If you think that you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. This can be done by seeing your doctor or a mental health professional who specialises in bipolar disorder.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but there are well-trained professionals who can offer you a range of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. They can also teach you how to cope with your mood swings and reduce the effects of these episodes.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your past experiences. They will then carry out medical tests to check for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as hyperthyroidism. They will also ask about any medication you have been taking to treat the symptoms of mania or depression.

You may be offered medication to treat your bipolar disorder, including lithium and valproate (Depakote). These drugs work by regulating the brain’s chemistry. This can reduce or prevent the symptoms of mania and depression, which is often called “manic episodes” and “depressive episodes”.

In some cases, you may be offered psychotherapy to help you manage your mood. This can be in a group or individual setting, depending on your needs. It can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, both of which are designed to help you change the way you think and behave.

The main symptom of bipolar disorder is extreme mood swings and changes in energy, activity levels and thinking. These can make it hard for you to function normally and may interfere with your job, relationships and social life.

These symptoms are more common in adults, but children can have bipolar disorder as well. They can have both manic and depressive episodes or they might have cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar disorder that lasts a long time without severe mood swings.

Getting the right diagnosis is important to find the most effective treatment for your child’s condition and improve their quality of life. Your child’s doctor can provide you with tips for keeping a record of your child’s symptoms so they can be diagnosed and treated sooner.

Your child’s doctor can also give you some advice and support for coping with your child’s illness. They might recommend you seek psychological or behavioural therapy, a family intervention or a support group.

If you have a child with bipolar disorder, they might be more likely to have a negative view of themselves and their behaviour. This can make it difficult for them to feel good about themselves and can lead to low self-esteem. They might also act out their feelings of hopelessness or anxiety.

They might also be more likely to try and hurt themselves or others, especially if they are feeling overwhelmed. It is crucial that they receive the help they need to stay safe and healthy, so you should seek assistance if your child is having suicidal thoughts or acting out.