There is no “cure” for bipolar disorder, however, don’t let that get you down. A number of amazing historical figures were bipolar, and very few people have such a severe form of bipolar that they can’t live a relatively normal life.
Typically most treatments for bipolar disorder involve the use of mood stabilizers that regulate mania, not depression. Extreme mania and mixed states have the highest risk of suicide, as bipolar individuals suffering from depression don’t usually have the energy to attempt suicide. Currently Lamictal is the only drug that treats both depression and mania at the same time.
Lithium is the oldest and in my experience the best of the mood stabilizers. The drug has been used for hundreds of years although officially lithium carbonate has only been used in the past sixty years. Other drugs include anticonvulsants such Valproic acid, Trileptal, and Lamictal.
Seeing as scientists do not know the biological mechanism for bipolar disorder, treatment is trial and error and there are over hundred drugs for bipolar disorder. Always do your own research, and be aware that all drugs carry risks and some more than others. Find the regimen that works best for you and be an active part of your own treatment.
Bipolar children should never take adult medication or antipsychotics. Adult women who are bipolar and want to get pregnant should never take drugs for manic depression as the medications will harm or kill the unborn child.