Bipolar disorder is a mental-health condition that causes its victims to experience wide mood swings. The moods of someone suffering from bipolar disorder can go from extreme euphoria to deep depression in a relatively short time. There are several types of therapy available to assist a bipolar sufferer who is trying to manage their condition.
Light Therapy
Bright Light Therapy has been used with some success to combat the deep depressions that can occur in individuals with bipolar disorders. Bipolar sufferers can not only treat existing depression symptoms, they can also prevent the onset of depression through the use of this light therapy. To benefit from light therapy, bipolar sufferers must use a device called a light box, which emits blue light. Exposure to bright sunlight is also effective in treating depression for bipolar individuals. Light therapy should be administered during the middle of the day, on a daily basis, in order to be effective.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy offers two benefits to bipolar sufferers. First, they have the opportunity to learn more about their condition. This increases the possibility that they will continue to take advantage of all treatment options. Second, this type of therapy helps the individual with bipolar disorder to learn more healthy patterns of thinking by replacing negative thoughts with more positive affirmations.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is beneficial in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. Bringing the family members of a bipolar sufferer into the ongoing treatment strategy allows them to not only understand the process of managing bipolar disorder, but also to assist with the treatment. Family members are more likely to be able to identify trigger events or situations that bring cause the mood swings. This allows them to help the patient avoid those events, and to deal with them if they occur.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a type of therapy that offers the bipolar sufferer an opportunity to participate in a therapy session that includes others with bipolar disorder. Participating in group therapy provides insight into the condition's effects on others as well as themselves. In addition, it allows the individual with bipolar disorder to improve his or her ability to interact with others in a group setting.
Shock Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is more commonly known as shock treatment, or shock therapy. During this type of therapy, electric current is sent through the brain, in order to cause a seizure. Despite its reputation, ECT is extremely safe, and is effective for treatment of individuals with severe mania, suicidal thoughts, or who cannot tolerate medication for some reason. ECT only offers temporary results, however, and therefore is a short-term treatment.
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