Bipolar Disorder Treatment

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• QWhat are possible risks of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)?

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  A International Bipolar Foundation answered

  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 short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, and therapeutic ultrasound diathermy
• QHow can I avoid sleepiness while taking medication for bipolar disorder?

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  A Dr. Ruth White, MPH , Social Work, answered

  Most bipolar medications can cause sedation and daytime fatigue. The good news is that most times, this side effect which is prominent in the early part of treatment, subsides after a few days to a few weeks. If daytime fatigue continues and is hard to tolerate, please contact your physician. Often dosage changes or changing to a different medication can solve or reduce this problem.
• QHow should I take medication for bipolar disorder?

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  A World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) answered

  Medication is essential to making you feel better. Because of bipolar disorder's shifting moods, more than one medication is needed to help you stay well. And, as time passes, these medications may need to be adjusted, and some may need to be changed due to side effects. But do not stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor. Remember that every person responds differently to medications, and what works for others may not work for you. Track the medications you are taking in a diary, which will help determine if the medications are working for you.

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• QCan I treat myself for bipolar?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  As much as we like to treat ourselves for things other than colds, minor cuts, and sore joints, you need a doctor to treat bipolar disorder. Only a doctor can diagnose you and give you a treatment plan that works for you. You can, however, help yourself in the treatment process by being completely open with your doctor, sticking to your treatment plan, and taking your medications as directed. You can also learn what your triggers are and try to avoid them. Also, play detective, keep a journal, and take careful note of mood swings and behavior changes. Being a good patient is just as important as having a diagnosis.

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• QWhat laws and organizations can help me if I have bipolar disorder?

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  A Dr. Ruth White, MPH , Social Work, answered

  Most U.S. states have mental health parity, which means that people with mental illness have the right to receive the same level of care as those with other illnesses. If your state doesn't have this, consider joining a grassroots advocacy organization such as the Bipolar and Depression Support Alliance (BDSA) or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). These organizations have support groups for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, and also advocate on behalf of people living with mental illnesses. Getting on their mailing lists will keep you informed and allow you to participate in political advocacy by telling your story and writing your elected officials to fight for policies that provide the care and support you need to get and stay well.
• QCan bipolar disorder be treated with "natural" remedies?

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  A Dr. Mona L. Schulz, MD , Psychiatry, answered

  Acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbs, nutritional supplements, Yoga, massage, Chi Gung, and mindfulness meditation among others have all been proven scientifically to help mood disorders. However, these treatments should only be one aspect of your psychiatric and psychological team's approach to the treatment of bipolar disorder.

  • DHA 100-3400 mg/day, a specific type of Omega-3 fatty acid, has been shown to stabilize the mood of some people with bipolar II. DHA balances excessive nerve firing in a way similar to Lithium and Valproic Acid without the higher risk these medicines pose to the liver, kidney, thyroid, and bone marrow. Studies show that people with problems with anger, aggression, and depression (often diagnosed as bipolar disorder II) have lower Omega-3 fatty acid levels. You have to be careful taking DHA with aspirin, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and other medicines because it can increase a tendency toward bleeding. So when you want to try any herb or nutritional supplement, please check with you medical team and pharmacist to make sure there will be no adverse effects.
  • Inositol 12-20 grams may also improve mood disorders since like DHA, lithium, and other mood stabilizers; it affects the nerve cell's internal signaling machinery.

  There are a variety of other herbal mood stabilizers for depression, moodiness, and irritability, but once again, check with your medical team to see if they are safe for you to take.

  • Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) all act as antidepressants and are especially helpful to moodiness that's aggravated by the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle and perimenopause.
  • Magnesium citrate (900-2500mg/day) supplementation stabilizes mood in some individuals, although at low or high levels it can predispose you to depression. Magnesium may be a mood stabilizer because it is important for electrical stability of cell membranes, including nerve cells.
  • Calcium citrate or carbonate (900-4100 mg/day) may also stabilize the mood in some women, especially moodiness made worse by hormonal cycles. And, like magnesium, low or high calcium levels can lead to depression.

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• QWhat is the best treatment option for bipolarism?

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  A Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD , Psychiatry, answered on behalf of International Bipolar Foundation

  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.
• QWhere can I get help for bipolar disorder?

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  A Brett Snodgrass , Oncology Nursing, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  Your first step in diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder should begin with your primary care provider.  They can adequately diagnose and in many cases treat this illness.  If your provider feels it is necessary they can make the appropriate referral to inpatient care if needed, or outpatient treatment, depending on the severity.

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