Diagnosis and Treatment of Bi-Polar Disorder

Bi-Polar Disorder is a well know mental disorder. Many people try to deal with it everyday. Bi-Polar consists of manic episodes and depressed episodes as well. Periods of high or irritable moods are called manic episodes and can often times get the person into trouble. The person gains a lot of energy and becomes very active but usually in a scattered way which often has embarrassing consequences.

Most of the time someone who experiences feelings like this also has depressed (low) feelings. Most experience feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness and will not want to engage in activity during this phase. Often time's people with Bi-Polar disorder have suicidal thoughts and abuse drugs and alcohol more frequently.

The major symptoms of Bi-Polar Disorder are extreme mood swings, irritable feelings, a high level of energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, easily distracted, having a hard time concentrating, delusions, hallucinations, feeling agitated, less or more sleep than normal, losing or gaining weight and thoughts of suicide or death. These symptoms are included with both manic and depressed episodes.

The diagnosis of Bi-Polar Disorder is based on a person's medical history and symptoms. The diagnosis is not just based on the person's recent symptoms but also problems they had in the past. Some medications and illnesses can cause a person to have manic and depressive symptoms so it is usually a good idea for both your psychiatrist and family doctor to work together. An example for the medications that can cause this would be anti depressants and steroids.

Some people experiencing manic episodes are sometimes not aware they are going through this and might have to be taken to the hospital even if they don't want to go. However after getting the treatment they need they are usually grateful for the help. People who are aware of their Bi-Polar symptoms and only seem to be getting worse need to contact a professional for more treatment.

If left untreated a first manic episode could last for 2 to 4 months and a depressive episode could last for 8 months or longer. A significant percentage of people with this disorder continue to have symptoms between episodes as well as problems in relationships and with work. But if treated these symptoms can diminish and sometimes even be eliminated.

There is no way to prevent Bi-Polar disorder but with a combination of talk therapy and medication the person can get through this. Talk therapy can help by telling your therapist the
things you are experiencing. Your therapist can offer you support and helpful ways to help you get through a manic or depressive episode.

Mood Stabilizers are the most common medications for treatment of Bi-Polar Disorder. The most common and oldest of this is Lithium. Lithium helps ease manic episodes as well as depressive episodes and can reduce the risk of suicide. If you take Lithium you may have to have periodic blood tests to make sure you are taking enough but not too much. Side effects of Lithium include nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, tremors and diminished mental sharpness. Lithium can also cause minor changes in tests that are taken to check your kidneys, heart and thyroid to show how well they are functioning. These are usually not serious but your doctor will want to keep track.

Other medications that are used to treat seizures are also used to treat Bi-Polar Disorder. These include Depakote and Depakene. Side effects for these are much the same as in Lithium but are more manageable than Lithium. Uncommon but more serious side effects are damage to the liver and blood platelets, which help clot the blood.

Anti-Depressants are also used to treat the depressive side of Bi-Polar but can also trigger a manic attack. Psychiatrists should avoid using anti-depressants for treatment unless other treatments have been tried. Wellbrutrin is less likely to cause a manic episode.

I know first hand what people with Bi-Polar go through. My husband was diagnosed three years ago and has been put on several medications since. Some have worked but only for a short period of time and his doctor has been working to find the right medication. The most recent medications he's been on are Depakote, Geodon and Paxil and for a while they have helped. But there are times when he will still experience a manic and depressive episode and either his dosage will have to be decreased or increased. For the most part he is doing pretty good and we are grateful for the help he has received.

I was also just recently diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. I have been experiencing the symptoms for quite awhile but for some reason my doctor seems to not have been listening very well. I wasn't diagnosed until I went to see my doctor's nurse practitioner and she actually listened and was the one who suggested that I might be Bi-Polar. I was supposed to be put on Depakote but my doctor decided against it and instead lowered my current medication, Lexapro, and put me on Trazodone to help me sleep and calm me down. Instead of calming me down it has made me feel worse. It does help me sleep but I have a hard time waking up in the morning. I am still having severe mood swings and feeling extremely agitated very easily. I also find myself in a depressed mood rather quickly and have a hard time getting out of it. I hope I am able to find the right medication soon to balance my moods so I can live a normal life, whatever that may be.

Bi-Polar Disorder and depression run in my family. My nephew was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder a few years ago but has refused to take his medications. Because of this he has severe mood swings and cannot be controlled. He is now 18 and basically does what he wants. I wish so much that he would start taking his medication so that he will feel better and get along with family like he used to. He used to be such a sweet little boy but over the years has turned into someone that I don't want to be around too much. He can be very mean at times and it is just so sad to see him go through this and not accept the help which has been offered to him.

Bi-Polar Disorder is a very serious issue and anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a psychiatrist as soon as they can to get the treatment they need.