Test Your Knowledge

Bipolar disorder can have a major effect on the lives of patients. However, with treatment, patients can live full lives. Tips for patients living with bipolar disorder include:

• Follow the prescribed treatment regimen closely. Take medications as directed, without skipping any doses. If psychotherapy has been recommended, attend sessions regularly. Do not make any changes in therapy without consulting a physician or mental health professional.
  
  
• Be on the lookout for signs of an upcoming episode. If specific triggers of episodes have been identified, be aware of them and avoid them when possible. Friends and family members can often help patients recognize these triggers. As soon as it seems that a mood episode may be developing, contact a physician or mental health professional.
  
  
• Keep a monthly mood chart and share it regularly with your doctor. A mood chart is a monthly diary of your moods, medications and certain lifestyle factors that can reveal a pattern behind bipolar's phases. Over time, a mood chart can help predict if a depressive or manic phase is about to begin. You can download a mood chart and instructions here.
  
  
• Do not make important decisions during mood episodes. Mania and depression affect judgment. Important decisions may need to be delegated to someone else or put off until the patient is experiencing a normal mood.
  
  
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Many substances, both legal and illegal, can affect the mood and also interact with other medications. Recreational or club drugs can be particularly dangerous, but legal drugs such as diet drugs may also need to be avoided. It is also important to discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medications and nutritional supplements with the physician or mental health professional who is treating the patient’s bipolar disorder.