International Bipolar Foundation

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Our mission is to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder through research; to promote care and support resources for individuals and caregivers; and to erase stigma through education.

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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
5 Days Ago

Are there effective treatments for bipolar disorder?

Treatment effectiveness has everything to do with symptom acuity, treatment compliance and the presence (or absence) of healthy lifestyle practices. Where symptoms are recurrently in the more severe range of acuity, then treatment “effectiveness” will be more difficult to achieve. Conversely where..
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Dr. Thomas Jensen of International Bipolar Foundation answered
5 Days Ago

What are natural treatments for bipolar depression?

Two "natural" approaches have been demonstrated in studies as useful for bipolar depression. The first is high-dose omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil. The original studies looked at doses in the 3 to 6 grams a day range (3,000 to 6,000 mg a day). Typically, one takes the fish oil
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
5 Days Ago

Is there a cure for mixed bipolar disorder?

There is no more “a cure” for mixed bipolar disorder than there is a cure for other manifestations of bipolar disorder. Mixed bipolar disorder is simply one of the numerous ways that people manifest bipolar symptoms.
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
5 Days Ago

Can I treat myself for bipolar?

There are many things that one can do to help smooth out mood instability. These entail consistent healthy sleep hygiene, regular exercise, good diet, abstaining from psychoactive substance use, and adherence to regular daily structure, developing effective stress management practices and becoming s
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jul 10

What mental conditions may occur along with bipolar disorder in children?

Anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are some of the common psychiatric conditions that can present with symptoms that may be confused with, or co-occur with bipolar
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jul 10

How can my family and friends help me manage my bipolar disorder?

Successful living with bipolar disorder isn't something you do on your own. It almost always involves help and support from family and friends. During periods of depression, one's connection with loved ones can be the strongest protective factor which that stands between you and your suicidal impuls
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jul 10

What is mixed bipolar disorder?

It can be but this has mostly to do with symptom acuity. Think of most bipolar symptoms as being on a continuum from mild to severe. Those symptoms on the mild end of the continuum are much more manageable than those that are closer to severe. If we’re discussing someone with a mild degree of mixed.
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

Are bipolar I and bipolar II treated the same?

Essentially yes, though with one significant exception. The difference between bipolar I and II is the difference between hypomania and mania (mild to moderate mood elevation vs. acute mood elevation). When one has a full manic episode or a manic psychosis, hospitalization is typically required,...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

How does bipolar disorder change with age?

It appears that there is a developmental trajectory of the symptoms of bipolar disorder from childhood to adulthood. In early childhood, it is more common to have mixed states and ultra-rapidly cycling symptoms. As children with bipolar disorder become a little older, the pattern is likely to shift.
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Dr. John R. Kelsoe, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

What is bipolar I disorder?

Yes, bipolar I disorder is serious. Manias can result in hospitalization, psychosis and substantial impairment in function. Depressions can also cause serious suffering and impairment. People with bipolar I disorder almost always require lifelong medication treatment.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

What kind of medicine is needed to treat bipolar I disorder?

Mood stabilizers are the foundation for treatment of bipolar disorder. These medication are designed to not only make the symptoms go away, but to prevent them from returning. These medications are particularly effective in the treatment of mania, but markedly less effective in the treatment of the.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

How can I tell if my partner can understand my bipolar disorder?

While discussing bipolar disorder with your romantic partner, gauge his/her response for signs of understanding, compassion, and support. If you do not feel like this person respects you or regards you less for having this diagnosis, then he/she might not be worth your time. If they call you names,.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

What is the best treatment option for bipolarism?

The foundation for treatment of bipolar disorder is a mood stabilizer. Mood stabilizers are medications that have been shown to prevent future highs and lows. The traditional antidepressants have never been shown to prevent depressive episodes.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 06

How can I educate my family about my bipolar disorder?

Providing literature on bipolar disorder will be beneficial, although explaining your experience in your own words might be most powerful. If possible, and if your spouse is willing, consider inviting him/her into a therapy session so he/she may gather information from a mental health professional..
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 06

What are the symptoms of bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar disorder involves mood variability which entails the presence of both depressed mood and elevated mood. The diagnosis is rendered based on broad patterns of variable mood and energy that are not readily explained by other psychiatric diagnoses or other physiologic conditions. Bipolar disorde
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