Bipolar disorders medication intervention

Like many other psychiatric and medical disorders, bipolar disorder is not curable, but it is certainly treatable. Its clinical symptoms can be controlled, modified, and even silenced. Successful treatment must combine drug therapy, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. More and more frequently, treatment is provided by a team that, at a minimnm, includes a physician—usually a psychiatrist—and a therapist. Whenever possible, treatment should involve the patient s immediate family (sponse, parents, and children). Although medication is the core intervention, it is widely recognized that a number of psychological variables can inflnence the course of the disorder and the patient s adherence to treatment. 

Medications are the core feature in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Without their skillful application, there is little hope for a good result. However, the illness and its course, coupled with the current imperfections of medication, make the use of psychotherapy and other psychosocial interventions essential tools. Bipolar patients are faced with myriad issues and obstacles that have a profound impact on how they perceive themselves and their future (Table 3.24). 

The general objectives of treating acute episodes, preventing future episodes, and restoring the client s functioning become the primary focus of treatment with clients who present with bipolar disorder symptoms. Use of medication becomes the front line of intervention with bipolar... 

In addition to medication, social work practitioners use various psychosocial interventions such as individual and group therapy in the treatment of the bipolar disorders. Of equal importance as treatment modalities are specialized addiction groups designed to also treat coexisting disorders such as substance abuse that clients with bipolar disorders experience (Weiss, Griffin, Greenfield, Najavits, Wyner, Soto, Hennen, 2000). 

Clients with bipolar disorders cannot be helped until they have been thoroughly assessed for appropriate medication. Once the need for medication is determined, the goal is to identify the appropriate medication and dosage. Clients with bipolar disorder, and for Aat matter any client with a serious psychiatric illness, should not be prescribed medication as the sole treatment intervention. Although major advances have been made in the field of psychotropic medication, clinical practice and the literature have always emphasized the multifaceted approach for multidimensional problems. It is important to remember that all mental illnesses impact on the biological, social, and psychological spheres of a client s life and functioning (Walsh, 1989). 

Part II of the book outlines several mental-health diagnostic categories schizophrenia, mood disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, and specific anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Each chapter provides a case example, consideration in diagnosis, and the interventions utilized. Medications used to treat these disorders and relevant psychosocial interventions are outlined. Each chapter emphasizes the need for accurate treatment planning and documentation and offers suggestions to facilitate this process. 

The client with bipolar disorder who is prescribed lithium (Eskalith), an antimania medication, is admitted to the psychiatric unit in an acute manic state. Which intervention should the nurse implement first ... 

The client diagnosed with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium (Eskalith), an anti-mania medication. Which interventions should the nurse discuss with the client Select all that apply. 

MacDonald L, Chapman S, Syiett M, Bowskill R, Horne R (2016) Improving medication adherence in bipolar disorder a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 years of intervention trials. J Affect Disord 194 202-221... 

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