Most people with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms by following their doctor's instructions as closely as possible. Left untreated, the symptoms of bipolar disorder may get worse.

Know what's involved in your treatment

Your treatment may include one or a combination of the following:

• Medication: to help treat the symptoms of mania, hypomania, and depression.
• Psychosocial therapy: to help you understand how to manage bipolar disorder, how your illness affects you and your family, and how to deal with stressful events that could trigger episodes. Your psychiatrist or psychologist can help you determine which type of psychosocial therapy might be the best for you and your family.

Working with your treatment team

Your treatment team is made up of healthcare professionals who have been specially trained to deal with brain disorders like bipolar disorder. To get the most out of your treatment, it is important to be an active member of your treatment team. This means becoming actively involved in setting up and following your treatment plan. Many people find it helpful to involve their friends and families in this process.

Your treatment team may include some or all of the following members:

• Your psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats brain disorders. A psychiatrist prescribes medication and may also provide psychosocial therapy.
• Your psychologist: A psychologist provides therapy for psychological and emotional issues. A psychologist may also specialize in areas such as marriage or family counseling, behavioral therapy, and stress management.
• Your psychiatric nurse: A psychiatric nurse helps people with bipolar disorder manage their physical and emotional health and is available to answer questions about medication and treatment.
• Your social worker: A social worker provides therapy and/or helps you access and coordinate the healthcare and social services that you may need.
• Your nutritionist/dietitian: A nutritionist or dietician helps you make healthy food choices by teaching you how to plan healthy meals and maintain healthy eating habits.
• Your pharmacist: A pharmacist helps monitor the medication that your psychiatrist prescribes. A pharmacist can also answer questions about your medications and their side effects.

Taking your medication

Medication is an important part of your treatment plan for bipolar disorder. Many people with bipolar disorder can manage their illness because they follow a treatment plan that includes medication.

Many people with bipolar disorder often need to take more than one type of medication. The medications work together to help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Over time, your doctor may change the amount of medication you take, add another medication to your treatment plan, or switch you to another medication completely. Adjusting your medications may help better manage your illness.

For your treatment to be successful, it is important to make taking your medication a part of your daily routine, like when you brush your teeth, or before you go to bed. Talk with your treatment team about things you can do to help you remember to take your medication every day.

Letting your doctor know about side effects

All medications may cause side effects. If you experience side effects with any medication that you are taking, talk with your doctor. He or she can give you helpful tips on how to manage side effects and stick with your treatment plan. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and natural supplements you are taking as these may increase side effects.

Never stop taking your medication without first talking with your doctor. To do so may put you at risk of a setback, or relapse.