Bipolar disorder is not the result of a "weakness" in one's
personality or character. People with bipolar disorder have limited or no
control over their moods, intellectual processes and energy. Bipolar disorder
can become disabling, but it is also a treatable or manageable mental illness
in most cases.
A combination of medications and psychotherapy helps a vast
majority of people with this illness return to happy fulfilling lives. The
challenge is to provide treatment as soon as possible. Unrecognized and
untreated symptoms of Bipolar disorder can have a profound and lasting impact on
personality and one's character.
In many cases, the symptoms of bipolar disorder will occur with other
problems such as substance abuse, poor school performance, family conflict or
trouble a work.
People with bipolar disorder are very prone to medicate they
symptoms with alcohol, stimulants and sedatives. Some will turn to stimulants
to help them cope with their depression. Treatment of more that one problem may
be necessary.
Most people with bipolar disorder are usually treated with medications
such as Lithium which tends to manage mania. Tegretol (Carbamazepine),
Valproate (Depakote), Lamotragine (Lamictal) are three additional medications
that were originally used to control seizures. These drugs have been found
to act as a mood-stabilizers and to manage bipolar
symptoms. Benzodiazepines such as Lorazapam and Ativan are sometimes
prescribed for insomnia. A number of medications are used to manage mania
especially when it cannot be controlled. Combinations of medications have been
used with some success. Some of these include antidepressants and
antipsychotic medications. A relatively new medication, Zeprexia, has been used
to quickly manage and control manic symptoms in bipolar disorder. However this
drug is often associated with severe side effect including massive weight gain
and increased risk for diabetes. Treatment of bipolar disorder is not always
easy, especially in the early stages, and requires a great deal of trial and
error.
If a person is in the midst of a manic episode, he or she may not recognize
or appreciate the impact of their behavior. Children may not feel at risk
or that they are impulsive, reckless or taking any risks. In fact, many
people conclude that a manic episode is just normal adolescent behavior. While
it may appear that way at first glance, the cycles in a child's behavior will
tell the difference. A person in the midst of a manic episode may experience an
elevated sense of well being or over confidence that he and her or she may
refuse to get help. They can be very difficult to deal with. People in mixed
phases can be very irritable, even volatile, aggressive and difficult to
interact with. Parents may notice a change but not know what is causing it. In
some cases, a person who is very manic, severely depressed, or mixed, may need
to be hospitalized for his or her own protection in order to receive treatment.
Education, guidance and support from a psychotherapist is often very helpful
when a manic or depressive episode resolves. A therapist can help the person to
deal with personal relationships, maintain a healthy self-image and ensure that
the person complies with his or her treatment. Family counseling and support
can be very helpful where the family is willing and able to participate
productively. Psychotherapy can also assist the person in coping with the
side-effects of the medications.
Serious and Critical Symptoms
- Suicidal behavior, thoughts, feelings
- Dangerous, threatening or self-harming behavior
- Extreme neglect and lack of self-care
Information And Steps You Can Take
- Seek immediate help if a child has any serious and critical symptoms.
- Consultation with a qualified mental health professional or crisis intervention specialist is recommended if a child is in the midst of a manic or depressive episode.
- Anyone with symptoms of bipolar disorder should have a comprehensive medical, social and psychological evaluation.
- Ongoing encouragement and support from friends and family are also very important. It may be helpful to join a self-help or support group to help those coping with this illness.
- Ask about, evaluate, and address any suicidal, self harming or dangerous behavior.
Dated: December 30, 2007
http://www.incrisis.org/Library/Bipolar.htm
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