Available Treatment Options for Bipolar
Disorder - A Free 7 Part Series
by Derek
Barlow
zone3
Welcome and thank you for showing your interest in this free series
which will explore the different treatment options available for bipolar
disorder. In this series you can expect to discover:
Part 1 - What is bipolar disorder and how is it treated.
Part 2 -
What medications are effective in treating bipolar disorder.
Part 3 -
Effects of nutrition on bipolar disorder, psychotherapy and other
treatments.
Part 4 - Co-occuring illnesses and genetics
research.
Part 5 - Brain imaging and what does it show.
Part 6 -
Treatment research
Part 7 - Where to find help
Let's get to it :)
Introduction
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes people to experience
extremes in moods from high to low, sometimes within a single day or week.
As of 2005 there is no known cure for the condition previously known as
manic-depressive illness. But scientists, researchers and physicians are
optimistic as they work to improve the prospect of a reasonably normal
life for sufferers and those they love. The general public must become
more aware of this illness in order to take action early, thereby avoiding
damaging consequences. Patients themselves ought to pay heed to whatever
therapy is recommended by their physician, whom they should know well and
trust. Only in this way will people be in the position to successfully
manage this potentially devastating illness.
Early Treatment is Important Contrary to the hopes of many parents,
Bipolar Disorder cannot be diagnosed at birth. Symptoms usually appear in
adolescence or early adulthood. Unless the sufferer is treated, those
symptoms will recur throughout the course of life. Some people pug up with
bipolar disorder much longer than they should, only because they do not
realize they have the illness. If patients are not diagnosed early, and
cared for, Bipolar Disorder becomes more difficult to treat. The longer a
person continues without medical attention, the higher the risk of alcohol
and substance abuse, suicide, and serious issues at home, work and school.
Proper treatment is very important so that the bipolar disorder patient
can begin to stabilize his or her moods. Exaggerated mood swings are at
the heart of this illness, and in many ways define it.
So How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Bipolar Disorder is treated through a combination of medication and
psychological treatment and oftentimes, nutrition. As with many conditions
or illnesses, a collective approach tends to be most effective.
A medical doctor (most often a psychiatrist) with expertise in the
diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders generally prescribes
medication. Treatment should be ongoing, and not on-and-off. Even with
continuoustreatment, mood swings may happen, but if a doctor is notified,
he or she can adjust the treatment plan to suitthe patient’s need. It is
critical that patients work very closely with their doctor, communicate
openly and honestly regarding questions or concerns, and feel comfortable
discussing treatment options.
Many bipolar disorder patients record their daily moods, their
treatments, sleep patterns and life events on a chart. By charting their
day, sufferers and their loved ones become more aware of possible
triggers. As a consequence, they can effectively guide the treatment
process.
In the next issue we'll explore the different medications used to treat
bipolar disorder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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