Can Bipolar Disorder Be Cured?

Medically Reviewed By Nicole Washington, DO, MPH

Though there is no cure for bipolar disorder, people living with the condition can successfully manage their symptoms with medication and therapy. This article explains how to treat bipolar disorder and offers tips on long-term management and preventing mood episodes. 

Is bipolar disorder curable?

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While there is currently no cure for bipolar disorder, treatments are available. 

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. People with bipolar disorder may shift from episodes of mania to periods of depression. 

Not everyone with bipolar disorder will always move back and forth between mania and depression. Some people with bipolar disorder experience extended periods of a typical mood.

During a manic episode, people may feel excessively happy or irritable. They may also engage in harmful behavior, have difficulty sleeping, and speak quickly.

During a depressive episode, people may feel hopeless and tired. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and have difficulty concentrating.

Bipolar disorder can be a debilitating condition, but it is also treatable. Many people who receive treatment manage their symptoms and live full, productive lives. 

Read more about bipolar disorder.

Treatments for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is generally treated with medication and psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Medications can stabilize mood shifts, while therapy provides support and coping strategies.

In some cases, neurotherapeutics help those where medication and therapy are ineffective. 

Sometimes during manic episodes, hospitalization may be necessary to protect the individual from self-harm or suicide.

In most cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective treatment approach. By working with a mental health professional, people with bipolar disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and live healthy, productive lives.

Medication for bipolar disorder

Common medications for treating bipolar disorder include:

  • mood stabilizers
  • antipsychotics
  • antidepressants 

While antidepressants may be recommended Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source for treatment, it is a controversial method.

One concern about using antidepressants to treat bipolar disorder is that they can cause manic episodes. Medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. 

In some cases, it may also help people with bipolar disorder function more effectively in their daily lives. 

Sometimes people with bipolar disorder may need to try several medications before they find the most effective one. Never stop taking your medications without first talking with your doctor.

Stopping medication abruptly can cause symptoms to increase in severity.

Read more about bipolar disorder medications.

Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder

Several types of therapy can help treat bipolar disorder: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns. 
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on helping people develop healthier relationships. 
  • Family-focused therapy (FFT) helps educate and support the families of people with bipolar disorder. 

Read more about therapy for bipolar disorder.

Neurotherapeutics

Neurotherapeutic treatment is an effective, long-term solution for bipolar disorder that can help Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source people manage their symptoms. The therapy involves using electric stimulation, magnetic fields, or light to alter brain activity. 

Types of neurotherapies include:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This procedure is performed under anesthesia. It involves administering a small amount of electrical stimulation to the brain. This causes a brief, controlled seizure
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): This procedure involves administering magnetic fields to certain areas of the brain. This can help alleviate certain mood symptoms. 
  • Light therapy: Bright light therapy may help with seasonal depression. A common condition Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source people with bipolar disorder have. It involves exposure to bright light at a certain time of day for a specific duration of time.

Always speak with your doctor or mental health professional before beginning any treatments.

Long-term management and self-care tips

The mood and energy changes a person with bipolar disorder experiences can be disruptive. 

However, there are self-care steps to help manage your mood and energy shifts. These steps include: 

  • Stick to a regular schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, ensuring enough time for adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation can put you at risk for a manic episode. You may need to limit caffeine intake, so your sleep is not disrupted. 
  • Take your medications as your doctor prescribes: It is very important to follow your doctor and pharmacist’s directions to take your medications. Do not stop taking them even if you feel better. Talk with your healthcare professional first if you want to stop your medication. Also, let them know if you are experiencing side effects.  
  • Get regular exercise and follow a diet as recommended by your doctor or a nutritionist: Taking care of your physical body by eating a nutrient-dense diet of lean proteins, vegetables, and fresh fruits diet, maintaining a moderate weight, and getting regular exercise can help improve your mental health. 
  • Keep a mood journal: Keep track of how you feel daily and start noticing what may cause certain feelings. Also, write down how much sleep you get, exercise, and what types of foods you eat. Writing these down and seeing how they affect you can help you and your doctor manage your treatment.   
  • Keep in touch with your doctor: Keeping open lines of communication will help you better manage your treatment. Always check with them before taking any natural supplements or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to be sure they do not conflict with your medications. 
  • Let your friends and family know how you feel: Telling those you love how you feel and how they can support you helps both you and them. For example, if you feel a manic episode coming on, you can ask them to monitor your behavior and get you help if needed. 
  • Avoid substances: Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. These substances can change how your medication works and cause mood changes.  

Preventing bipolar disorder episodes

First, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a nutrient-dense diet of lean proteins, vegetables, and fresh fruits, regular exercise, and enough sleep can help stabilize moods. 

Second, it is important to identify early warning signs of an episode and take action to prevent it from escalating. 

Finally, it is important to seek professional help to manage your bipolar disorder. A mental health professional can provide guidance and support. 

By taking these steps, you may be able to prevent bipolar disorder episodes or lessen their severity.

Summary

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but with medication and therapy, the condition is manageable. 

It’s important to follow your treatment plan and be vigilant about identifying early signs of an episode. Practicing self-care by exercising regularly, eating a diet recommended by your doctor or a nutritionist, and getting enough sleep can also help manage your symptoms. 

People living with bipolar disorder can prevent mood episodes or lessen their severity.

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  1. Bipolar disorder. (2022). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
  2. Brain stimulation therapies. (2016). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/brain-stimulation-therapies/brain-stimulation-therapies
  3. Gitlin, M.J. (2018). Antidepressants in bipolar depression: An enduring controversy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6269438/
  4. Living with bipolar disorder. (2022). https://www.samhsa.gov/serious-mental-illness/bi-polar
  5. Seasonal affective disorder. (n.d.) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Medical Reviewer: Nicole Washington, DO, MPH
Last Review Date: 2022 Dec 22
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