Bipolar disorder does not go away on its own, so treatment is essential. The faster the symptoms are recognised, the faster treatment can occur, so being aware of the signs is the first important step, followed by seeking appropriate professional help. Initially this help may be accessed through a GP, mental health service or hospital emergency department.
Because bipolar disorder is a biological condition, medication is required as a first step – in the same way other biological conditions like diabetes or asthma require medication.
In some instances if your symptoms are very severe, you may need to go to hospital where you are safe. Being in hospital will allow your symptoms to settle down and for the health professionals to identify the most effective type of treatment for you and monitor your progress whilst ensuring that you remain safe. From there your mental health is likely to be continually monitored by a medical health professional throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
Medication is used to treat and manage bipolar disorder. These medications work to stabilise your symptoms and help reduce the chance that the symptoms reoccur (relapse). Because bipolar disorder can have a broad range of symptoms, there are a number of different types of medications used to treat them. These medications are likely to include:
The type of medication that you are prescribed can be affected by your symptoms and your circumstances – for example if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant. This is why it is very important that you or your partner/family member/friend talk to your health professional if you are planning to become pregnant, and let them know if you are already pregnant. For further information and advice on antipsychotic medications visit the National Registry of Antipsychotic Medications in Pregnancy.
Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT, is a specialist treatment that involves activating electro-currents to the brain, and can relieve a range of severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is generally used if and when it is considered to be very necessary to prevent the woman from harming herself in some way.
ECT is conducted in a specialist hospital setting, and during pregnancy, can only be prescribed by a perinatal psychiatrist. The psychiatrist is also usually accompanied by other specialist health professionals including an obstetrician and specialist obstetric anaesthetist to monitor you and your unborn baby. Whilst the risks to the mother and her unborn baby are low, special care is taken to monitor this specialist treatment.
As you begin to benefit from the medication or ECT and your symptoms of bipolar disorder become more stable, some psychological treatments may be helpful to provide you with strategies to keep on top of things and cope from day to day.
Minimising stress and maximising sleep is very important – for everyone. Taking time out to do things that you enjoy and that can provide time for quality interaction with your partner, family and supports is very important. If you already have other children, involving extended family or drawing on childcare services in these circumstances can give everyone the breathing space they need to recover.
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