Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression is a serious disorder, not only for the individual suffering from it, but also affects those who are involved on a personal level with the sufferer. There can be varying degrees of severity for those with bipolar disorder from episodes lasting just a few days to several weeks or months. Bipolar disorder or manic depression affects the sufferer in varying degrees, it can range from being what you could describe as being on a high with abnormally high expectations, euphoria, elation or feelings of invincibility to depression, suicidal thoughts, erratic behaviors, stealing, drug and alcohol abuse and many other destructive behaviors.
Bipolar can be a difficult disorder to diagnose and treat mainly due to the sufferers inability to understand what is happening to him or her. On the one hand they can become addicted to the euphoric highs and will refuse treatment hoping to maintain this feeling of extreme well being and on the other end of the spectrum when depression sets in he or she will often be too lethargic to follow instructions regarding medication.
For family members they may feel as though they are living in a nightmare as their loved one can be extremely difficult to cope with, especially when illicit drugs and alcohol are being abused by the sufferer. For many bipolar suffers where alcohol and drugs are involved it can be a lengthy process to full recovery. It can make it very difficult for a doctor to treat and to diagnose the sufferer as having a bipolar disorder as the condition is often masked by the use of illicit drugs or alcohol.
Causes of Bipolar
Bipolar and manic depression can result from the person experiencing a traumatic event in their life, abusing drugs and alcohol or it can be an inherited tendency, it is still very much a misunderstood mental disorder.
Signs of Bipolar or Manic Depression
Bipolar I
- At least one high or manic episode, which has lasted for longer than one week.
- Some individuals with Bipolar will have only manic episodes, never to return, but for most this will follow with periods of depression.
- Depressive episodes last rather longer – 6 to 12 months without treatment.
Bipolar II
- The individual has had more than one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes – referred to as ‘hypomania’.
Rapid cycling
- The suffer can have more than four mood swings happen in a 12 month period. This affects around 1 in 10 people with bipolar disorder, and can happen with both types I and II.
Cyclothymia
- Mood swings may not be as severe as those with full bipolar disorder, but can also last longer. For some sufferers this can develop into full bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Bipolar
- Exaggerated feelings of happiness, euphoria or elation in combination with erratic behaviors
- Depressed mood, feelings of low self esteem and worthlessness
- Low or depressive feelings of intense depression and despair
Treatment options for Bipolar
If your loved one has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or manic depression the following treatment options are usually the first line of defense.
- Anti psychotics may be prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and anti depressants.
Provided the sufferer is not abusing drugs or alcohol this may be the preferred way to go. However, if he or she is addicted to drugs or alcohol then prescription medications may well exacerbate the condition, thereby prolonging the recovery process. This presents a very difficult scenario for everyone involved. In these cases where the normal avenue of treatment has failed to work it is advisable to seek the help of a naturopath who can help you with a diet plan.
It is vitally important that those with Bipolar have a nutritious diet. Often the person who is affected with Bipolar will adopt irregular eating habits and will vary from eating enormous amounts to eating to nothing at all, so vitamins and mineral supplements will help immensely, along with high doses of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. A book written by Dr. Andrew L. Stoll, a Harvard Medical School graduate, wrote a book in 1988 “The Omega-3 Connection“. In this book he describes his treatment of those with Bipolar disorder and manic depression with Omega 3‘s and provides nutritional recipes designed specifically for those with this disorder. It is a wonderful book and gives hope to not only those afflicted with Bipolar but those who are care taking.
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