Numerous forms of treatment are used to treat bipolar disorder. Medication is commonly used and nurses must be able to educate caregivers of the potential side effects, negative signs relating to over-medication, and signs of toxicity (Apps et al., 2008). Since treatments often involve multiple medications, the importance of adhering to a medication regime, even if signs or symptoms subside, must be continuously communicated and educated to the family and client (Birmaher, 2007). Medication must be available at an affordable cost and comorbid diseases should be treated as well in order to enhance overall treatment adherence (Birmaher). An alternative treatment method is using a biopsychosocial framework which is a family approach (Morris et al., 2007). This is used to create stability and structure routines in the home in order to assist the child with self control and personal emotional development (Morris et al.). The goal of this treatment is to assist families in order to enhance medication adherence and decrease relapses (Morris et al.). It is essential that nurses aid in the diagnosing, treatment, and education of primary caregivers who care for children with bipolar disorder.

      The second stage of the nursing intervention plan challenges nurses to encourage families to utilize support systems. Strong support systems can be difficult to find, but are necessary for the caregivers not feel lonely (Wade, 2006). Interest in peer support groups is present, but caregivers often do not have time, energy, or available care centers to watch their child while they participate in a support group (Wade). Nurses can discover and lead alternative methods of support systems for instance online, telephone, or through e-mail (Wade). Having support within the family allows caregivers to be less distressed about the disorder compared to when there was no support (Rose et al., 2006). To enhance caregiver’s coping mechanisms nurses can suggest or create support systems.

      The final aspect of the nursing intervention plan incorporates the nurse’s collaboration with interdisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, therapists, educators, and community resources. It may be necessary that the family and client are referred on past primary care to a mental health specialist for increased management of the bipolar disorder (Cummings & Fristad, 2008). Nurses should be a stable and available influence in the client’s life in order to educate and support the caregiver especially due to the shortage of child psychiatrists (Wade, 2006). Therapy is another interdisciplinary intervention involving teamwork between the family, physician, and therapist that can educate, empower, and continue positive treatment outcomes for families (Cummings & Fristad). Research shows that therapy aids in the management of the disease treatment and effect future relapse occurrences (Chang, Howe, Gallelli, & Miklowitz, 2006, as cited in Apps et al., 2008).

      Nurses must prepare teachers about what to expect from children with bipolar disorder, educate them on mental illness, and observe the classroom if a teacher notices specific disrupting behaviors (Olson & Pacheco, 2005). There may be instances when a child is at risk for suicide so it is important for the nurse to work together with Emergency Medical Services for the safety of the child (Olson & Pacheco). Supplying a list of websites or books that could be accessed within the community allows the family to learn more about the disorder (Apps et al., 2008). Organizing with several interdisciplinary teams and the community, nurses can inform caregivers of resources they may benefit from. This nursing intervention plan will assist in the development of the primary caregiver’s knowledge of the bipolar disorder their child suffers from and provide recommendations of where to seek additional support.

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