If the bipolar illness can be identified and treated quickly, this reduces its harmful effects. You should contact your family doctor first. Further assessment and treatment can then be provided in a safe setting. In a small number of cases, in which the risks involved in trying to continue treatment out of hospital are too great, it may be necessary to arrange admission against the young person s wishes, after careful discussion with parents, social workers and doctors. The goal of treatment is to improve the symptoms, prevent a recurrence of the illness, and to help the young person to lead a normal life.
Medication usually plays an important role in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
This reduces the risk of further episodes. Medication will be needed for at least a year, and sometimes much longer. The psychiatrist will want to review the medication regularly with the young person to make sure that the dose is right and that there are no side-effects. Side-effects of the medication can occur. The psychiatrist will be able to advise about what they are, and about what can be done to help.