Bipolar disorder: Warning signs

Preventing bipolar disorder

While bipolar disorder cannot be prevented, it's important to be aware of early warning signs of an impending episode of bipolar depression or bipolar mania. Early recognition of bipolar warning signs, as well as seeing your doctor regularly, can allow you to monitor your mood and medication and keep illness from escalating.

Can bipolar disorder be cured?

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but through behaviour therapy and the right combination of mood stabilisers and other bipolar medicines, most people with bipolar disorder can live normal, productive lives. That said, bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental illness that carries a great risk of recurrent episodes. Being compliant with taking prescribed medicines and keeping doctor's appointments is crucial to self-managing bipolar disorder and preventing serious episodes.

In addition, there are support groups available for patients and their family members to help them talk openly and learn how to support someone with bipolar disorder. Ongoing encouragement and support are needed after a person starts treatment. In fact, there is research showing that the availability of social support systems increases the chances of employment in those with bipolar disorder compared with those patients without support.