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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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

What is psychotherapy?

For many persons who suffer from a mental illness, psychotherapy (also known as "talk therapy") allows the individuals to converse with a trained therapist to address issues such as low self-esteem, difficult childhood experiences, environmental trauma, losses of all kinds, relationship is
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

Why do people with mental illness receive less pastoral care?

Individuals struggling with mental illness are significantly less likely to receive the same level of pastoral care as persons in the hospital with physical illnesses, persons who are dying or those who have long-term illnesses. People often visit others with physical illness, bring them meals and..
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

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. Answered by Thomas Jensen MD
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

What happens during a study for a mood disorder treatment?

Some clinical trials for mood disorders have all participants take the experimental medication or undergo the experimental "talk therapy." Other clinical trials split the participants into two groups: those who take the medication or experience therapy and those who take a "placebo&qu
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

What are common side effects of divalproex for bipolar disorder?

Common side effects of divalproex (brand name Depakote) for bipolar disorder include sedation, weight gain, tremor, and gastrointestinal problems. Blood level monitoring and dose adjustments may help minimize side effects. Divalproex may cause a mild liver inflammation and may affect the production.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

Should spirituality be integrated in the treatment of mental illness?

We still face the long-standing conflict between faith and science. The scientific medical model looks for a cure. The emphasis is on finding answers and the relief of symptoms. As we know, many times there is not a cure. Healing is the peace that comes from knowing that God is working in our lives
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Aug 02

What are common side effects of lithium for bipolar disorder?

Common side effects of lithium (brand names Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate) for bipolar disorder include weight gain, tremor, nausea, and increased urination. Lithium may affect the thyroid gland and the kidneys, so periodic blood tests are needed to be sure they are functioning properly.
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jul 18

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
On Jul 18

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
On Jul 18

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
On Jul 18

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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