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.

Copyright 2005 LifeWithBipolar.com

Wishing you a full and joyous life,
Derek Barlow

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• Leaving Depression Behind


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