UnitedHealthcare Coverage for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

How to Identify Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Several mental health diagnoses fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder. Before we talk about the different types of bipolar disorder, it is important to understand the symptoms associated with these conditions. The key difference between bipolar disorder is what symptoms are present, the number of present symptoms, and their duration. 

Symptoms that are commonly associated with mood episodes include:

Manic Episodes:

• Elevated Mood: You may experience euphoria or irritability before a manic episode.
• Increased Energy and Hyperactivity: You can also feel energetic and have more energy than usual.
• Reduced Need for Sleep: Your high-energy levels continue with a decreased amount of sleep.
• Grandiosity or Inflated Self-Esteem: Experiencing an exaggerated sense of self or your capabilities.
• Racing Thoughts: Experiencing rapid thoughts, that feel difficult to control.
• Pressured or Rapid Speech: Speaking faster than usual.
• Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behavior: Risky behaviors without thinking of the potential consequences.
• Poor Judgment: Making poor choices that are often regretted at a later time, which may be out of character for you at the moment. 

Hypomanic Episodes

• Mild Elevated Mood: Experiencing an elevated mood that is apparent, but not as obvious as mania. Euphoria or irritability may occur.
• Increased Energy and Activity: You may have more energy for your daily activities, though this is less intense than the energy levels observed in a manic episode.
• Decreased Need for Sleep: Your energy levels continue with less sleep.  
• Enhanced Self-Esteem: You may feel more confident and sociable than usual. 
• Racing Thoughts: You may experience racing thoughts that often contribute to an increase in productivity and creativity.  
• Talkativeness: You may feel more talkative or outgoing than usual.
• Impulsive Behavior: You may engage in more risk-taking behaviors or have heightened impulsivity. 
• Improved Functioning: You may find that your performance at work and in social situations, though it can still have a negative effect in those situations.

Depressive Episodes:

• Persistent Depressed Mood: You may find yourself feeling sad or empty most days, more often than not.
• Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities: Activities you previously enjoyed may not be as enjoyable.
• Changes in Appetite: You may notice changes to your weight, or appetite that are unintended. 
• Sleep Disturbances: You may find yourself struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested in the morning  
• Fatigue or Low Energy: You may find yourself feeling tired and having low energy.
• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: You may feel guilt, or struggle with your self-esteem.  
• Difficulty Concentrating: It may be more challenging to focus or make decisions in your life. 
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: You may experience persistent or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or have suicide attempts.

What is the Average Lifespan of Someone with Bipolar Disorder?

The life expectancy for individuals living with bipolar disorder has been found to be decreased compared to the general population. Research initially indicated that there could be a difference of 11 to 20 years, however, recent studies have shown that this number is less.

When we look at individuals who are between the ages of 25 and 45 living with bipolar disorder, the life expectancy for men can decrease from 8.7 to 12 years, and 8.3 to 10.6 years for women. There are several factors that can contribute to this, including the presence of comorbid conditions, lifestyle choices, medication side effects, and higher rates of suicide. This highlights the importance of early intervention, and working with a multidisciplinary team regarding the physical and mental health effects of bipolar disorder. 

What is a Quick Overview of UnitedHealthcare?

United Healthcare  was originally founded in 1977 and is now recognized as a prominent health insurance provider based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. As a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, UHC offers a range of health benefits and services to individuals, employers, and government programs. UnitedHealthcare is renowned for providing access to a large network of healthcare providers and offering innovative healthcare solutions.

What sets UnitedHealthcare apart from other insurance companies is its commitment to enhancing patient care and improving health outcomes for its policyholders. UHC offers various services and products, including health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid plans, pharmacy services, and wellness programs. UnitedHealthcare’s focus on personalized care allows members to access the coverage options they need while staying within their budget.

Does UHC Cover the Cost of Medication for Bipolar Disorder?

UHC prescription medication coverage often includes some, if not most, of the cost of medications used to treat bipolar and bipolar-related disorders. The coverage you receive is dependent on the specific coverage outlined in your insurance plan. Your plan may require prior authorization for some medications, or have limitations or restrictions on name-brand medications. 

If you would like to learn more about the coverage options associated with your plan, we encourage you to verify your insurance online. By doing this, we can help you understand the scope of your coverage, as well as the out-of-pocket costs, associated with your plan. 

What Medications Are Covered with UHC Insurance for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

UnitedHealthcare prescription medication coverage often includes a range of medications used to treat and manage mental health conditions, including bipolar and bipolar-related disorders. Your medication regimen is determined by the symptoms you experience, their effect on your functioning, and other personal characteristics. Some of the medications that may be included in your coverage include:

Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are the most commonly used medications for bipolar disorder treatment, and can be used to control your experience with mood swings. Examples of commonly used mood stabilizers include:

• Lithium: Lithium is used to decrease the frequency and intensity of symptoms associated with depressive symptoms. This medication can be, and is often, used on a long-term basis. 
• Divalproex sodium (Depakote): Depakote can be used with individuals who are experiencing manic symptoms that have not been responsive to lithium.  
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Lamictal can be used with individuals who are experiencing depressive episodes and can help prevent future mood episodes. 
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Tegretol can be used with individuals who are experiencing manic symptoms and help stabilize their mood. This medication is an anticonvulsant that decreases nerve impulses that contribute to seizures.

Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics may be used in conjunction with mood stabilizers to help manage the occurrence and intensity of manic and depressive episodes.

• Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Zyprexa is used to treat manic and mixed mood episodes, as well as to prevent the recurrence of mood swings. 
• Quetiapine (Seroquel): Seroquel can be used to treat manic and depressive episodes, and may be used as a long-term treatment option. 
• Risperidone (Risperdal): Risperdal can be used with individuals who are experiencing manic episodes to decrease the presence of irritability, aggression, and rapid thoughts. 
• Aripiprazole (Abilify): Abilify can be used to manage moods on a short-term, and long-term basis. 

Antidepressants: Antidepressants are often used to help manage the presence and intensity of depressive symptoms. The use of these medications is closely monitored, as they can trigger the onset of manic episodes. 

• Fluoxetine (Prozac): Prozac can be used to treat depressive symptoms, and is often used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer. 
• Sertraline (Zoloft): Zoloft can also be used to reduce the presence of depressive symptoms.
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Wellbutrin is commonly used because it is less likely to trigger manic episodes compared to other antidepressant medications. This medication is used to manage the presence of depressive episodes. 

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are a controlled medication that may be used on a short-term basis for individuals who are experiencing severe agitation, anxiety, and insomnia associated with bipolar disorder. These medications are 

• Lorazepam (Ativan): Ativan can be used to quickly manage symptoms of anxiety and agitation.
• Clonazepam (Klonopin): Klonopin can be used to manage manic episodes and anxiety.

Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants can be used to help with mood stabilization for those who are experiencing bipolar symptoms. 

• Valproate:  Valproate can be used to stabilize moods and manage manic episodes. 
• Lamotrigine: Lamotrigine is used to decrease reoccurring depressive episodes.
• Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine is often used to treat manic episodes.