International Bipolar Foundation

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Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

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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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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 18

Can transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) cause a seizure?

Any medical procedure involves risks, but seizure—the main risk associated with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—is rare. It's up to you to determine whether this risk justifies the benefits you'll receive. That said, in a recent trial involving 325 patients, no seizures occurred.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 18

How can a traumatic event cause depression?

A death, natural disaster or other traumatic event can send anyone—adult, teen, child—into such a spiral of despair, the brain cannot work its way out again. Studies show that 40% of those experiencing post-traumatic stress also exhibit signs of chronic depression. A traumatic event can be purely...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 18

As a teen, how can I tell if I have a mood disorder?

Every annoying adult will tell a teenager that adolescence can be a troubling time. Hormones drive moods and the struggle to find both identity and your place with friends can be a touch and go experience. Observing friends' moods can help you gauge whether your own fall outside the typical range...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 18

What are possible risks of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)?

The risks involved in VNS therapy have more do to with convenience than health. Remember to always inform your healthcare provider of your VNS device. once the pulse generator is implanted, it is difficult to remove mammography will require special positioning patients will be warned to avoid...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 18

Can nutritional supplements help treat mood disorders?

Studies conflict, answers escape us and the jury is out when it comes to the great finds on nutritional supplements and mood disorders. The most important thing to remember is to talk to your doctor about studies you have read or supplements you're considering using or adding to your treatment regim
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 18

How can I save money on treatment for my mood disorder?

All healthcare providers have experience in helping patients cut medical or therapeutic costs. If you have a mood disorder, do not hesitate to talk to these professionals about: reduced fees and payment plans the cost savings and efficacy of generic medication your eligibility for free medicatio
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

What should I do if I think someone is suicidal?

As angry as it may make your friend and maybe even their family, when a friend won't get help and continues to talk about suicide, call 911. Explain what your friend has been saying. If the situation merits it, the dispatcher will send police to your friend's home or place of work. The police will..
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

What is hypomania?

A mild to moderate level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. Thus even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings as possible bipolar disorder, the person...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

What goes wrong in the brain in bipolar disorder?

Brain-imaging studies are helping scientists learn what goes wrong in the brain to produce bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. New brain-imaging techniques allow researchers to take pictures of the living brain at work, to examine its structure and activity, without the need for surgery...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

Why should my family get psychotherapy if I have a bipolar child?

Various forms of psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, to include the child or adolescent and his or her parents and other members of the family are valuable and important. It is important that everyone in the family become educated about bipolar disorder and be kept up to date with current un
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

What precautions should I take with nutritional supplements?

The following are things you should know about supplements: Less rigorous standards for nutritional supplements: Because the Food and Drug Administration evaluates nutritional supplements as a food rather than a drug, these supplements do not have to meet the rigorous standards prescription med...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

How can I tell if a person with bipolar disorder is having a manic episode?

Symptoms of mania include: Increased energy, activity, and restlessness Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood Extreme irritability Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another Distractibility, can't concentrate well Little sleep needed Unrealisti
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

Can valproic acid for bipolar disorder cause PCOS?

An anticonvulsant, valproic acid may increase levels of the male hormone testosterone in young women under 20. Increased testosterone can lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women. Because PCOS causes a woman's eggs to turn into cysts (fluid filled sacks), infertility can result. Unlike...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 09

How can I help my child get over a trauma?

Know first that children are not usually as aware of or able to express their feelings as easily and clearly as adults. Prepare yourself for unusual behavior like acting out or shutting down. Don't get caught up in panic that the child has changed forever or that others will think the child's negati
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

Can anticonvulsants help treat bipolar disorder in children?

Valproic acid, lamotrigine (Lamictal) or divalproex sodium (Depakote), known as "anticonvulsants," have proven to help stabilize moods. Initially developed to treat seizures, some anticonvulsants have proven more effective in children than lithium. These medications have not been approved
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International Bipolar Foundation

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