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There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but drug treatment can control moods

	Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic swings between very high and very low moods. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn more about how to manage moods that can get in the way of leading a normal life.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to find out if lithium or other drugs rate best for treating the mania associated with bipolar disorder.

Most of us have ups and down in our mood. But, if you have bipolar disorder, your mood can swing dramatically from very high to very low. We've brought together the best research about bipolar disorder and weighed the evidence about how to treat it. You can use our information to talk to your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.

Key points about bipolar disorder

• The high moods of bipolar disorder are called mania, and the low moods are called bipolar depression. Either mood can last for weeks. In between, you may have normal, stable moods for weeks.
• Bipolar disorder is a chronic, long-term mental health condition – but with the right drug treatment, most people can control their mood swings.
• Different drugs are used to treat the different phases of bipolar disorder.
• To treat the manic phase, there is good evidence that the drugs lithium, olanzapine and valproate work well.
• Antidepressant drugs work well for the depression associated with bipolar disorder. But these drugs can also set off bouts of mania.
• When you are well and your mood is stable, you will want to prevent a relapse. The drug lithium works well to prevent a relapse, but it can have side effects.

Treating bipolar disorder is complicated. There are lots of different drugs. It might take some time to find the drug or the combination of drugs that works best for you. Most people have a relapse of the disorder because they stop taking their medicines. So it's important that you and your doctor agree on the best drug regimen for you.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about bipolar disorder. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable when talking to your doctor about bipolar disorder.