International Bipolar Foundation

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About Bipolar Disorder

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

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Our Mission

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.

Activity

International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Sep 21, 2016

Why is sitting for long periods so bad for me?

According to Dr. James Levine, inventor of the treadmill desk, “sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death.” Sitting is the new smoking b...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Sep 21, 2016

How much physical activity do adults need?

The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as walking, on most days of the week for adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), target heart rate should be ...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Sep 21, 2016

How can I stay motivated with a walking and exercise program?

To stay motivated with a walking and exercise program you can: Find pleasure in your exercise by choosing an activity you like to do. Schedule your workouts, put them on your calendar and stick to your plan. Workout with friends and family, or ...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Sep 21, 2016

What types of exercises can I do if I want to get in shape?

Exercises to get in shape are generally grouped into three categories depending on the effect they have on the human body: Aerobic exercises increase cardiovascular endurance. Examples include walking, running, swimming and playing basketball. An...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Sep 21, 2016

What are the health risks of sitting for long periods of time?

Sitting for long periods of time can harm you in seven ways: Head: Sitting for long periods of time may cause blood clots to form which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Neck: Fluid retained in the legs during the day moves to the neck ...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Sep 21, 2016

What are the benefits of regular exercise?

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are too numerous to ignore. With exercise, you can have fun, reap health benefits and feel better. Exercise helps control weight. Extra weight is a contributing factor to conditions such ...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 23, 2014

Are there drugs to treat bipolar disorder that do not cause weight gain?

While any of the medications can cause weight gain, some are much less likely to do so. These include Trileptal, Lamictal, Abilify, and Latuda. Answered by Thomas Jensen MD
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 23, 2014

Is lithium effective for bipolar disorder?

The evidence that Lithium orotate works is essentially just claims by individuals that it helps. There are no double blind placebo controlled studies demonstrating superiority over placebo. Answered by Thomas Jensen...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 23, 2014

How should I take medication for bipolar disorder?

You should take them as directed by your doctor. Some medications are taken once a day, some up to three times a day, some with food and some on an empty stomach. Therefore it is important to ask the prescriber how they intend you to take it. Answer...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 16, 2014

What medications treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

In general, stimulants are the drug of choice for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are nonstimulant options, most notably Straterra or Wellbutrin, but the effect size of the response (i.e. how much they help, not just whether or n...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 12, 2014

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 yo...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 11, 2014

What mental health communities can help me cope with bipolar disorder?

Community organizations can be helpful in terms of their own connection to local resources that are available to assist with the challenges presented by bipolar disorder. In this regard they can help direct individuals towards local resources that uniq...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 11, 2014

What are common side effects of bipolar disorder medication?

Each medication or combination of medications for bipolar disorder has its pros and cons, upsides and downsides, risks and benefits. Different medications or combinations of medications may be warranted in different circumstances at different times. Ea...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 11, 2014

Which mental health expert do I need for bipolar disorder?

I recommend seeing a psychiatrist who is not only licensed as a medical doctor, but who has certification in psychiatry. If you are an adult, look for someone who treats a lot of patients with bipolar. You can ask the doctor if he or she sees many with...
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International Bipolar Foundation has answered a question
On Dec 11, 2014

Does bipolar disorder run in families?

Bipolar disorder is understood as a genetically determined disorder of the brain that results in an alteration in one's thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are not readily controlled by an individual's will or desire to control them. Accor...
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International Bipolar Foundation

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