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New Manic Depression Drug Gives Hope

November 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is getting more and more common in today’s societies. Treatments are tried and kept or tossed out after studies are proved or disproved, and now there’s a new medicine on the market to treat the disorder. Lithium has been the treatment of choice, however, it isn’t well liked because of the side effects. 

 

Now there’s a drug that has fewer side effects and its being liked by both doctors and patients with bipolar disorder. It’s called Valproate and is the first new treatment for bipolar disorder in 20 years. The study on it, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and conducted by Dr. Charles M. Bowden, MD, proved Valproate to be successful in treating manic depression, but the medicine was originally formulated as an anti-convulsive drug successfully used on epilepsy patients. 

 

Lithium’s side effects leave it the least favorite, but it’s been the only drug doctors had to turn to. A good 40 percent of epilepsy patients can’t tolerate Lithium, and of those who do tolerate it, a third pay a pretty big price in side effects. Nausea, trembling, lowering of proper kidney function, decrease thyroid hormone (in 1 out of 10 people), getting up several times to urinate at night, water retention (Edema) and weight gain. Then, there is also slurred speech, disorientation and wobbliness or unsteadiness. 

 

Some doctors have even noticed that over long periods of time lithium-taking manic depressive patients lose their creativity and spontaneity. Most of them lose certain skills, and what came easy before is now tough to accomplish. It’s enough to keep people from seeing the doctor and taking their medicine. 

 

There aren’t many drugs that don’t have any side effects whatsoever. Valproate also has its share of them, but they are not as common nor as severe, with some of them being as follows:
  • Change in appetite
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Stomach cramps and/or pain
  • Mild pain or redness at injection site
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
There are more severe symptoms, too, but they rarely happen to anyone. Any side effects usually are outweighed by the benefits the drug provides, and for some it‘s what keeps them going. More studies are being done all the time, and maybe variations of Valproate will come without side effects as technology and medicine advance.

 

 

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Are you Bipolar? Here are Some Symptoms

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Bipolar disorder or depression is a serious malady that must be treated. Suicide is high among people with this disorder and symptoms are obvious, severe, disabling depression with episodes of manic happiness or energy. It’s worse than just feeling down and then feeling better; it’s more like suicidal roller coaster. 

 

When symptoms show themselves it’s time to see a doctor. Here is a guide. 

 

  • Sudden weight loss or gain (when not dieting)
  • Agitation or slowing of thoughts and/or activity
  • Poor concentration
  • Difficulty in making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
  • Thinking about death or suicide
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Extreme loss of interest in things that used to satisfy
  • Changes in sleep pattern; insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Depressed mood most of the time
  • Feeling sad, empty or crying without reason

The Other Side of Bipolar Disorder 

If any of these symptoms appear and either stay or recur frequently, it’s time to see the doc. These symptoms can manifest due to depression that’s not bipolar disorder, too. Bipolar people suffer from severe depression and suicidal thoughts, but the other extreme of the spectrum is experienced, too. 

Here are some of the symptoms from the opposite side of bipolar disorder; manic behaviors.

  • Period of time with elevated moods lasting longer than one week
  • Expressing exaggerated power, knowledge, ability or importance
  • Unusually talkative
  • Risky behavior, such as excessive spending, foolish decision-making
  • Easy distraction, or lack of focus
  • Driven behaviors and agitation at work or school
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Rapid talking, racing thoughts from one subject to another
Anyone displaying symptoms from both lists should see a doctor.

 

 

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Rapid Cycling is Just one Aspect of Bipolar Disorder

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Rapid cycling is a form of bipolar disorder that causes symptoms to range from very low emotional changes to a quick-firing of the emotions that runs the gamut from high moods to low moods. Doctors consider four or more episodes in any 12 month period to be rapid cycling, although the episodes can run the gamut in a day or a week, as well. 

 

The affected person seems to be on an emotional roller coaster and the person feels energy and moods that change on such extreme levels that their life spirals out of control. It can be outright disabling. Severity is uncontrollable and often the person exhibits extremes in irritability, unreasonable outbursts and impulsiveness. 

 

Rapid Cycling is Common 

The very name, rapid cycling, denotes a regular pattern of episodes, but this isn’t always the case, as bipolar episodes rarely follow any pattern. They occur randomly and sometimes go from one extreme to the other within a day (ultra-ultra rapid cycling) or within a month (ultra rapid cycling). 

 

However, a person experiencing rapid cycling is also apt to exhibit longer periods of manic, depressive or even stabilized moods, as the rapid cycling is not usually a permanent condition. Most patients not getting the right medication or the right dose are subject to this disorder, which begins gradually and then eventually returns to longer, less frequent episodes. Rarely, some people get ‘stuck’ in rapid cycling indefinitely. 

 

The longer a person goes without treatment, the more likely it is that they may become resistant to treatment. Half of all people who suffer from bipolar disorder experience rapid cycling at least once during their treatment.

 

 

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Who is at risk for Manic Depression?

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Continuing research is being conducted to determine exactly what causes bipolar disorder. However, researchers have discovered that heredity may be involved, as well as environment, and brain structure.

Although researchers are still attempting to discover if any particular genes or combination of genes makes individuals more susceptible to contracting bipolar disorder, they have found that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are more likely to contract the disease.

Additionally, some research has suggested that it is not entirely a result of genetics. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that evidence has been located in cases with identical twins where only one twin has the disorder, which further suggests that genetics is not the sole cause of bipolar disorder.

Brain structure and function are another area being explored for factors contributing to or causing bipolar disorder. This area of research has been slow moving. However, what researchers have found is that individuals with similar brain structure and function as those with ADHD, multi-dimensional impairment, and schizophrenia may be more susceptible to unstable moods. This might also explain why several of these disease are found to coexist with bipolar disorder.

Advances in technology have allowed further development in the understanding of risk factors and causes for bipolar disorder. To date, definitive information has not been developed, but researchers continue to explore multiple areas of genetics and brain structure. As technology continues to develop more detailed information may be able to be obtained on the links between family history, genetics, and brain structure along with environment.

At this time, researchers have some indications to consider. As more research is conducted and a better understanding of the disease is obtained this new information may be able to help mental health professionals more accurately prescribe treatment plans, determine those at risk earlier so that early intervention can be used, and maybe even locate ways to prevent bipolar disorder.

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Can you have manic depression with other illnesses?

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Several other illnesses often coexist or can occur in individuals with bipolar disorder, also called manic depression. These coexisting illnesses can be a result of treatment, can occur during mood episodes or can have overlapping symptoms. Though several patterns have been recognized, researchers are not entirely sure why the diseases coexist with each other.

Illnesses that coexist with bipolar disorder as a result of treatment are typically other health problems. These can be caused by symptoms of mood episodes such as alcohol and substance abuse as a way to self-medicate or indulge in increasingly risky behavior. Other health problems that can result from treatment are thyroid problems, obesity, migraines, diabetes, and heart disease. In some cases the health problems include substance abuse and can increase the length or frequency of mood episodes. In other cases they can trigger a mood episode.

Some illnesses coexist with bipolar disorder as well as share overlapping symptoms. These conditions include ADHD, social phobias, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. Although researchers have not been able to determine exactly why these coexist with manic depression, they do agree that the pattern is visible. Additionally, with common over lapping symptoms with these illnesses such as rapid mood swings, irritability, easily distracted, inability to focus, and severe depression can mask the presence of bipolar disorder.

Further research continues to be explored in this area to better understand how, why, and when the other illnesses coexist with bipolar disorder. Although, we know why treatment can contribute to some of the physical ailments, and why bipolar individuals participate in or use substance abuse, just how and why bipolar disorders coexist with illnesses such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and social phobias is still uncertain.

Since some symptoms of other illnesses can mask bipolar disorder it is important to discuss all behavior, activity, health changes with your mental health professional. Additionally, these communications can indicate other problems or ineffectiveness in treatment.

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Symptoms of Manic Depression

January 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Manic depression or bipolar disorder, as it is most often referred to, has a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are characteristic of mood states or mood episodes the individual is experiencing. Often, individuals with bipolar disorder experience mood swings that range from severe mania to severe depression. Each state has their own specific symptoms that are displayed in mood, activity, sleep patterns, and behaviors.

Mania or manic states are characterized as excessively or overly happy and excited states. The symptoms of a manic episode include an overly outgoing or overly happy mood for long periods of time. Manic episodes are characterized by being restless or easily distracted, limited sleep, excessive and rapid talking or jumping from one idea to another very quickly.

Additionally, manic episodes are often demonstrated by impulsive and inappropriate behaviors based on pleasurable activities or beginning new projects that are based on goal-directed activities. Finally, even though manic episodes are typically periods of extreme highs, individuals in this state still tend to be irritable, agitated, or jumpy.

Depressive states are often episodes that demonstrate periods of extreme lows and are characterized by long periods of low emotional states such as feeling worried, hopeless, or useless. Individuals in this state often lose interest in pleasurable activities, have decreased activity, are typically restless or irritable, and have difficulty with brain functions such as memory, concentration, or making decisions. Behaviors will also change such as eating and sleeping patterns.

Finally some individuals experience what is called mixed states. These are episodes which are characterized by excessive lows while still experiencing increased energy and activity levels.

Bipolar disorder can affect a person’s ability to interact with others, perform daily tasks, relationships with others, and perceptions of themselves and their own abilities. If gone untreated mild symptoms can develop into more severe episodes. Individuals experiencing symptoms like this should seek the advice of a mental health professional.

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What is manic depression?

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Manic depression is often referred to as bipolar disorder. This disease is a long-term disease and can have debilitating effects if gone untreated. However, manic depression or bipolar disorder can be treated with long term care. Treatment can offer recovery but not necessarily a cure.

Bipolar disorder is most often seen in adults. Some children may develop the disorder, or exhibit signs of bipolar. Most often signs and symptoms typically begin to appear in young adulthood. Additionally, this disease can be difficult to diagnose.

Diagnosis will typically occur after being seen by a mental health professional. The diagnosis can be difficult without a documented pattern to follow. Furthermore, sometimes the symptoms of bipolar disorder can seem like isolated symptoms. Some patients also exhibit symptoms of coexisting illnesses making it even more difficult to diagnose.

So what is bipolar disorder really? It is a disorder or illness which causes significant and dramatic shifts in mood. Often called mood episodes, these changes are significantly out of the range of normal behavior. Often these episodes fit into three categories of mood states. The categories include mania an overly or excessively happy or excited state, depression an excessively sad or hopeless state, and a mixed state which includes symptoms of both mania and depression.

Bipolar disorder is actually a brain illness. Additionally, not just moods are affected but also activity levels, energy levels, behaviors and the ability to perform daily functions in addition to the changes in mood. Mood episodes can range in length considerably from several small mood changes in one day over several weeks to longer episodes that last a majority of each day for long periods of time.

Even though bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose and challenging to manage, individuals can and do lead health and productive lives. If someone feels they might be exhibiting signs of bipolar disorder they should seek out guidance from a mental health professional.

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What to expect from treatment

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Manic depression or bipolar disorder has multiple types of treatments. However, there is not a complete cure. On the other hand, people can expect what mental health professionals consider a recovery. Treatment for manic depression is considered to be long-term management rather than a complete cure.

Treatment plans often have long term goals. These goals are to manage systems, reduce the recurrence of manic depressive episodes, and to reach recovery. Recovery is defined as having two or less episodes per year.

Patients can expect several things from treatment plans. These include management of symptoms, the reduction of episodes, knowledge of their disease, and skills and strategies to help improve lifestyle. Each of these goals is aligned with a particular type of treatment approach.

Managing symptoms and reducing manic, mixed, hypomania, or depressive episodes is often accomplished with medication. Medication can take some time and several attempts to find the right one or combination that helps reduce episodes and to stabilize mood changes.

Knowledge of the disease and skills and strategies to improve lifestyles are often accomplished through psychotherapy. With these approaches, bipolar individuals can hope to better understand the disease, how it works, how it affects the individual, how to tell when an episode is approaching, and how to obtain early treatment. Additionally, they can gain skills that help them recognize possible relapses improve relationships with others, and aid family members to understand and support the individual with manic depression.

Patients can also expect the treatment to be a lengthy process. Often times treatment approaches may need to be adjusted or developed with multiple components. Other times new and unconventional methods may need to be considered. Moreover, even with treatment some individuals will have residual symptoms, which can increase the possibility of a relapse into more serious mania or depressive episodes.

Overall, treatment offers long-term management and allows individuals to improve their overall lifestyle, their knowledge, and their quality of life.

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Other treatments for Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression

January 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Manic depression also referred to as Bipolar Disorder, is often treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. However, when these treatments are not effective or when additional treatment is needed, other options exist. These additional options include electroconvulsive therapy, also known as shock therapy, in addition to other options such as sleep medications and for some herbal supplements.

The only other proven treatment for bipolar disorder or manic depression is called electroconvulsive therapy. This treatment is not recommended as a first option for treatment. Rather, electroconvulsive therapy is reserved for those individuals with bipolar disorder who do respond to medication or psychotherapy or for those who are unable to take medication due to another condition such as pregnancy.

When a patient experiences electroconvulsive therapy they generally undergo anesthesia. They are then exposed to a brief and mild electric shock. The patient is exposed to the electrical current for a period of between 30 to 90 seconds.

The whole procedure usually takes only 5 to 15 minutes. Some patients do have mild side effects such as disorientation, mild memory loss, and confusion, but these usually dissipate quickly after treatment is administered.

Additional treatments that can be used in conjunction with medication and psychotherapy include sleep medications which are used to help those individuals who have difficulty sleeping even with conventional bipolar medications. Some patients also prefer to try herbal supplements which have not been proven to aid bipolar disorder or in some cases such as St. John’s wart can actually cause mania in some patients.

Depending on each individual’s situation, the effectiveness of a particular treatment may vary. Most often patients respond well to mediation or psychotherapy. For those who do not, other options are available. These individuals with bipolar disorder should always talk to a mental health professional to help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

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Psychotherapy Treatments for Manic Depression

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Psychotherapy is a popular and proven treatment plan for individuals with manic depression, also referred to as bipolar disorder. Often psychotherapy is used in conjunction with medication plans. Typically, there are four different types of psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, family focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and pyschoeducation.

The most common of these therapies is cognitive behavioral therapy also referred to as talk therapy. This type of therapy typically focuses on providing the bipolar individual with the skills and strategies necessary to improve thought and behavior patterns. This therapy is intended to aid individuals in targeting these negative thoughts and behaviors, which allow them to select more positive and healthier ones.

Another therapy is called pyschoeducation. This therapy often occurs in group settings and is designed to educate individuals with the disease on aspects of bipolar disorder or manic depression. Through pyschoeducation, patients learn information about bipolar, treatment plans, signs and symptoms of episodes, and skills needed to detect when early treatment is needed.

Additionally, therapy that is typically completed in a group setting and is beneficial for family members is family – focused therapy. This therapy approach is used to aid families and individuals with the disease with coping strategies and skills, as well as improve family relationships, reduce stress on families, and provide the knowledge and skills necessary to support the bipolar individual.

The last common psychotherapy is called interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Designed to help the bipolar individual improve relationships and create and maintain daily routines, this therapy is beneficial for those who wish to lead normal and high functioning life styles. The approach allows the individual to strengthen relationships with others and provides them with skills or strategies necessary to successfully manage their daily lives so episodes of mania or depression do not impede their daily functions.

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