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Bipolar TreatmentsBipolar treatments are constantly evolving, but not all are equally effective. Discover what really works, and conquer bipolar today. We will look at 6 categories of treatment for bipolar:
2. Talk therapies. 3. ECT: Electroconvulsive/Electroshock Therapy 4. Diet and nutrition. 5. Alternative treatments. 6. Treatment centers. Bipolar medicationThe most established medication for treating bipolar is lithium.One drawback to lithium is that although it works very well to treat mania and prevent suicide, it is not as useful in combatting depression. The combination of lithium and Lamictal is becoming a popular approach as the two medications complement each other - Lamictal is mainly effective for bipolar depression, and lithium of bipolar mania. Anticonvulsant medications, such as valproate (Depakote) also can have mood-stabilizing effects. Depakote has been shown to be useful for otherwise hard to treat mania, and was approved in 1995 by the FDA for treating mania. The drug Seroquel is the only single agent approved by the FDA for the treatment of both bipolar depression AND bipolar mania. Seroquel is the brand name for Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic. Side effects can include pronounced sedation and weight gain. This in turn can contribute to non-compliance as many people find these side effects difficult to tolerate. The use of antidepressants such as SSRIs like Prozac and Lexapro are increasingly discredited for treating bipolar as both ineffective, and dangerous because these antidepressants can trigger mania. Learn more about medication treatment for bipolar. Talk treatments for bipolarThe Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides a good overview of psychotherapy treatments for bipolar.After trying several talk therapies as bipolar treatments, the approach I personally found to be most effective focused on identifying stressors and the triggers of manic and depressive episodes. Stress is a major trigger of bipolar illness so this approach makes a lot of sense. I learned to identify the common or typical triggers of episodes, as well as my own personal triggers. Then I developed strategies for dealing with stress, and identifying the start of an episode so it did not get a chance to escalate into serious depression or mania. Self-help strategies are crucial. I especially recommend resolving any issues around
bipolar sleep,
and keeping your own
bipolar mood chart.
ECT - ElectroshockECT was introduced in the 1930s. Due to the sledge hammer nature of early ECT therapy, and the dramatic movie portrayals in films, ECT frightens many people and has come to be regarded as a treatment of last resort. However, today ECT is more refined and is regaining popularity.ECT treatment is especially useful where:
2. Urgent intervention is needed, e.g. cases of severe psychosis or suicide risk. 3. A patient is having serious episodes but medication is too risky, e.g. pregnant women. Today the risk of memory problems has been significantly reduced with modern ECT techniques. However, it can be an expensive treatment and often is required on an on-going basis. Learn more about contemporary ECT treatment for bipolar. Bipolar dietDiet and nutrition are increasingly being recognized as effective treatments for bipolar and depression. Discover powerful strategies and the optimal bipolar diet for mood stabilization and weight management.In particular, discover the PROVEN natural supplements for reducing and managing bipolar symptoms:
Alternative treatmentsAlternative treatments include:1. The breast cancer drug Tamoxifen. 2. TMS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation. 3. Art and other creative/expressive therapies.
Bipolar treatment centersGet the personal, one-on-one attention and support you deserve. Discover the power of effective, professional, holistic intervention in a beautiful, nurturing treatment center. Click here to learn about some of the best bipolar treatment centers in the US.
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