If i'm diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, will i need to take medicine for the rest of my life?

Varies: The best answer is that you should be prepared to stay in treatment on a chronic basis. However, the "rest of your life" is a long time, and sometimes the symptoms of bipolar disorder can change over several years - sometimes getting worse, but sometimes getting better. It is important for you to stay in treatment consistently, so that others can help you montior your symptoms.

Maybe: This is one of the most common questions people ask when they come in for treatment. There is no good answer because it depends on the nature of your bipolar, and, perhaps, your life circumstances (certain things like good relationships, work, regular routines are mood stabilizing). Most people who have bipolar don't take medicines for the rest of their life. Some of these probably should have.

Bipolar is chronic : Bipolar is a chronic remittent illness, it will be always there but if the patient compliant with his medications , does not use illicit drug and not stressed out , he can be doing ok . However, according to statistic only 36 percent can hold a full time job.

Maybe: You may need to take medicine for life but that can't be guaranteed. You may improve with your symptoms, may learn coping strategies, new medications may be developed, or new treatments may come about. In the meantime, though, you should stay on your meds even if you feel better and continue with therapy.