Bipolar Disorder Concept Mapping - Assignment Example

There are certain forms of medication that are used to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder concept map

 What medications might be considered as a treatment for this patient, and why?

It is important to note that, bipolar has different types of medications that can help control its symptoms. However, not every patient with bipolar disorder responds to medications in a similar manner. This means that doctors could prescribe different medications before coming to the ones that work best for a particular patient. The types of medications generally used in the treatment of bipolar disorder include atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants (Grunze, et.al, 2013).

Mood stabilizers are normally the first choice in the treatment of bipolar. Patients with bipolar generally use mood stabilizers for years. There are several mood stabilizers that are good for people with bipolar. First, lithium also known as Lithobid or Eskalith is an effective mood stabilizer for bipolar patients. It treats both manic and depressive episodes. However, lithium could have side effects including restlessness, bloating, dry mouth, acne, and joint and muscle pain among others side effects. The doctor should first check the amount of lithium in the body before prescribing the medication. Secondly, anticonvulsants are also used as stabilizers for people with bipolar disorder. They help control moods. Examples of anticonvulsants include Valproic acid, Lamotrigine, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and topiramate. However, anticonvulsants could have side effects including drowsiness, headache, dizziness, heartburn, constipation, and mood swings (McCance & Huether, 2010).

Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat the symptoms of bipolar, however, not all the time. They are prescribed among other medications such as antidepressants and they include olanzapine, aripiprazole, and quetiapine. These also have side effects that include dizziness, drowsiness, sensitivity to the sun, menstrual problems for women, and rapid heartbeat, and could increase the chances of diabetes. This means that the doctor should check important aspects such as glucose levels, weight, and lipid levels (Yatham, et.al 2005).

Antidepressants are also used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar patients. Some of the antidepressants used include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and bupropion (Wellbutrin). However, they have prescribed mood stabilizers because, if taken alone, they can increase the risk of mania. The side effects o antidepressants could include headache, agitation, and nausea (Yatham, et.al 2005).

Aside from medication, patients with bipolar disorder need psychotherapy because it provides support, guidance, and education to patients and their families on how to handle the situation. Some psychotherapy treatments for bipolar include family-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (Brashers, 2006).