Treatments for Bipolar Disorder



Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness which causes mood swings and mood cycling. Mood cycling refers to the transition between mania and depression. Mania, or manic episodes, typically consist of feelings of elation and invincibility, and cause disorientation, lack of sleep, and obsessive behaviors. Depression typically consists of feelings of overwhelming sadness and low self worth.

There are many treatments available for bipolar disorder, ranging from medications to therapy. There are too many medications to be discussed here in depth. There are also many forms therapy can take, and techniques that can be learned to assist the patient in gaining some control over their bipolar disorder.

Typically, bipolar disorder is treated with more than one medication. This is due to the dual nature of bipolar disorder. Most patients need at least two medications: one to control depression and one to control mania. The combination of these two types of medication works to obtain balance in moods and stop mood cycling. Often, a third medication, called a mood stabilizer, is also prescribed. The most common mood stabilizer is Topomax.

Popular medications for treatment of mania in bipolar patients include lithium, valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and ziprasidone (Geodon). Lithium has long been considered the miracle drug of bipolar disorder. It is a sodium based medication that helps to balance the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes manic episodes in bipolar patients.

Valproate, or Depakote, was originally developed as a seizure medication. However, its effects on bipolar patients who have rapid cycling bipolar (moods that cycle every few hours or days rather than weeks or months), it has been quite effective. Carbamazepine, or Tegretol, is another anti-seizure medication. While it appears to have similar effects on bipolar disorder as Depakote, it has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a bipolar disorder treatment.

Olanzapine, or Zyprexa, and Ziprasidone, or Geodon, are both anti-psychotic drugs, and are particularly effective for treatment of bipolar disorder in which mania becomes so severe that psychotic symptoms are present.

Medications for treatment of depression are called anti-depressants. Common anti-depressants include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). All of these medications have been proven to be successful treatments for depression, although Celexa and Prozac are the most commonly prescribed.

Typically, treatment of bipolar disorder includes a combination of medications and therapy, or counseling. However, in some cases, medication may not be necessary for milder cases of bipolar disorder. In other cases, medication may not be desired by the patient, and the patient may wish to seek out other alternatives to medication for treatment of their bipolar disorder.

For these patients, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be quite effective. CBT is a method of bipolar disorder treatment that involves teaching the patient techniques to recognize triggers and symptoms of their mood cycling, and use that information and recognition to prevent the triggers from occurring, or the mood cycling from being quite as severe. Most of these techniques require the patient to develop cognitive thinking skills as well as critical thinking and problem solving capabilities. If the bipolar disorder is severe to the point that the patient is unable to engage in these thinking abilities and skills, CBT may not be a viable form of treatment in and of itself.

Overall, there are many treatments available for bipolar disorder. There are many options for the patient that can be discussed with the patient's doctors. If a patient is not satisfied with the form their treatment is taking, they should discuss it with their doctor, and not be afraid to change doctors in order to change treatment methods. All in all, effective and successful treatment of bipolar disorder rests in the hands of the patient.


© 2007 Just Great Advice Inc.
 For more free advice on many different topics visit us today @ JustGreatAdvice.com . If you know someone that may benefit from this info, please feel free to forward this site or page to them.



Comments

I think Peta is right about the dairy. I’m bipolar. The doc tried me on lithium, valproate, tegretol and lamictal. None of them worked, unless being constantly grumpy or so air-headed I couldn’t remember my route to work counts as working. I finally got sick of the useless drugs, stopped taking them and decided to focus on the fact that I had allergies, asthma, sleep problems (woke most mornings feeling like my head was exploding, but the doctor wasn’t worried) and overactive bowels instead. Turned out I had obstructive sleep apnea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Reading a little further, I discovered that IBS and bipolar disorder were thought to be genetically linked. Hmmm. So I switched diets – with the aid of a nutritionist-naturopath – and added more regular exercise. An IBS diet means NO DAIRY, NO BEEF, very little other fat apart from omega-3’s and omega-6’s, and lots more fibre. A miracle has happened. I’ve not had any inkling of spring-summer-fall hypomania in two years now, and my usual winter depression was reduced to the period in December when I was too busy working to follow my IBS diet and exercise plan. Even my PMS time has gone back down to a couple of hours the day before (rather than 10 days worth). I haven’t even considered phoning my old p-doc in two years. As far as I’m concerned, if your p-doc isn’t really worried about what you eat and how much exercise you get, he’s not going to help you.
Peta and Bipolar Disorder - By Alice Carey
15th February 2008 - 8:31pm

The Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depressive illness or disorder of mood regulation. It is a brain disorder that is caused due to unusual shifts in mood and energy. The treatments like, Medication, Psychotherapy and electro-convulsive therapy are available to treat the patient.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment - By Jennifer - Homepage
1st March 2011 - 12:27am

http://www.psychology-advice.net/charlie-sheen-wild-boy-troubled-man
whats wrong of charlie - By Dave - Homepage
1st March 2011 - 10:07am

Tory Burch opened her flagship store in 2004 in New York City. It didn't take this lady long to become one of the hottest new fashion designers in a city that can be less than forgiving when it comes to someone new. Tory Burch shoes are just a part of the entire collections and women are flocking to get their next pair of what could be their favorite.
tory burch on sale - By tory burch flats - Homepage
15th June 2011 - 9:45pm

With some condos already selling for well over one million dollars, this should significantly increase property values during the coming years.
By Lucas Did - Homepage
5th August 2011 - 4:08am

You can certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
By Diago Lampard - Homepage
26th August 2011 - 10:45am

Her finner du merker som Camper
mbtshoes - By mbt shoes clearance - Homepage
31st August 2011 - 3:58am

quk ,ering
good - By puma shoes sale - Homepage
31st August 2011 - 4:02am

Good thing that they didn't go to one of those evil loophole gun shows, they'd have walked out with enough hardware to restage Operation Overlord.Mayor Daley wanted to ban all these scary guns, but noooooooooo you Tea baggers had to keep them legal!http://www.thenorthfaceoutletus.com.
By north face outlet - Homepage
6th September 2011 - 5:22am

Please keep updating with great posts like
airmax - By air max 90 - Homepage
7th November 2011 - 3:46am

vi sono in grado di avere una grande opera d'arte nside tuo
cheap af1 - By nike af1 shoes - Homepage
7th November 2011 - 3:56am

I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us.
Cheap coach handbags - By Cheap coach handbags - Homepage
24th November 2011 - 2:27am

plus there are usually special rates Ugg Boots For Cheap promotions in online shops so we could also check these out prior to buying our pair.
Well known French
UGG Classic Short Boots 5825 - By UGG Classic Short Boots 5825 - Homepage
25th November 2011 - 1:25am

In this modern and fashionable society, people are pursuing for juicy couture sale cool, unique, stylish and innovative. Whether it is juicy couture handbags or fashion accessories all means a lot for modern society of today. Same is the case with trendy looking Louis Vuitton Borse. When these are Louis Vuitton outlet, the excitement just gets doubled.
cheap moncler - By cheap moncler - Homepage
2nd December 2011 - 9:06pm

In this modern and fashionable society, people are pursuing for michael kors outlet cool, unique, stylish and innovative. Whether it is cheap Ugg Boots or fashion accessories all means a lot for modern society of today. Same is the case with trendy looking burberry. When these are thomas sabo, the excitement just gets doubled.
By burberry - Homepage
3rd December 2011 - 1:39am

Hi, sweetie, nice to meet you. I’m outgoing girl, like fashion stylish and reading all kinds of articles, I love your post.
replica tiffany jewelry - By replica tiffany jewelry - Homepage
4th December 2011 - 11:01pm

Hi,your Article is very good.Times for us Its so important,but your Articles worth us read.Today evryone must need a watch include students.
Replica Watches On Sale - By Replica Watches On Sale - Homepage
5th December 2011 - 12:04am

SO Luky can reay this article and inspire by your iders , The topic is a fresh take on a few things. the works to the layout of a balanced,innovative themes, delicate lace, special the article of this core value told us we should read and prove anything we want, for we are sufficientto judge aright
By UGG Boots Clearance - Homepage
6th December 2011 - 8:03pm

Fulfilling our needs for fast fashion means increased production and competition in clothing manufactured in countries with fashion trend.In order to meet the market's demands,Coach Outlet Store Online pay more attention on the fashion style with the latest material.In terms of luxury consumption, consumers in Western countries prefer traditional brands while consumers are wilder about the fashionable fad.In Coach Outlet there are many famous bags of the Coach Outlet Online.In USA,at least,each of the person have a Coach bags on the average.So,in the Amercian market,Coach bags get the people favourate.On that basic,manufacture take the chance to make the price very on the high side.Today,Coach Handbags Outlet USA do atmost to drop the price,with the same quality.In order to thanks for the public,Coach give a biggest discount to Forengn for the fastival.If U bag bags over $99,Coach Outlet Store Online can send the goods to Ur home without the fright.At the same time,the goods of coach bags can have a discount at 82% to meet the market's needs.So don't worry,Coach Outlet Online Store can give U the chance to owned your remembered bags with very lowest price.At the same time,Coach Outlet Store Online newly iaunched the latest fad bags which canused a ensation in the fashion world for U to make up in the winter.Is your heat moving very fast,quick, first come first get.More and More chance are waiting for U.
By coach outlet store online - Homepage
13th December 2011 - 9:49pm

This is a very good idea! Just want to say thank you for the information, you have to share Coach Outlet Store Online
. Just continue to write such a position. I will be your faithful reader. Thank you again.
Coach Outlet Store Online - By Coach Outlet Store Online - Homepage
17th December 2011 - 4:17am

New Jersey, growing out of the uncertain location of the line between New York and New Jersey
By uggs clearance - Homepage
19th December 2011 - 3:04am

Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
By oakley sunglasses online - Homepage
19th December 2011 - 4:26am

Hollister uk
Hollister uk - By Hollister uk - Homepage
21st December 2011 - 3:10am

Hollister uk clothing uk
Hollister uk - By Hollister - Homepage
21st December 2011 - 3:11am

no final Baoyi Bao my rabbits Jeremy Scott Wings Shoes
Adidas Panda Shoes - By Adidas Panda Shoes - Homepage
27th December 2011 - 9:09pm

no final Baoyi Bao my rabbits Jeremy Scott Wings Shoes
Adidas Panda Shoes - By Adidas Panda Shoes - Homepage
27th December 2011 - 9:09pm

no final Baoyi Bao my rabbits Jeremy Scott Wings Shoes
Adidas Panda Shoes - By Adidas Panda Shoes - Homepage
27th December 2011 - 9:09pm

Great article, I think you covered everything there. . . I would say freelancing is quite hard especially if you are not used to working on your own, can be quite hard to motivate yourself also. . . we all know what it is like to stare at the monitor.
wholesale jerseys - By wholesale jerseys - Homepage
27th December 2011 - 10:39pm

They are most iconic and can provide you with a
new feeling and enhance confidence. The quality of replica watches is just superior to
what you have dreamt of
By replica watches - Homepage
4th January 2012 - 12:16am

These are one of the favorite fashion
accessories for men and women long time ago. If you have not yet tried replica rolex, it's
time to own one and feel the difference it can make to your personality
By replica watches - Homepage
4th January 2012 - 12:16am

Same is the case with trendy looking replica
watches. When these are replica watches, the excitement just gets doubled. Most chic
looking replica watches are in fashion now.
By replica watches - Homepage
4th January 2012 - 12:16am

ray ban uk
ray ban uk - By ray ban uk - Homepage
5th January 2012 - 12:48am

hollister
hollister uk
hollister outlet
hollister clothing
hollister co
hco
hco clothing
hollister - By shane - Homepage
6th January 2012 - 2:48am

coach outlet online
By coach outlet online - Homepage
9th January 2012 - 2:22am

Puis dans les magasins de Pékin plus, le Maroc, l'Inde, la Russie, en plus de l'Afrique du Sud.
By Sacs Louis Vuitton - Homepage
10th January 2012 - 5:12am

Good article, Each and every point is good enough.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.
By longchamp sac - Homepage
20th January 2012 - 12:41am

Once again great post. You seem to have a good understanding of these themes.When I entering your blog,I felt this . Come on and keep writting your blog will be more attractive. To Your Success!
By burberry - Homepage
20th January 2012 - 2:34am

I am totally agree with your oppinion.this blog post is very encouraging to people who want to know these topics.
By michael kors outlet - Homepage
20th January 2012 - 2:55am

I love it,Excellent article.I am decide to put this into use one of these days.Thank you for sharing this.To Your Success!
By burberry outlet - Homepage
20th January 2012 - 2:55am

Thanks for this informative post..
By Register website domain - Homepage
31st January 2012 - 8:11am

thanks for sharing.its very nice.
christian louboutin boots - By christian louboutin boots - Homepage
2nd February 2012 - 12:43am

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Pediatric Bipolar Versus Asperger's Disorder
Prozac For Bipolar Disorder, Bulimia, And Anxiety
Borderline Personality Disorder VS Bipolar
Latest Medications For Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bipolar Disorder In Children
Famous People With Bipolar Disorder Past And Present
Psychiatric Evidence Of Bipolar Disorder
Celexa And Bipolar Disorder
About Type 1 Bipolar Disorder
What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder?
Treatments For Bipolar Disorder
What To Do If You Have A Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
Recognizing Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
What Are The Causes Of Bipolar Disorder?
Exploring The Various Bipolar Disorders
CBT As Treatment For Bipolar Disorder
Childhood Treatment Options For Bipolar Disorder
About Bipolar Affective Disorder
Concerns Of Bipolar Disorder Self Injury
All About Bipolar Disorder Treatment






My Articles


About Bipolar Affective Disorder Bipolar affective disorder, also known as bipolar disorder or manic..


What Is Bipolar Disorder? Historically, persons with bipolar disorder may have been called simply..


CBT As Treatment For Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, known by many as manic depression, is a..


Celexa And Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness that..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Being bipolar in Pakistan - DAWN.com

    

DAWN.com

Being bipolar in Pakistan
DAWN.com
by Nabiha Meher Shaikh on February 4th, 2012 | Comments (18) I suffer from a disability called bipolar disorder, something that 2.4 per cent of the global population suffers from. For most of us, it is a genetic disease, but there are others who don't ...




Leslie Carter death: Nick and Aaron's sister 'overdosed after battle with ... - Daily Mail

    

Daily Mail

Leslie Carter death: Nick and Aaron's sister 'overdosed after battle with ...
Daily Mail
There were three drugs found near Carter, according to an incident report obtained by ABC News - Olanzapine, used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant; and Alprazolam, used to treat anxiety or ...
Leslie Carter Overdosed: Police ReportUs Magazine
Leslie Carter Overdosed, Was Under the Influence of Several Drugs, According ...ABC News
Leslie Carter death update: Long history of mental illness unfoldsExaminer.com
AceShowbiz -MTV.com -Huffington Post
all 384 news articles »