are under control, it’s still important to stay in treatment.
Several different psychotherapeutic methods have proved to be effective in treating bipolar disorder.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, change negative thinking and behavior, monitor their moods and predict their mood to try to prevent a relapse.
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy is a combination of interpersonal therapy and CBT. This newer treatment focuses on circadian rhythms to help clients establish and maintain routines and build healthier relationships.
• Psychoeducation teaches individuals about their disorder and treatment and gives them the tools to manage it and anticipate mood swings. Psychoeducation also is valuable for family members.

How Else Can I Manage Bipolar Disorder?

• Take your medication.
• See a therapist regularly.
• Learn more about bipolar disorder and its treatment
• Participate in online communities or in-person support groups
• Adopt healthy habits, including exercising, practicing stress management techniques, eating healthy, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting seven to eight hours of sleep and avoiding any potential triggers.

What Do I Do Next?

By starting to learn about bipolar disorder, you’ve already taken a significant first step. If you’d like to learn more, check out our detailed guide here.
If you think you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, it’s important to be evaluated by a trained mental health professional. To find a therapist in your area, use a search engine such as this one, or check with your primary care physician or community mental health clinic for referrals.