Unlike other illnesses, in which patients accept the fact that they need to take medicine to control their disease, people with bipolar disorder often refuse to take their medications — an issue called treatment compliance. These patients often have trouble perceiving that they have a problem, even during a bipolar episode (a condition known as anosognosia, and therefore don't believe they need treatment. Avoiding treatment, however, is the worst thing you can do with bipolar disorder. Why? Because bipolar disorder tends to get worse if it's not treated. So to improve your prognosis — your future with this condition — you need to follow your doctor's prescribed treatments. Most people who have bipolar disorder will have normal moods in between their manic and depressive episodes. However, in almost every case, bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness requiring treatment. While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, there is every reason to believe that with proper treatment, you will get better. Proper treatment means taking all your medications and attending therapy sessions as recommended by your doctor. It is important to take the bipolar medications even between episodes of depression or mania. Consistency in taking the medications can stabilize your mood swings.