Supportive Interventions with Bipolar Disorders

Clients with bipolar disorders can present with other existing problems that may exacerbate manic, hypomanic, or depressive symptoms. Some of these include anxiety disorders, substance abuse and dependence, and 

Dealing with any form of mental illness is a major challenge for clients, practitioners, and family members. Bipolar disorders with their varying 

The assessment process in diagnosing bipolar disorder is an essential component of the treatment process for this illness. Assessing the client for critical, harmful problems such as suicidal ideation during a depressive episode may require addressing these problems first as a way of securing the client s safety. Assessment also includes the appropriate use of the criteria provided by the DSM-IV manual and the inclusion of medication as the first priority in treatment planning. 

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). 

Social workers developing treatment plans with bipolar clients must recognize and understand the role of medication in the treatment of this disorder. Because medication will always be prescribed for clients with bipolar disorders, it is essential that social work practitioners be aware 

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