|
Medications, called "mood stabilizers" can be used to prevent manic or depressive episodes. (See http://people.ne.mediaone.net/pmbrig/BP_pharm.html for a summary of the psychopharmacology of bipolar disorder.) Periods of depression can also be treated with antidepressants. Compliance with medications can be a major problem because people becoming manic lose insight, or an awareness of having an illness, and discontinue medications; then they often suffer a manic episode and may suddenly find themselves initiating multiple projects often being scattered and ineffective, or may go on a spending spree or take a poorly planned trip landing them in an unfamiliar location without cash. The manic periods, euphoric as they may be, are often disastrous because of the impulsiveness and irrationality that comes with them. Contrary to the patient's wishes, the depression does not respond instantaneously to resumed medication, typically taking 2-6 weeks to respond. |
|
Medications, called "mood stabilizers" can be used to prevent manic or depressive episodes. (See http://people.ne.mediaone.net/pmbrig/BP_pharm.html for a summary of the psychopharmacology of bipolar disorder.) Periods of depression can also be treated with antidepressants. In extreme cases where the mania or the depression is severe enough to cause psychosis, antipsychotic drugs may also be used. Compliance with medications can be a major problem because people becoming manic lose insight, or an awareness of having an illness, and discontinue medications; then they often suffer a manic episode and may suddenly find themselves initiating multiple projects often being scattered and ineffective, or may go on a spending spree or take a poorly planned trip landing them in an unfamiliar location without cash. The manic periods, euphoric as they may be, are often disastrous because of the impulsiveness and irrationality that comes with them. Contrary to the patient's wishes, the depression does not respond instantaneously to resumed medication, typically taking 2-6 weeks to respond. |
|
Whilst bipolar disorder can be one of the most severe and devastating medical conditions, many individuals with bipolar disorder can also live full and mostly happy lives with correct management of their condition. |
|
Whilst bipolar disorder can be one of the most severe and devastating medical conditions, many individuals with bipolar disorder can also live full and mostly happy lives with correct management of their condition. Unlike patients with schizophrenia, persons with bipolar disorder have periods of normal functioning between the extremes of mood. |
![[Home]](wikipedia.png)