Is There a Cookie Cutter Approach to the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder?

Many times throughout the past few years, people have asked me, “Is there a ‘cookie cutter approach’ to the treatment of bipolar disorder?”

I wish I could answer with a resounding yes. That would make things so much easier. Unfortunately, there is no “cookie-cutter approach” to the treatment of bipolar disorder. That is one of the main reasons why it can take a longer period to find the right treatment.

Never fear, though, we can successfully manage bipolar disorder with the right treatment. Finding the right treatment can sometimes be difficult, but it is very doable.

When looking at a treatment plan, there are many options to look at:

• Medication
• Therapy
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Coping Strategies

The Cookie Cutter Approach to Treatment

A “cookie cutter approach” to treatment is similar to a “one-size-fits-all” baseball cap. There is one answer for everybody or “one-size-fits-all.”

In terms of treatment, it would make things much easier for the patient, because you would simply prescribe the same treatment protocol to each diagnosed person with bipolar disorder. However, this is most definitely not the case. With more options today than ever before, the treatment plan for each person is extremely unique.

Medication

Medication is the first line of defense when treating bipolar disorder. You can give the same medication to two different individuals, and each person will react differently. These two individuals can also experience distinct side effects. With such variability, we as the patient can feel like a guinea pig.

It took me 10 years to find the right cocktail of medications that I could tolerate and be able to function. Again, there is variability here. Some people find a medication, or cocktail of medications, within a few months. Everyone is different.

There is no “cookie-cutter approach” to prescribing medication for bipolar disorder.

Therapy

There are so many approaches to therapy. A simple Google search will return countless options. Most people try CBT or talk therapy and then try other modalities from there.

Of the different types of therapies I have tried, talk therapy has been the most helpful for me. Throughout the years, I also tried DBT, EMDR, and group therapy. Find the therapy approach that is most supportive of you and your situation.

Healthy Lifestyle

As someone living with bipolar disorder, I must make healthy decisions and make healthy choices. 

Managing my bipolar disorder is a daily battle, and I do everything in my power to reduce the severity of my mood fluctuations and fluctuations in my energy level, motivation, and ability to function. In line with this thinking, I no longer drink alcohol, I do not smoke, and I do not drink coffee.

Exercise and diet are also components of a healthy lifestyle.

When it comes to exercise, find something that you enjoy doing. You are more likely to stay committed and keep consistent with a schedule if you like the workout and chosen form of exercise.

For me, I lift weights every day. I know many people do not enjoy resistance training and would rather do something different. I have friends and family who would rather swim or run, or bike. Again, everyone is different, and there is no “cookie-cutter approach” to exercise. Do what you enjoy doing.

Coping Strategies

Coping strategies are extremely individualistic to each person. When I speak of coping strategies, I mean the healthy ones and ways to help you cope with stress.

For example, meditation is extremely therapeutic when I practice it. However, I have a friend who simply cannot meditate. They have explained to me that it is too difficult to sit still and do any kind of mindfulness practice. Here, my friend simply tried other strategies and adopted those that worked.

Again, the variability of coping strategies comes into play. You need to find a few that work for you and implement them daily, or whenever is most appropriate.

Last Thoughts

The process of finding the right treatment for your bipolar disorder can be extremely exhausting. As I mentioned, it took me 10 years to find a functional cocktail of meds that I could tolerate. I still need my meds tweaked here and there, but I am no longer in the “experimental stage.”

I also mentioned that a “cookie cutter approach” would make things easier. Initially, yes, that is true—it would be easier. However, I have found that a sort of customized treatment plan catered to myself is more appropriate. My odds of compliance are greater if I take part in the conversation to find a treatment for myself.

Make sure that you find a medical professional who is willing to partner with you by listening to your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns. Advocate for yourself so you can find treatment most appropriate for your bipolar disorder.