Aetna Coverage for Bipolar Disorder Therapy Treatment

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder, which are differentiated by the symptoms that an individual experiences. When you have an understanding of the common signs and symptoms of bipolar and bipolar-related disorder, you can recognize when you may need to seek professional support. Bipolar and bipolar-related disorders often include patterns of alternating mood episodes including mania, depression, and hypomania.

Symptoms that commonly occur during various mood episodes include:

Manic Episodes:

• Elevated Mood: Euphoria or irritability can signal the onset of a manic episode.
• Increased Energy and Hyperactivity: You may feel very energetic and have more energy for activities than usual.
• Reduced Need for Sleep: You may be able to maintain your high-energy levels with a decreased amount of sleep.
• Grandiosity or Inflated Self-Esteem: An exaggerated sense of self-importance and your capabilities.
• Racing Thoughts: Rapid thought processes that are difficult to control.
• Pressured or Rapid Speech: Speaking quicker than usual.
• Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behavior: Engaging in risky behaviors without considering the consequences.
• Poor Judgment: Making hasty decisions that are often regretted later, this may be out of character for you.

Hypomanic Episodes

• Mild Elevated Mood: Hypomania involves an elevated mood that is noticeable, but not as intense as manic symptoms. This may also lead to euphoria or heightened irritability.
• Increased Energy and Activity: Similar to manic episodes, you may feel more energetic and engage in more activities, though this is not as intense or heightened as what occurs in a manic episode.
• Decreased Need for Sleep: Similarly, you may find yourself feeling elevated and energetic with less sleep than usual. 
• Enhanced Self-Esteem: You may feel more confident and sociable during a hypomanic episode.
• Racing Thoughts: Fast-paced thoughts may occur and often contribute to an increase in productivity and creativity.  
• Talkativeness: You may find yourself talking more than usual and feel more outgoing.
• Impulsive Behavior: You may be more impulsive or engage in more risk-taking behaviors.
• Improved Functioning: Unlike mania, hypomania might improve your performance at work or in social settings, but still has the potential for negative effects and consequences

Depressive Episodes:

• Persistent Depressed Mood: A feeling of sadness or emptiness that occurs most days, for most of the day.
• Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities: You may find yourself not finding the same sense of enjoyment in activities that were previously pleasurable.
• Changes in Appetite: You may experience changes in your appetite that contribute to unintended weight loss or gain. 
• Sleep Disturbances: You may find yourself struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or not feel rested after sleeping.
• Fatigue or Low Energy: Experiencing tiredness and a lack of energy.
• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: You may find yourself experiencing inappropriate feelings of guilt and low self-esteem that affect your day-to-day life
• Difficulty Concentrating: You may have a hard time focusing and making decisions throughout your day.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

More Information about Aetna Insurance

Aetna is a leading health insurance provider in the United States, that offers a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and employers. Aetna is known for providing comprehensive coverage and having an extensive network of health care providers and treatment facilities. With your Aetna insurance, you often have access to quality healthcare services nationwide.

In addition to standard health insurance plans, Aetna offers specialized insurance options for those who are living with various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. These plan options are designed to support those with various mental health conditions by providing access to therapy, counseling, and medication management, all of which can help you develop the skills needed for optimal mental health and emotional well-being.

Does Aetna Cover Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Individuals who are concerned about the cost of treatment may find themselves wondering, does Aetna cover bipolar treatment, and the answer is yes.  Aetna typically covers bipolar disorder treatment for those experiencing active symptoms, and those maintaining their mental health. Aetna’s behavioral health plans usually include coverage for various mental health services including therapy, medication, and other support services. 

Aetna’s mental health coverage is comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of treatment options. It is important to note that the scope of your coverage is dependent on the details of your insurance plan. You may have out-of-pocket expenses in the form of copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and premiums, which should be laid out for you in your plan’s details. If you would like to learn more about your bipolar disorder treatment coverage or have specific questions about your plan, we encourage you to complete our online insurance verification form and dial (866)461-4474 to speak with an Admission Counselor. 

What Medications are Covered by Aetna for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

There are several medications that can be used to treat bipolar and bipolar-related disorders, many of which are included in Aetna’s prescription drug coverage. The medications used are determined based on individual characteristics, including the symptoms you’re experiencing. Examples of some of the medication management services commonly included in Aetna’s prescription drug coverage include: 

Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are a cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment, helping to control the extreme mood swings characteristic of the condition. Commonly used medications include:

• Lithium: One of the oldest and most well-established mood stabilizers, lithium can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. Lithium can also help reduce the frequency of future episodes, making it a long-term medication option.
• Divalproex sodium (Depakote): This medication is particularly effective in treating manic episodes and is often used when individuals do not respond to lithium. 
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Known for its effectiveness in treating depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, lamotrigine helps prevent mood swings by stabilizing neuron activity in the brain.
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): This anticonvulsant can be used as a mood stabilizer for manic episodes. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain, which helps stabilize mood

Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics are often used with mood stabilizers to manage manic and depressive episodes.

• Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Effective for acute manic and mixed episodes, olanzapine can also be used for maintenance treatment to prevent recurrence.
• Quetiapine (Seroquel): This medication treats both manic and depressive episodes and is also approved for maintenance therapy.
• Risperidone (Risperdal): Used primarily for acute manic episodes, risperidone helps reduce symptoms such as irritability, aggression, and rapid thinking.
• Aripiprazole (Abilify): Known for its stabilizing effects on mood, aripiprazole can be used for both acute episodes and long-term maintenance.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can be added to your medication routine to help manage depressive symptoms that can arise during depressive episodes. Physicians will use this medication with caution because it can sometimes trigger manic episodes.  

• Fluoxetine (Prozac): This SSRI is effective in treating the depressive phase of bipolar disorder when used alongside a mood stabilizer.
• Sertraline (Zoloft): Another SSRI, sertraline helps alleviate depressive symptoms but must be carefully managed to avoid inducing mania.
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin): This atypical antidepressant is less likely to trigger mania compared to other antidepressants, making it a preferred choice for some individuals with bipolar disorder.

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines may be used for short-term management of severe agitation, anxiety, and insomnia associated with bipolar disorder.

• Lorazepam (Ativan): Effective for quickly calming intense anxiety or agitation.
• Clonazepam (Klonopin): Used to manage acute manic episodes and associated anxiety, providing rapid relief of symptoms.

Anticonvulsants: In addition to their primary use in controlling seizures, anticonvulsants can also stabilize mood in individuals with bipolar disorder.

• Valproate: As mentioned earlier, valproate is highly effective in managing manic episodes and stabilizing mood.
• Lamotrigine: Also noted earlier, lamotrigine is particularly useful for preventing depressive episodes.
• Carbamazepine: In addition to its mood-stabilizing properties, carbamazepine is effective for treating manic episodes.