Welcome and thank you for showing your interest in this free
series which will explore the different treatment
options available for bipolar disorder. In this series
you can expect to discover:

Part 1 - What is bipolar disorder and how is it treated.
Part 2 - What medications are effective in treating bipolar disorder.
Part 3 - Effects of nutrition on bipolar disorder, psychotherapy and other treatments.
Part 4 - Co-occuring illnesses and genetics research.
Part 5 - Brain imaging and what does it show.
Part 6 - Treatment research
Part 7 - Where to find help

Let’s get to it

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes people to
experience extremes in moods from high to low, sometimes
within a single day or week. As of 2005 there is no known
cure for the condition previously known as manic-depressive
illness. But scientists, researchers and physicians are
optimistic as they work to improve the prospect of a
reasonably normal life for sufferers and those they love.
The general public must become more aware of this illness
in order to take action early, thereby avoiding damaging
consequences. Patients themselves ought to pay heed to
whatever therapy is recommended by their physician, whom
they should know well and trust. Only in this way will
people be in the position to successfully manage this
potentially devastating illness.

Early Treatment is Important Contrary to the hopes of many
parents, Bipolar Disorder cannot be diagnosed at birth.
Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood.
Unless the sufferer is treated, those symptoms will recur
throughout the course of life. Some people pug up with
bipolar disorder much longer than they should, only because
they do not realize they have the illness. If patients are
not diagnosed early, and cared for, Bipolar Disorder
becomes more difficult to treat. The longer a person
continues without medical attention, the higher the risk of
alcohol and substance abuse, suicide, and serious issues at
home, work and school. Proper treatment is very important
so that the bipolar disorder patient can begin to stabilize
his or her moods. Exaggerated mood swings are at the heart
of this illness, and in many ways define it.

So How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar Disorder is treated through a combination of
medication and psychological treatment and oftentimes,
nutrition. As with many conditions or illnesses, a
collective approach tends to be most effective.

A medical doctor (most often a psychiatrist) with expertise
in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
generally prescribes medication. Treatment should be
ongoing, and not on-and-off. Even with continuoustreatment, mood swings may happen, but if a doctor is notified, he or she can adjust the treatment plan to suitthe patient’s need. It is critical that patients work very
closely with their doctor, communicate openly and honestly
regarding questions or concerns, and feel comfortable
discussing treatment options.

Many bipolar disorder patients record their daily moods,
their treatments, sleep patterns and life events on a
chart. By charting their day, sufferers and their loved
ones become more aware of possible triggers. As a
consequence, they can effectively guide the treatment
process.

In the next issue we’ll explore the different medications
used to treat bipolar disorder.

Copyright 2005 LifeWithBipolar.com

Wishing you a full and joyous life,
Derek Barlow

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free 7 part series, please visit us at
http://www.LifeWithBipolar.com
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