It is very important to get treatment because without treatment bipolar
disorder gets worse. Without treatment, bipolar disorder can be lethal--25% of
the untreated commit suicide. Usually a combination of medication and
psychosocial therapy works best. Often more than one medication is needed and
patients may take a mood stabilizer, an antidepressant, and an anti anxiety
agent. The psychotherapy helps the patient to manage her illness and to spot
and cope with the stressors which can trigger an event. Treatment is lifetime
because this is a chronic illness for which there is, at present, no cure. But
with treatment symptoms can be managed or made less severe.