Treating Bipolar Disorder

Success in treating Bipolar Disorder is directly related to how far along the disorder has progressed. The more episodes a person experiences, the harder it is to treat the disorder. The more episodes a person experiences, the more likely it is that they will continue to swing into new episodes in the future. If a person has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, he will need to undergo treatment for the rest of his life. Discontinuing medication is a risky decision that will almost certainly cause recurrences of manic or depressive episodes. In addition to maintaining medication doses, the person with Bipolar Disorder should also follow a few other recommendations.

Drugs and More Drugs
The prescribed medications are essential drugs to maintain if a person hopes to live a somewhat normal and well-adjusted life. Drug abuse, however, is another story. More than half of those who suffer from Bipolar Disorder abuse drugs. There are several different reasons that each individual may choose to use illegal drugs, but each case can be detrimental to the health and well-being of that individual. Whether depressants are used to cope with manic episodes or if stimulants are used to re-experience manic highs, the drugs can cause further instability in the mind. If a brain is abused too much, it may cease to respond to treatments and the person may start to experience constant cycling between manic and depressive states.

The reasons that medications may be difficult to maintain are many. A person may not think that the medication is necessary after they are feeling better. He may also feel significant discomfort over the side effects of the drugs. Sometimes side effects may seem more uncomfortable than the disorder. It is important to remember though that the disorder can deteriorate brain functioning, but the medication side effects only cause discomfort. Finally, the patient may miss the feelings of manic highs. Nevertheless, every effort should be put forth to maintain proper medication doses and schedules.

Depressive Symptoms
Antidepressants are used for patients with Bipolar Disorder in much the same way that they are used with patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. Antidepressants can cause bipolar symptoms to worsen, however, so levels must be closely monitored. Antidepressants should also be discontinued at the earliest possible time to reduce the risks of rapid cycling within the Bipolar Disorder. Anyone taking anti-depressants should monitor themselves to check for worsening symptoms.

Summary of Recommendations
Psychiatrists always recommend long-term and even life-long medication for people with Bipolar Disorder. The treatments can be the life-saving element that keeps moods in check. The patient should continue his medication doses while keeping regular doctor visits to ensure that the treatment is a good fit. The person should also avoid introducing any other drugs into his system. Substance abuse and even excessive caffeine or alcohol introduced into the system can cause backward progress in the overall treatment process. Bipolar Disorder is an uncomfortable disease to have, but it is livable if a person is willing to make choices that demonstrate commitment to his health and recovery.

Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman’s Guide to
the Psychiatrist’s Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.

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• Defining The Science Of Psychiatry
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