Living With Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disease, also known as bipolar disorder, is a treatable mental illness once referred to as manic-depressive illness. Characterized by polar mood changes ranging from manic to depressive, bipolar disease impacts the quality of life for the person stricken with it, particularly if it is undiagnosed or untreated. Some people with bipolar disease are suicidal when they lapse into depressive states, while these same individuals, during manic states, may be very productive, energetic, and creative. Contrasts between these states are quite stark and often difficult for family members, friends, and co-workers to comprehend. When functioning in between manic and depressive states, people with bipolar disorder appear to be quite normal. It's important to note, however, that a person with bipolar disease sometimes feels little control over these states, which often rapidly shift.

Although the symptoms of bipolar disease typically first occur in childhood, some people do not have their first bout with symptoms until later in life. Unfortunately, bipolar disease is not always properly diagnosed with the initial onset and it's not unusual for people with bipolar disorder to struggle for years before it is identified and treatment is sought. However, once it is identified, bipolar disorder can be managed, and people with the illness can go on to live long, happy, balanced, and productive lives.

A single, root cause for bipolar disease has yet to be identified. In fact, contemporary research has led doctors to believe that no single cause for the illness exists, but that a group of contributing factors combines with the end result being bipolar disorder.

Among these factors is heredity. Although a gene causing bipolar disorder hasn't been isolated, there is strong evidence that bipolar disorder runs in families. Researchers are also exploring the possibility that the brains of people affected with bipolar disease may function differently from the brains of people who do not have the disorder. Still, no certain cause for bipolar disorder has been identified though millions of people suffer from its effects every day.

People living with bipolar disease, particularly those who have yet to be diagnosed, often turn to cigarettes, drugs and alcohol as each can offer limited relief from anxiety, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness and other mood changes commonly associated with the condition. This process is commonly referred to as self-medicating, but in time often serves to worsen symptoms and helps the sufferer develop debilitating addictions as well as physical diseases as a result of prolonged use of these.

Medical treatment for bipolar disease varies. Following an initial diagnosis, most sufferers are prescribed anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, or sedative drugs. Most of these drugs are accompanied by harmful and annoying side effects and some can result in addiction. It's strongly advised that medication for bipolar disease be taken with caution and only under the monitored care of a qualified physician. Drugs used in the treatment of bipolar disease also may not interact well with other drugs prescribed for unrelated illnesses, over the counter medications or certain supplements. For this reason, it is imperative that a patient's entire medical history be properly evaluated and special consideration given to any other medications the patient is currently prescribed.

People with bipolar disease are more prone to have dysfunctional thyroid glands. Imbalances in the hormones associated with the thyroid can also lead to shifts in energy and mood, and additional medication is sometimes prescribed in an attempt to balance these levels.

Aside from prescription medication, doctors also normally prescribe psychotherapy for people suffering from bipolar disease. In this form of therapy, also known as "talk therapy", patients and their families receive adequate support, bipolar information, education and help in managing the illness. Additional types of therapy can also be useful in helping a person with bipolar disease correct thought processes that lead to risky behaviors, including suicidal tendencies.

In severe cases of bipolar disorder and when traditional medical and psychological treatments appear ineffective, electro convulsive therapy, or ECT, is sometimes applied. However, it should be noted that ECT is only used when all else seems to fail and when a patient is suffering from extreme psychosis or presents a danger to himself or others.

With fewer side effects, herbal and dietary supplements are often useful in helping manage bipolar disease. St. John's wort, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural herbs like kava have reportedly helped people with bipolar disease manage their symptoms. Other healthy lifestyle strategies useful in managing bipolar disease are:

• Massage therapy
• Biofeedback
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Ayurveda
• Spiritual counseling

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  Resources:

  http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/

  http://www.medicinenet.com/bipolar_disorder/article.htm

  http://bipolar.about.com/

  http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/bipolartreatment.htm

  
  
  

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