Treating Bipolar Disorder
There are a lot of different treatments available for bipolar disorder. Odds are, an individual’s treatment plan is going to involve several approaches at once. There are a variety of mood stabilizers available. Some of them are used more for depression, some more for manic episodes, and some for maintenance in general. A good doctor will closely monitor and adjust medications to manage episodes and to watch for side effects. During a manic phase, antipsychotics might be prescribed, as well.
It’s not just about medication, though. The person’s family should be educated on what to expect, how to cope, and how to help. Having a supportive family is an enormous benefit to people with serious mental illnesses, and can help reduce the severity. The person will likely receive counseling to be aware of oncoming episodes and prepare for them. They’ll also be counseled on lifestyle changes they can make to mitigate the symptoms. Getting enough sleep can help reduce episodes. And being self-aware enough to recognize an oncoming episode can help doctors rein it in with medication before it gets too bad. With help, you can learn how to do that. Reducing stress can also help, but of course that easier said than done. But a good counselor will help you find specific, measurable ways to do so. Finally, In a few cases, doctors sometimes try electroconvulsive therapy. It has actually been shown to help people at the extreme ends of bipolar episodes. But due to the severity of the treatment and its side effects, it’s an absolute last resort.
Did you know...
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.