Is There a Cure for Bipolar Disorder?

Although the condition cannot be fully cured, the prognosis of bipolar disorder is positive, and patients who take medications to treat bipolar disorder tend to experience favorable outcomes.

If you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, you may wonder, “Can bipolar be cured?” Existing research suggests that bipolar disorder stems from brain changes that alter attention, executive functioning and the processing of emotions. Bipolar disorder is also linked to alterations in the connections of nerve cells in some regions of the brain. These changes in brain physiology and functioning cannot be cured.

While there is no magical cure for bipolar disorder, there are treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help people with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms and improve their lives. Standard treatments and natural remedies can improve a person’s mental health overall.

Treatment Options

Treatment for bipolar disorder can involve medication, therapy or a combination of the two. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), medications, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and in some cases, antidepressants, can treat bipolar symptoms.

In a review of the research with medications used for bipolar treatment, scientists writing for Lancet Psychiatry determined that most of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder are more effective than a placebo. Lamotrigine shows greater tolerability when compared to carbamazepine and lithium, but the authors of the review report that lithium is still the gold standard medication for bipolar treatment.

Additionally, NAMI reports that therapy, education and self-management of symptoms can also be useful parts of bipolar disorder treatment. Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation groups are especially effective for preventing relapse in stabilized cases of bipolar disorder. In addition, a review of the research shows that psychotherapy may be beneficial when used in combination with medication, as it appears that the combination of medication and therapy is superior to medication alone for bipolar treatment.

Natural Remedies

Beyond standard treatments, there are natural remedies for bipolar disorder. Existing research on natural remedies to treat bipolar disorder shows that there are a variety of effective options:

• Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids
• Yoga
• Exercise
• Light therapy
• Herbal medicines, such as St. John’s wort and Rhodiola rosea
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness

Long-Term Outlook

Although the condition cannot be fully cured, the prognosis of bipolar disorder is positive, and patients who take medications to treat bipolar disorder tend to experience favorable outcomes. A study conducted over 18 months found that 88 percent of patients were retained on medications, and 74 percent of them remained relapse-free.

A second study provides a positive bipolar disorder outlook. The study, which followed individuals with a bipolar disorder diagnosis over four years, determined that mood episodes decrease significantly over time. Around one-third of the 266 patients in this study did not have a recurring episode. The study’s authors report that ongoing high-quality treatment can improve bipolar long-term prognosis.

Empower Yourself With Tools to Recover From Bipolar Disorder

Learning bipolar management tools can improve your mental health and support your recovery from bipolar disorder. A study in the journal Stress & Health shows that people who demonstrate an ability to self-manage bipolar symptoms have better mental health.

Managing bipolar symptoms may involve attending support or education groups and tracking your symptoms in a journal. By tracking symptoms, you can learn about the factors that trigger or contribute to mood episodes, as well as the habits that can prevent a relapse.

Some people may find that they require the help of a professional, even if they are using bipolar management tools. Professional help may be necessary for people who struggle with substance use disorders in addition to bipolar disorder.

If you or a loved one struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction and co-occurring bipolar disorder, The Recovery Village may be able to provide the supportive care you need. Reach out to a representative today to begin your journey toward recovery.

Editor – Camille Renzoni

Cami Renzoni is a creative writer and editor for The Recovery Village. As an advocate for behavioral health, Cami is certified in mental health first aid and encourages people who face substance use disorders to ask for the help they deserve. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Jenni Jacobsen, LSW

Dr. Jenni Jacobsen is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She has over seven years working in the social work field, working with clients with addiction-related and mental health diagnoses. Read more