Most people with bipolar disorder can be treated using a combination of different treatments. These can include one or more of the following:
•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 therapies, which help you deal with depression and provide advice on how to improve relationships
•lifestyle advice – such as doing regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy that give you a sense of achievement, and advice on improving your diet and getting more sleep