Can Manic Depression Be Cured?

What manic depression means

Manic depression is an older name for what doctors now call bipolar disorder. It is a mental health condition that affects mood, energy, thinking and behaviour. There are different types. Bipolar I involves mania. Bipolar II involves hypomania and episodes of depression.

During a manic episode, a person may feel very elated, full of energy or unusually irritable. They may sleep very little, talk quickly, take risks or make decisions they would not normally make. During a depressive episode, they may feel low, hopeless and exhausted, and lose interest in things they usually enjoy. Manic and depressive symptoms can also occur together, and some severe episodes involve psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations.

These are not the ordinary ups and downs most people have. Episodes may last days, weeks or months, depending on their type and whether they are treated. They can make it hard to work, study, keep up relationships or manage day-to-day life.

Is there a cure?

At present, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. It is usually a long-term condition.

Treatment can reduce symptoms and help prevent further episodes. With the right treatment and support, many people live well, maintain relationships and pursue work or study. The frequency and severity of episodes vary widely, so doctors focus on managing the condition and reducing the risk of relapse.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How bipolar disorder is treated in the UK

A GP can refer you for specialist assessment. Treatment is often started by a specialist mental health team, with ongoing care shared with your GP where appropriate. NICE publishes guidance on bipolar disorder, but NHS services and guidance arrangements vary across the UK.

Treatment for mania, bipolar depression and relapse prevention can differ. It is tailored to the type of episodes, previous response to medicines, side effects and individual preferences. It may include:

• Medication: lithium is a first-line long-term treatment and needs regular blood tests, including lithium levels and kidney and thyroid checks. Some antipsychotics are also used. Antidepressants need particular care because they can trigger mania or hypomania in some people, and they are generally not used on their own.
• Valproate: this is subject to strict UK prescribing restrictions because of reproductive risks. These include additional specialist approval for starting treatment in people under 55 and a Pregnancy Prevention Programme for women and girls who could become pregnant. Men also need advice about possible reproductive risks. The MHRA publishes current guidance.
• Physical health checks: including weight and metabolic health, particularly with some antipsychotics.
• Talking therapies: such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to help you understand the condition, spot early warning signs and cope with symptoms.
• Self-management: regular sleep, limiting alcohol and drugs, managing stress and tracking mood can support mood stability alongside prescribed treatment.
• Crisis planning: agreeing with your care team what to do if your mood starts to change.

Therapy and self-management support medication but do not replace it, or urgent specialist care during significant mania. Medication is often adjusted before the right balance is found. Do not stop any medicine, including valproate, without advice, as this can trigger a relapse.

Getting help and support

If you are worried that you or someone close to you may have bipolar disorder, book a GP appointment. If you think someone is currently experiencing mania or severe depression, seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for a routine appointment, using the crisis options below.

Bipolar UK, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness all offer reliable information and support, including support groups and local services.

Workplace rights and benefits are separate systems. In Great Britain, reasonable adjustments at work generally depend on meeting the Equality Act definition of disability, and Northern Ireland has separate legislation. Benefit eligibility depends on each scheme's rules. Check GOV.UK or nidirect for current details.

If there is immediate danger to you or someone else, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health help, use the crisis service for your UK nation or contact your mental health team if you already have one. In England, Wales and Scotland, NHS 111 can direct you to urgent mental health support. In Northern Ireland, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Samaritans offers free listening support on 116 123.