Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Page Three
The current drug treatments for bipolar disorder typically include what are referred to as mood stabilizers—usually lithium carbonate, divalproex sodium (Depakote), or carbamazepine (Tegretol). Depending on a number of factors such as the specifics of the person’s symptoms and the stage of the disorder, the physician may also prescribe antipsychotic, antidepressant, or antianxiety medication.
While medications do not work perfectly, they help a substantial percentage of people. Approximately 50 to 70 percent of people in a manic state are helped by lithium. Unfortunately, many bipolar patients don’t stay on their medications. Some miss the “high” they experienced during manic episodes and want to return to a state in which they felt on top of the world. Others are bothered by unpleasant side effects like weight gain, memory or concentration problems, and tremors. Others who begin to feel better assume they do not need to continue with medication, and quit without consulting their physician.
One of the most helpful things family members can do for a person suffering from a bipolar disorder is to help him keep taking his medication. If you are close to someone with this disorder, encourage him or her to begin or continue psychotherapy and learn to deal with these issues. This will help the person accept dependence on medication and treatment—which could be life-saving.
One of the critical issues at the beginning of treatment is to address any drug abuse. Fifty to sixty-five percent of people with bipolar disorder abuse drugs—usually stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines, or depressants such as alcohol. They use these drugs for several reasons—especially to recreate the “high” of a manic episode, or to relieve their depression. Drug use may also be caused by the impulsive pleasure-seeking of a manic episode. Good treatment always includes attention to drug abuse because it will sabotage any efforts to manage the disorder.
 Medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle
changes minimize and overcome the
most devastating effects of this disorder
and generally enable the sufferers to
live normal lives at home, work, school.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an essential complement to medical treatment for people with bipolar disorder. Professional counseling helps patients deal with the emotional problems and stressors that trigger the onset of manic or depressive episodes. It can also resolve many of the unstable relational problems, internal struggles, and depressive moods that accompany acute phases of the disorder. Medication alone does not have nearly the positive effect as medication combined with good, long-term, ongoing psychotherapy.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to working closely with a psychiatrist, being faithful in taking prescribed medication and receiving psychotherapy, there are several lifestyle changes that can help people manage their bipolar disorder:
Abstain from the use of all drugs or alcohol. Stimulants can trigger a depressed bipolar person to flip into a manic episode, while sedatives can trigger a depressive phase.
Get regular sleep. Bipolar disorder is closely tied to a person’s core body rhythms. While a manic episode can change a person’s sleep patterns, changes in sleep can also trigger a manic episode.
Minimize caffeine intake. This can also indirectly trigger a manic episode.
Educate oneself and one’s family about the disorder. Then work together to prevent stresses that trigger recurrences.
Discuss with family members ahead of time a plan of action. It helps to deal with future episodes ahead of time. This is done most effectively when the bipolar person’s insight and judgment are not impaired during the middle of an acute manic episode.
Join a support group. This should include both close Christian friends who can offer regular spiritual support, and a support group with other individuals with bipolar disorders along with and their family members. Since people with bipolar disorders often feel that no one understands their mood swings and erratic behavior, support from others who have had similar experiences can be very helpful.
People suffering from bipolar disorders can go through periods of incredible suffering, as can their families. With competent, thorough, and consistent counseling, medication, and practical lifestyle choices, however, they can lead very successful and meaningful lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder
1. What causes it? Physiological factors appear to play the most important role in causing bipolar disorder. There is some evidence of a genetic link. Emotional factors, however, such as excessive stress and loss of close relationships, can trigger the disorder.
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