Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings and low energy levels that make it hard for an individual to carry out their daily activities. It is a chronic mood disorder with manifestations like mania (extreme highs) and depression (extreme lows). Bipolar disorder is present in about one-third of those who exhibit excessive agitation, aggression, and irritability.

Professor and Head of Psychiatry at Nimhans, Dr. Janardhan Reddy, stated that the condition can be handled acutely and stabilized. However, traditional anti-depressants are not recommended for individuals with bipolar depression as they can result in manic episodes.

These patients have a lot of optimism thanks to newer medications like lurasidone. Reddy, who has conducted in-depth research on bipolar disorder, continued, "They are effective for bipolar depression but are not advised for other kinds of depression."

According to Dr. Johann Philip, a senior consultant psychiatrist with offices in Kochi and the UK, although anti-depressants are used in routine clinical practice, they are associated with the risk of inducing bipolar mania. He explained that it worsens the risk of experiencing mood episodes, especially in those with "rapid-cycling" bipolar disorder. He added that newer medications such as cariprazine, asenapine, and lumateperone can be used to treat bipolar disorder without increasing the risk of mania.

According to Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director and Senior Professor of Psychiatry at Nimhans, bipolar illness is treatable. She added that adequate medical treatment, counseling and psychotherapy, and a correct lifestyle, including sleep, diet, and exercise, as well as avoiding psychoactive drugs, can prevent both acute episodes and subsequent episodes of mania and depression. She further noted that patients have a right to appropriate care, a decent existence, and assistance to realize their potential. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/doctors-new-medicines-could-help-deal-with-bipolar-depression/99134246 )