Bipolar disorder treatment and living with the condition

Written in association with: Dr Leon Rozewicz
Published: | Updated: 30/06/2023
Edited by: Emma McLeod

Patients with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and elation (mania or hypomania). These episodes can last days, weeks or longer. In some cases, those with bipolar disorder may experience the highs and lows at the same time.

 

Dr Leon Rozewicz, a leading consultant psychiatrist in London, works with psychologists who offer evidence-based therapies for bipolar disorder. He shares his specialist knowledge with us and answers common questions people have regarding treatment for bipolar disorder.

A woman sitting on a chair and looking out the window

What treatment options are available for people with bipolar disorder?

When treating bipolar disorder, there are psychological and pharmacological treatments. Pharmacological treatments are antipsychotics and mood stabilisers such as anticonvulsants and Lithium.
 

Psychological treatments include cognitive behavioural therapies, mindfulness and family therapy.

 

Does treatment include support regarding relationships, work and life in general?

Psychological treatment looks at problems with work and relationships.

 

Recognising and preventing relapse is the mainstay of psychological treatment. By talking with a psychologist patients can identify factors which trigger episodes of low or elated mood and form an understanding of how to navigate aspects of their life that may trigger a relapse.

 

Occasionally, couples therapy and/or family therapy may be used alongside cognitive behavioural therapy.

 

Are regular check-ups necessary?

Once your condition is stable, you may be asked to see your psychiatrist once every three months. Your psychiatrist will specify how frequently you should visit based on your progress.

 

Can bipolar disorder be cured? Do people go into remission?

Almost all people go into remission and the vast majority stay in remission for many years.

 

What are the signs of relapse?

When people are starting to relapse or have fully relapsed, they often notice that they:

  • speak more quickly
  • make unrealistic plans
  • become increasingly irritable
  • spend money excessively
  • find it difficult to get to sleep
  • eat less

 

Friends and family often notice signs of relapse.

 

What has been the most effective approach to treating bipolar disorder?

The most effective way to treat bipolar disorder is with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Thinking holistically about triggers of relapse and how to prevent them is the most important aspect of treatment. These triggers vary from person to person. It requires a careful, detailed individual assessment.

 

I encourage people to maintain a healthy level of exercise and diet, and to follow the behavioural patterns they learn during cognitive behaviour therapy.

 

Dr Leon Rozewicz is a consultant psychiatrist with leading expertise in the management of many psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder. Click here to learn how he can help you.

By Dr Leon Rozewicz
Psychiatry

Dr Leon Rozewicz is a consultant psychiatrist based in London, including practices on Harley Street. He treats all psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dr Rozewicz is a specialist in adult ADHD. He established one of the first adult ADHD clinics in the UK in 2007. 

Dr Rozewicz is on the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) training committee, and he regularly trains doctors and health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD.

He currently trains medical students at University College London, and is also the medical director (and consultant) at the Priory Hospital North London. Not only is he a leading psychiatrist, but he is also a fully trained GP, holding postgraduate qualifications in general medicine and general practice.

Dr Rozewicz has specialist expertise in using biological approaches to treat psychiatric disorders. He uses genetic testing to find the most suitable medications for each individual.
Working closely with a number of experienced therapists and ADHD coaches, he combines medication with psychological treatment. He takes an individualised  approach to each case, adapting treatment and therapy to each patient's needs.

Dr Rozewicz is highly experienced, with a long career, in which he has gained positions in several prominent organisations, including being a medical examiner for the GMC (General Medical Council) and General Pharmaceutical Council, Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George's Hospital Medical School, and Clinical Director at the Crisis and Emergency Service line, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust. Dr Rozewicz has been elected to Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1995. He has served as honorary secretary of the Faculty of General Adult Psychiatry at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dr Rozewicz is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.

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