Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that imposes a great deal of danger to its sufferers. The exact cause or reasons why it happens are still unknown to experts, but treatments come in a wide variety: psychotherapy, medication, alternative treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, and light therapy.
Each has its own effects (good or bad) and the effect would vary from patient to patient.
Clearly, then, there isn't one single treatment that can be recommended to everybody. This is because one particular treatment may be effective for one person but not for another. And it is wrong therefore to say that the same treatment that took effect on one person will also be effective to everyone.
The reason for this is that "bipolar disorder" is a collective term to describe a mental condition with distinct characteristics. And the effects and symptoms of this mental condition vary from person to person; as does the patient's response to a particular treatment.
Bipolar disorder is associated with chemical imbalance in the brain; and since there are several chemicals called neurotransmitters inside the brain, each person suffering from bipolar has a particular neurotransmitter or neurotransmitters that need to be normalized.
One treatment can cure a particular neurotransmitter(s) but not all treatments work the same.
The most common mode of treatment is psychotherapy or "talk" therapy. This treatment is given to those with mild to moderate bipolar disorder. Often, psychotherapy is combined with antidepressant medications depending on the particular patient. This method is widely used, widely accepted, and has been proven effective.
However, there are treatments that only work for a particular patient. Just like the Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This treatment works by changing the biochemical compositions of the brain through waves of electric current. It is often used as a last mode of treatment for patients who do not respond to medications and psychotherapy.
This case also applies to antidepressants. There are several antidepressants but each will only work for a particular bipolar disorder case. For example, in one particular medication such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), there are several antidepressants that target the serotonin while others target the serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil are some SSRIs that act mainly on the serotonin. Newer antidepressants such as (Effexor) venlafaxine and Serzone (nefazodone) act on the serotonin and norepinephrine.
The SSRIs are a form of antidepressant medication that cannot be applied to patients who need MAO treatment. MAO is an enzyme that breaks down certain brain chemicals. Instead of SSRIs, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors are applied. Same thing goes if the patient needs an antidepressant that reduces the excessive activity of the brain. Here, the Lithium is what the patient needs.
Knowing the right treatment for bipolar disorder is not the same as knowing the right treatment for a certain physical illness. Bipolar disorder is a very delicate mental illness that needs to be treated immediately and accurately once diagnosed. It is not something that would go away after a matter of time. Dealing with bipolar disorder is both stressful and difficult to the patient as well as the family members, making sure that it is treated correctly must be the top priority. And to be able to do this, the patient must consult a psychiatrist or a qualified doctor with expertise on bipolar disorder cases the very moment he or she has been given its signs.
Teenagers with bipolar disorder have an ongoing roller coaster of extremely elevated and then, depressed moods. You may find that the highs alternate with the lows, or, strange as it seems, your kid may even seem to feel both extremes simultaneously.
This very troubling and life-altering disorder usually starts in adulthood. However, it does occur in adolescents and even in young children occasionally. It can affect anyone and must be closely monitored because of its potential for destroying the life and well-being of the sufferer.
It can run in families; if you or your spouse are the biological parents of the child and either one of you has bipolar disorder, the chances are greater that he or she has or will develop it. In some patients, it also appears that a family history of drug or alcohol abuse can predispose a kid to develop it.
An episode of bipolar disorder may begin either with manic or depressive symptoms.
The manic symptoms include:
Erratic and marked changes in mood for no apparent reason - unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry, hostile or aggressive,
Very unrealistic highs in self-identity - for example, an adolescent who feels all powerful with super normal or exaggerated abilities,
The expression of seemingly unlimited energy, the ability to go with little or no sleep without feeling tired,
Hyper- talking episodes, where your kid talks too much, too rapidly, too quickly and unexplainably changes topics with a strong resistance to being interrupted,
Your kid is so distractible, it interferes with his ability to concentrate or have a conversation; his or her attention continually moves from one thing to the next,
Your kid may repeatedly engage in high risk behavior; such as, abusing alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly or promiscuous sexual behavior.
The depressive symptoms include may include the following:
Excessive irritability, hostility, depression, unrelenting sadness, frequent crying jags, or thoughts of death or suicide,
An inability to get any enjoyment from pursuing once favorite activities,
The teen may frequently complaint of stress-based physical illnesses such as headaches or backaches,
The manifestation of a low energy level, listlessness, fatigue, impaired concentration and feeling bored,
Over-sleeping, under-sleeping, under or over-eating,
It is important to remember that any of these symptoms may also occur if your teenager has other problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse, delinquent behavior, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder etc. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder should only be made over time with careful observation.
A thorough evaluation by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can isolate the most important problems and initiate treatment. The good news is that teens with bipolar disorder can be treated effectively, if their therapy is monitored regularly and continued throughout life.
Treatment for this serious disorder should include a program to teach the patient and family about the illness itself and the mood stabilizing psychotherapy, counseling and medications that are part of the treatment plan. The mood stabilizing medications are used to reduce the number and the intensity of the manic episodes and also to prevent the symptoms of depression from occurring.
Psychotherapy helps the teenager understand himself or herself, adapt to ongoing life stresses that can exacerbate the problem, rebuild self-esteem and improve relationships.
Both Matt Oconnor & Mike Shery are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Matt Oconnor has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Business and Finance and Wine and Spirits. Did you know 16% of the world's population suffer from depression? Are you a sufferer? The author of this article, Matthew OConnor runs a site dedicated to the latest news and developments in depression treatments, particularly the crucial topic of. Matt Oconnor's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Mike Shery has sinced written about articles on various topics from Addictions, Cure Anxiety and Family. Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo and Lake-in-the-Hills. He's an expert psychologist. Call 1 847 516 0899 and make an appt or