I was dx’d manic depressive 26 years ago. For years I struggled with the reality of being bipolar, frequently deciding I wasn’t and the rest of the world had the problem. Now, at the age of 43 and with an adult bipolar child of my own, I have realized that there isn’t going to be a “cure” in my lifetime, if ever, and that anger and frustration with doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies does nothing to help me in the long run. Keeping myself healthy and educated is all I can do, and expecting some corporation or university to solve my problem is unrealistic. I strongly suspect there will be a cure for cancer before there will be a cure for any mental illness. The brain is to complex and is not understood well enough yet.

Thoughts About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder (manic-depressive illness), if a disorder at all, has been defined as a major affective mood disorder in which one alternates between the mental states of deep and brutal depression and inflated elation- with the depressive episodes occurring more frequently. The disorder affects one’s cognition, emotions, perceptions, and behavior- along with psychosomatic presentations (such as pain with depressive episodes, for example). It is thought to be due to a physiological dysfunctional brain in one affected with bipolar disorder, yet the etiology remains entirely unknown. It is also believed that bipolar disorder presents itself when the affected one is between the ages of 15 and 25 years old. The disorder was entered in the psychiatrists’ bible, the DSM, in 1980. Also, bipolar disorder is thought to be correlated with creativity and accelerated growth of neurons if one is affected by it.
Research has determined that as many as 15 to over 30 percent of bipolar disorder patients commit suicide if they are untreated. Also, as many as half of those affected with bipolar disorder also have at times severe substance abuse issues along with this disorder as well. Bipolar patients are also often experiencing anxiety issues that vary, and are treated often as such. The disorder varies as far as severity goes- with some bipolar disorder patients being more affected than others. In fact, there are at least 6 classifications of bipolar disorder, according to the DSM. Bipolar patients are thought to be symptomatic half of their lives- with depressive episodes occurring more frequently than manic ones. When symptomatic, bipolar patients are thought to be rather disabled, according to some. As many as half of those suspected as having a bipolar disorder are thought to have at least one parent with some sort of mood disorder, which suggests a genetic predisposition to the disorder.
The diagnosis has become more frequent recently. In one decade, the assigned diagnosis of bipolar disorder rose from being about 25 per 100 thousand people to being 1000 per 100,000 people. Most diagnosed with bipolar disorder are not diagnosed based on solid, comprehensive, or psychiatric review that is often absent of valid or standard diagnostic methods. Some believe as many as 5 percent of the human population may be affected by bipolar disorder- which includes as many as 12 million people in the United States. A subjective questionnaire called the Mental Status Examination is often utilized when diagnosing one suspected has having bipolar disorder. Many believe the diagnosis has increased recently due to the progressive treatment options now available. It is an argument of increased awareness versus over-diagnosis.
Yet the diagnosis is vague, as children and adolescents are often absent in research with bipolar disorder. Many younger than 18 years of age are prescribed atypical anti-psychotics as first line treatment, which is largely not recommended as treatment options. In fact, close to half a million of those younger than 18 years of age are prescribed the atypical anti-psychotic Risperdal alone, it has been determined. The class of medications overall is thought to be prescribed to about 10 percent of those non-adults thought to have bipolar disorder.
While not recommended, one half of all those assessed as being bipolar are prescribed antidepressants, such as SSRIs, as first line treatment. It has been suggested that this class of drugs has decreased the risk of suicide attempts compared with other classes of antidepressants for close to 20 years. Yet tricyclic antidepressants have been determined to be efficacious in over half of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder- with a greater amount of research behind this class of drugs. Yet, entirely recognized treatments for bipolar disorder long term are lithium or lamictal- along with an anti-convulsant. Sugar intake is thought to vex the symptoms of one with a bipolar disorder as well.
Atypical anti-psychotics have been prescribed for bipolar disorder, which change some aspects of the brain, physiologically, as does the disease itself. In fact, one may argue the brain becomes more efficient due to both the disorder and the treatment with the atypical anti-psychotics. Yet many recommend the utilization of this class of drugs with bipolar disorder only if psychosis is present as well. As many as 15 percent of bipolar disorder patients diagnosed as such are prescribed an atypical presently. This class of medications may be particularly beneficial for those women who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder who are pregnant, however.
Lithium, which is essentially a very light metal with low density in which the salts are obtained for medicinal treatment, and an anti-convulsant are believed to be standard bipolar treatment, pharmacologically, studies have shown. This is due to Dr. John Cade and his examination with lithium and its benefits with those who have psychotic excitement close to 60 years ago. Lithium is believed to be both neuro-protective as well as having an anti-suicidal affect in those believed to be bipolar- and is viewed as a mainstay as far as treatment for bipolar goes with many who treat the disorder. Lithium is thought to regulate the calcium molecule in the brain, so this and valporate are historically the medicinal treatment options preferred for those with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar is difficult to detect, and is often diagnosed as major depression with many affected by this disorder. There is no objective criteria protocol available to utilize when assessing any patient believed to be suffering from any mental disorder. So such mental disorders that are diagnosed are ambiguous, yet that does not conclude that such disorders do not exist, such as the case with bipolar disorder.
Yet perhaps a health care provider should be very thorough and knowledgeable when assessing a patient believed to have a mental condition such as bipolar disorder,

Dan Abshear

When are people going to stop looking to drugs as a “cure” for something which is fundamentally a problem of an emotional see-saw induced by stressful (care-frustrating) experience? Other “mental illnesses” are being seen as due to childhood stresses; why not manic-depression? Can no one see how this kind of oscillation between extremes of emotion gets started? I am sure most “professionals” will not agree with this, but they have been very wrong before. They see only present symptoms but ignore the past in understanding origins. Medications are a treatment of symptoms, not underlying causes.

Right on, Dan! The biological/genetic theory of bipolar disorder which necessitates addressing through biochemical means (pills) is far from proven, there’s just big money behind it!

I totally agree with David and kimbriel… And what about natural means to help with bipolar? I was told I was bipolar and the thing that seems to help me most with my moods and energy is carrot juice…

I have bipolar and have been hospitalized 3 times with in my 26 years of life. I stop taking my medication because I think they make me fat. Within about a month I am experiencing a Manic episode. I am basically in my own world and I’m the center of it. After being released after a week or two in a mental health ward, I quit my job and start a Depression episode. I stay on my meds and am back to my normal in about a year. I still remember every crazy thing I did and said. I am the only person in my family with this and feel very unlucky. I’ve lost friends and even a sister due to my actions. I wish there was a cure because as soon as I don’t take my meds the cycle will start again. I want children but the risk of relapse or medication effecting a fetus has made this not possible yet. I hope there is genetic marker that could be corrected for generations to come.

Does the person remember anything they do after a manic episode??

I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 with severe manic episodes. I’ve been hospitalized more than 12 times in my life…one stay as long as 14 months. Oh yeah, in the early 90’s when there was such a thing as long term inpatient.
And no…this was a private hospital, not a state hospital. And people I was with…some there longer. But I was 20 at the time….

With that said, I used have two or three manic episodes a year. I remember the outline of them…but not every single detail. Some I can’t remember what I was doing…

But you know? I was made accountable for my actions regardless of my state of mind. So, sometimes if I forgot what I did…I was reminded.

Because though there may not be a cure…there is a thing called having it under control! I haven’t had an episode in 4 years…no…5 years.
And…I’m happily married. There is hope even if there is no cure!!

You have to know yourself better than anyone. Know your stressors, your stress level, your body and reaction to certain medications…know your habits and what they mean. (IE: If you go one night without sleep…don’t ignore it)
If you feel on edge more than usual…don’t ignore it.

Doctors used to really know their patients…not anymore, so its in your best interest in helping yourself by knowing yourself…because you know you better than anyone ever can.

I could not agree with David more. I do believe bipolars have a predisposition. Sometimes I think this means that a person is simple more sensitive emotionally and physiologically. It does not mean that someone is simply born bipolar. There are many out there that may have never had a major episode in a different world with a different upbringing. I would also propose that some bipolar simply were not meant for the insanity of the modern world. We are old souls in this way; meant for a more simple life without all of stresses of the modern world. I would also propose that there are toxins we are exposed to in this modern world that we would not have been exposed to in the past. I think it is interesting that many bipolar people are sensitive to chemicals in their environment. One day, Big Pharma will not be making as much money off of the mentally ill because we will have greatly reduced the occurence/development of mental illness through education, better parenting, better diet, elimination of toxic environments, and more connectedness/love in the world. If we continue to evolve the way we should, this will happen eventually.

I have bipolar disorder, and I am seeking a new and better medication. I have been on many different ones, and have had many different side affects with each one. I especially hate the drug Risperdal becauses its side affects were untolerable. Over sedation-for one, sexual disfunction-for two, and I functioned as if I were a zombie. A high prolactin level in the blood made me feel concerned about the long term affects of the drug,and also the absence of a menstral period for 12 years. This whole thing was disconcerning and troubled me. The current medication I am one now is not to hot either-weight gain, slight blurring of vision, hot and cold issues, and so one. Because I am allergic to alot of anitipsychotic drugs’ I am ambivolent to the idea of switching to a different drug dispite the fact that I am having a little trouble with the drugs I am on now. My question is when are they, the drug companies, coming out with with a new drug? Is there one with out all the bad side affects such as sexual disfunctioning, and so on and so forth. I had a bad experience in a hospital 15 years ago when they could still put you away for a long time, I stayed for a year it was against my will, I was committed. I ended up with brain damage because they were in such a hurry to control my mania that they just threw eavery drug they could think of at me. Instead of having a little patience with me they tried to over drug me for there convience. The sad results is that I had a severe allergic reaction to a drug called Haldol, because of the staffs incompetence. It makes me angry. Now because of my drug allergies, I am limited to just a couple if that maybe the only one is the one I am one. Anything related to Haldol or Risperdal I don’t want. Abilify made me vomit, and I was hyper. Seroquel caused involuntary body movements. Though these drugs are helpful to many; they are just not for me. When are the drug companies coming out with a new drug with less side affects. I especially don’t like the fact that a person can’t climax on a drug called Risperal. The drug I have been taking does not cause this side affect so I am glad. When are you drug companies going to come out with a new bipolar drug? Amen!

Is there anything that a person who has mental illness do for work or a hobby? Their lives have to be low keyed and with little stress, or they could have a relaps. I find it very depressing that life fulfilling things seem to be out of my reach. If I try to go to school, I get fustrated by my lack of concentration, and ability to control my thoughts. My use of time is lowsy and I can not barily study because of the problems with my disabilities. I would like to do something with computers at home that way I could avoid the stressful world. I would welcome any ideas or suggestions.

Just a small comment on where does bipolar disorder come from? Well, it is heredity,I believe you are born with it, but also I believe that environment sets the thing off. Wether it stays submerged, or is a mild case, or a full blown mania disaster is in part heredity and in part enviornment, and that is the real truth.

I guess I’ve coped with office work on a part time basis in education

I’m blessed with an understanding boss and have a colleague ‘buddy’ who will come in and say that I need to chill out or check up when I’m going flat.

I do have my own office and can, and do, lock my door if I’m getting stressed – then ask people to contact me by email. I am also allowed to work flexi hours, so on a good day I work a long day, on a bad day I can go home early. A colleague and I cover each other if need to take time.

I think I’m very fortunate to be in this situation though. I wouldn’t handle full time work I think, but part time is OK.

Hobby wise I walk a lot, read short stories or listen (and sing lol) with music.

Well its obvious most people are finding out that bipolar can be successfully managed and life enjoyed to the fullest. Most essentilly what really helps is being active in religious activity, most religion have an enemy that fights against them,hence when unpleasant things happen instead of blaming yourself and beginning to feel down, as soon as you put the blame on an enemy like satan it takes half the stress and you dont feel as responsible for the action as is expected. It really helps.

I found only being in my twentys living with bipolar. I’ve lost many friends when I’ve been poorly. I’ve been well for three years the only thing is I feel isolated as I haven’t got many friends. I go to a friendship centre but they all seem to be a bit older no offence to the people.

My sister is bipolar. She FINALLLY has relief without drugs. She has been trying this new treatment called Quietminds. It has worked wonders for her. She is telling everyone about it. Its a month long process before relief begins to show, but she is so much better. Please try it if you want help, she wants to help as many people as she can. She can have a conversation. If you want to know more how it works, send her a note: nina at uqdirect d o t c o m .