Is it possible to treat a mild bipolar disorder with only psychotherapy and no medication?

Maybe: I am glad you are checking your thyroid gland as thyroid disease affects mood in and of itself or can worsen mood disorders. Only time can tell if you will need to stay on Depakote and effexor (venlafaxine). There are also other meds, for example Lamictal that can help you and are better tolerated. Lithium, at low doses can also be very helpful. Most psychiatrists would not recommend psychotherapy only.

Maybe: It's difficult to know what you consider mild. Each person has a different perspective. From my point of view, as a physician, I am interested in the most effective treatment, not any one particular treatment. About half of my practice is psychotherapy, and yet i can't think of a single bipolar patient for whom i would recommend only psychotherapy. Please seek the best treatment for yourself.

If you are referring: to yourself - the fact that you have suicidal thoughts means that you likely don't have mild bipolar disorder. See you are on wellbutrin, paxil and buspar (buspirone). If you are referring to yourself- would encourage that you be treated by a psyciatrist. Mood stabilizers are currently first line medications for bipolar disorders. The problem w treatment w/o meds is that both unipolar and bipolar >