Bipolar Disorder – treatment – current and future….pptVIP

Bipolar Disorder – treatment – current and future… Kurt Weber, PhD Mental Health America – Brown CountyBemis International Center St Norbert College May 13, 2008 BD is a… long-term illness that can be effectively treated currently has no cure staying on treatment, even during well times, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chance of having recurrent, worsening episodes basics treatment plan for bipolar disorder primarily consists of pharmacological intervention (medications) and sometimes psychological therapy psychiatric hospitalizations may be necessary to safely reach a point of stability also treatment options that are less common and those that are usually considered only in extreme circumstances – we’ll discuss them later! medications primary goal of drug treatment is to stabilize the extreme mood swings of mania and depression also common for medications to be prescribed for extreme symptoms such as psychosis or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety generally fall into the following categories Anti-Anxiety and Sedatives Antidepressants Antipsychotics Mood Stabilizers Calcium Channel Blockers Psychotherapeutic interventions Goals increase compliance of taking medications create bonds with others who have the same condition reduce negative behaviors learn new coping skills key types of therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Family/Marriage Counseling Gestalt Therapy Group Therapy Psychoanalytic Therapy Inpatient hospitalization allow specialized staff to monitor patients closely changing medications as necessary to achieve stabilization to provide concentrated, frequent sessions of therapy also vital for those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide majority of hospital stays are inpatient outpatient programs are becoming more common Alternative therapies… usually considered only in extreme circumstances Bilateral Cingulotomy Electroconvulsive Therapy Light Therapy Review of mental health profe