Bipolar disorder: assessment and management

Types of treatment

There are 2 main types of treatment for bipolar disorder – medication and psychological therapy.

The main treatment for mania and hypomania is a type of medication called an 'antipsychotic'. Being offered an antipsychotic does not always mean that you have psychosis.

Treatment for depression in people with bipolar disorder may be psychological therapy or, sometimes, psychological therapy together with medication. The medication may be a type called an 'antidepressant' taken together with an antipsychotic, or an antipsychotic taken on its own.

Medication and psychological therapy are also used after you have recovered from an episode of bipolar disorder, to help you stay well in the long term. For more information about long‑term treatment see staying well in the future.