Proceedings of the Royal Society-London . Risk of suicide should always be assessed for those experiencing a depressed episode. Long-term hospitalization is typically not needed. However, a brief inpatient stay or partial hospitalization may be needed to stabilize a person on medication. Treatment for bipolar disorder is often compared with other life-long problems such as diabetes.
Therapy is flexible, providing for each individual s needs.
Some patients will bring a family member or close friend to sessions to offer them support. Follow-up care is vital to make sure the patient remains on medication and is able to maintain stable moods. Day treatment programs are available. These programs provide more flexibility and still maintain support for and contact with the patient. The most widely used medication is lithium carbonate, which is taken orally.