http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html The Bipolar Blog keeps you up-to-date with all our additions and changes. Subscribe here. en-us bipolar Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:37 GMT Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:37 GMT bipolar-lives.com http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Bipolar-Medication-Does-Not-Impact-Cognitive-Performance A new study has found no significant performance differences between patients who are taking medication for bipolar disorder and those who are not on a range of neurocognitive tests. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:09:45 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/who-discovered-lithium.html Wondering who discovered lithium? Discover more yourself. Lithium's origins may surprise you. The story is more interesting than you may suspect . . . Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:47:04 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/diagnosing-bipolar-disorder.html In recent years the number of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder has increased dramatically. Why is this? Only a few years ago, the estimates Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:49:47 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Circadian-Clock-Implicated-in-Kids'-Bipolar-Disorder A faulty circadian clock could be partly to blame for the rapid mood cycles of pediatric bipolar disorder, researchers said. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:47:14 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Smoking-Tied-to-Suicide-Risk-in-Bipolar-Disorder People with bipolar disorder who smoke appear to have a heightened risk of suicidal behavior, possibly because they are generally prone to impulsive acts, a new study suggests. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:59:33 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#4,000-Percent-Increase-in-Pediatric-Bipolar-Disorder-Sobering-Statistic-or-Sensational-Twist? This week a headline snagged my attention in Google news proclaiming Bipolar Disorder Increases 4,000 Percent in Children and Adolescents. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:33:52 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#The-Role-of-Antidepressants-for-the-Treatment-of-Bipolar-Depression Although rapid cycling bipolar disorder has been linked to the use of antidepressants, these treatments may still have a role in the management of patients with bipolar depression, said Stephen V. Sobel, MD, clinical instructor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Patients with bipolar disorder spend most of their time in depression, and antidepressants can alleviate these symptoms. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:49:53 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Is-It-Bipolar-Disorder-or-Depression?-Learn-the-Signs Bipolar disorder and major depression are two very different mental health conditions that, to the chagrin of sufferers, often manifest with similar symptoms. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:09:51 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Early-course-of-bipolar-disorder-in-high-risk-offspring New research shows that adolescence marks the beginning of the high-risk period for major mood episodes related to bipolar disorder. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:24:19 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Innovative-Preventative-Care-Program-for-People-Living-With-Bipolar-Disorder A major breakthrough in mental health has been developed, a cooperative venture between the National Bipolar Foundation and the MedicAlert Foundation; a preventative care program called Safe til Stable. It provides vital medical information to emergency responders in time of need through our live 24-hour emergency response service. In a medical emergency, this can help reduce the trauma experienced by individuals impacted with bipolar disorder. If an individual experiences an event, first responders on the scene (e.g., law enforcement, emergency services personnel, etc.) will look for a medical ID with the MEDIC ALERT symbol. The Safe til Stable program is a milestone; in that, those with bipolar disorder will have a voice in times when they cannot speak for themselves, will be properly routed in times of emergency providing a sense of security for the individual and those close to them. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:49 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Home-Monitor-for-Lithium-Levels-in-Bipolar-Disorder-To-Become-Available ADA Technologies, Inc. has received a $189,886 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to develop a home lithium monitor for use by patients with bipolar disorder. The testing tool would allow reliable, routine home monitoring of blood lithium levels, enabling individuals with bipolar disorder to conveniently and effectively manage their care. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:05 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Alarming-weight-gain-seen-in-kids-on-psych-drugs Children on widely used psychiatric drugs can quickly gain an alarming amount of weight; many pack on nearly 20 pounds and become obese within just 11 weeks, a study found. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:45:13 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Does-Bipolar-Disorder-Get-Better-As-We-Get-Older? Two fascinating research studies have just been published, which at first glance appear to be a tad contradictory. On September 2nd, 2009 we reported in the Bipolar Lives Blog that a University of Missouri study discovered that almost half of young adults suffering from bipolar disorder will recover from the condition when they reach their 30s. However, the very next day on September 3rd, we reported an Australian study which found that developing Bipolar 1 at an early age is associated with worse clinical outcomes. So is a young person who has developed bipolar disorder more likely to get better, or are they more likely to get worse? Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:37:38 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Is-Chocolate-a-Mood-Stabilizer? Why do so many of us crave chocolate when depressed? The common sense explanation is simple emotional eating. After all, chocolate is probably the world's number one comfort food. However, psychiatrists have traditionally identified loss of appetite with classic depression, and labeled depression with increased cravings for food as atypical depression. Now there is new thinking that speculates this atypical increased appetite and food cravings may not be psychological symptoms, but instead may be an attempt by the body to rebalance itself. In other words, cravings, including the craving for chocolate, may be rooted as much in physiology as in mental or emotional health. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:37:38 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Lilly-to-Pay-South-Carolina-$45-Million-Over-Zyprexa South Carolina sued Lilly in 2007, alleging the company marketed Zyprexa for unapproved, or off label, purposes. South Carolina sought reimbursement for the costs of Zyprexa prescriptions and alleged Zyprexa related illnesses. The state claimed Lilly pushed doctors to prescribe the medication and withheld information about drug side effects, such as weight gain. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:03:01 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Bipolar-and-Patricia-Cornwell's-Millions,-Or-Lack-of-Them Bipolar disorder plays a role in a lawsuit that mega-bestselling author Patricia Cornwell has filed against her financial advisers, on the premise that they are responsible for her loss of some $40 million dollars over the last four years. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:01:39 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Diagnosis-to-rock-the-world-of-mental-health Monash University announces a breakthrough in mental illness diagnosis, with a new device inserted in the ear. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:30:12 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Study-probes-bipolar,-schizophrenia-links A major Australian study will seek to answer an emerging and controversial question, whether schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two faces of the same psychotic illness. Dr Melissa Green, from the University of NSW School of Psychiatry, says the disorders share a range of common traits and their sufferers were often prescribed the same drugs. The division between the disorders could be unnecessary, Dr Green says, and only pose a roadblock to improved treatments and an understanding of the root genetic causes. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:53:23 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#West-Virginia-sues-over-use-of-Geodan-for-Bipolar In a long list of bad medication experiences, taking Geodan for my bipolar disorder was by far the worst. Turns out Geodan is not FDA approved for use in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Now West Virgina is suing Pfizer for the illegal promotion of the anti-psychotic drug Geodon. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:07:07 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Some-People-Outgrow-Bipolar-Disorder Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically begin during early adulthood, and experts used to believe they would last a lifetime. But new research indicates that nearly half of people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder between the ages of 18 and 25 may outgrow the condition by the time they are 30 years old. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:29:54 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Pfizer-Email-on-Negligible-Evidence-for-Neurontin-as-a-Bipolar-Drug An email in the Neurontin litigation that Pfizer claims should be sealed shows former Pfizer vp/neuroscience Atul Pande telling a colleague that there is negligible evidence for the use of Neurontin in bipolar disorder and that the drug is not a good anti-manic treatment. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:44:00 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Informant-A-Drama-About-Untreated-Bipolar-Disorder,-Not-Price-Fixing According to whistleblower Mark Whitacre, portrayed by Matt Damon, the new movie The Informant is more about untreated and undiagnosed mental illness than the infamous Archer Daniels Midland price fixing case. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:38:22 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#The-Impact-of-Bipolar-Disorder-on-Sex The impact of bipolar disorder on sex can be frustrating or even devastating to self-esteem and relationships. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:53:38 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Bipolar-Adults-at-Increased-Risk-for-Cardiovascular-Disease A new study suggests that adults with bipolar I disorder are at increased risk of developing heart disease and hypertension than those without the disorder. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:33:52 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Only-One-Thumbs-Up-for-Lamictal? Expert psychiatrists debate the evidence on how effective Lamictal is for treating acute bipolar deprssion. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:51:30 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Age-of-onset-affects-clinical-outcomes-in-bipolar Developing bipolar 1 disorder at an early age is associated with worse clinical outcomes, an Australian study finds. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:57:03 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Bipolar-recovery-a-likelihood,-MU-graduate-student-finds Almost half of young adults suffering from bipolar disorder will recover from the condition when they reach their 30s, a study led by MU graduate student David Cicero found. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:58:34 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Monitoring-bipolar-treatments:-new-guidelines New guidelines sponsored by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) emphasise the multiple benefits of monitoring physical health in people treated with mood stabilisers. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:24:40 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Famous-Faces-of-Bipolar-Disorder For celebs with bipolar disorder, some days bring manic episodes, while others bring extreme sadness. Find out who suffers from this affliction. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:35:54 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#FDA-OKs-New-Bipolar,-Schizophrenia-Drug The FDA has approved a new drug called Saphris to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:01:54 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Can-Tamoxifen-Be-Used-To-Treat-Bipolar-Disorder? In a recently published study from Turkey, close to 50 of manic patients who took the drug Tamoxifen had fewer manic episodes during the three weeks of treatment, compared to just 5 of placebo-treated patients. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:14:57 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Foods-Can-Influence-Your-Mood Did you know the foods you eat can affect your mood and influence the course of bipolar disorder? Yes, there is a food and mood connection. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:14:57 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Some-conditions-misdiagnosed-as-bipolar-disorder A study published last year suggested that bipolar disorder may be over diagnosed in people seeking mental health care. Now new findings shed light on which disorders many of these patients actually have. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:14:57 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#New-Book-Helps-Those-with-Bipolar-Disorder-Manage-Diets---and-Lives Author Sarah Freeman recently published a new book entitled, "The Bipolar Diet: Managing Mood, Food and Weight." The book is designed to provide a roadmap for those with bipolar disorder on improving diet and making lifestyle changes that can improve both mental and physical health.In February 2009, the medical journal Psychiatric Services published findings showing that bipolar disorder can double the risk of early death from a range of medical conditions -- including some that can be controlled through diet and exercise. "'The Bipolar Diet' explains how to protect yourself from illnesses like diabetes and heart disease that often co-occur with bipolar disorder," Freeman said. "It also discusses weight control as so many people experience significant weight gain as a side effect of their bipolar medication. 'The Bipolar Diet' also explains the food/mood connection, and how smart food choices can protect from mood swings into both mania and depression." Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:11:38 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/ The Bipolar Toolkit is an easy to use guide to three of the most effective tools you can use to manage your bipolar disorder. The toolkit covers mood charts, wellness plans and treatment contracts. Templates, examples and checklists are included, and download is complimentary. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:35:32 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-diet.html The bipolar diet keeps weight down, energy up, and moods stable. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:06:24 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#If-bipolar-disorder-is-over-diagnosed,-what-are-the-actual-diagnoses? A year ago, a study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers reported that fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received an actual diagnosis of bipolar disorder after using a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview tool --the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). In this follow-up study, the researchers have determined the actual diagnoses of those patients. The findings indicate that patients who received a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder that was not confirmed by a SCID, were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as well as impulse control disorders. The results of the study also indicate that patients who had been over-diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more frequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, antisocial personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and eating and impulse disorders. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:43:26 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#New-drug-claimed-safe-and-effective-for-bipolar Federal health regulators said Tuesday an experimental psychiatric drug from Schering-Plough Corp. appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:05:23 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Patients-With-Bipolar-Disorder-at-Increased-Risk-for-Wide-Range-of-Health-Problems A new study from Thomson Reuters found that patients with bipolar disorder were at greater risk for a wide range of medical conditions than a control group of patients with no mental health diagnoses. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:05:23 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Abilify-Safety-and-Effectiveness The current article is a systematic review concerning the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:59:01 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Is-bipolar-a-mental-or-physical-disorder? Jane Fitts, who suffers from bipolar disorder, worked for 13 years with the American firm, Fannie Mae. Eventually her bipolar disorder was such that she was no longer able to work. Fitts was declined disability payments, leaving her in a financial position was so dire she decided to take the insurance company to court. There were numerous parts to the proceedings, however, the key one which is relevant to this article surrounded the argument about whether bipolar disorder was a mental or physical disorder. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:18:27 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#United-States-Gets-a-D-in-Mental-Healthcare In a dismal report earlier this year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) graded each of the states on their public healthcare system for the mentally ill. The country as a whole was graded D. No states received an A grade, and only six (Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oklahoma) received a B. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:18:27 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Classic,-Intense-Symptoms-Not-Always-Present-in-People-With-Bipolar-Disorder Increasingly, research suggests that people with bipolar disorder don't always have the classic and intense symptoms. Symptoms can vary from severe to mild. Cyclothymia, the term for a mild form of bipolar disorder, includes mood swings, but the ups and downs are not as severe as those of full-blown bipolar disorder. Some patients have mixed state bipolar, where symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time. For anyone with bipolar disorder, mood swings can occur every few days, every few weeks, or every few months. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:01:07 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#A-Bipolar-Serenity-Prayer A friend one time told me that the serenity prayer was the best description he knew of successful recovery from bipolar disorder. He described it a little differently than you normally hear: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:20:34 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Are-Symptoms-of-Bipolar-Disorder-the-Same-in-Kids? Ask three different doctors or researchers this question and you are likely to get three different answers. This is one of a number of Challenges in Diagnosing Child Bipolar Disorder. However, the picture continues to gain clarity and focus with each new research study. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:26:54 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Bipolar-Lives-2009-Scholarship-winning-entry-published-online Read the winning entry, a compelling account of turning to ECT after failing to respond to conventional treatment such as lithium and other medication. Other entries will also be posted, along with commentary and analysis form teh judging panel. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:42:28 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Researchers-Find-Possible-Genetic-Link-Between-Bipolar-Disorder-And-Schizophrenia Three new studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health suggests bipolar disease and schizophrenia may come from the same array of genetic variation. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:42:28 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Announcing-the-2009-Bipolar-Lives-Scholarship-Winner The inaugural Bipolar Lives Scholarship is going to NH, a social work student in Wisconsin, who wrote a gripping account of turning to ECT for treatment when medication failed. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:30:55 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Is-irritability-the-key-to-childhood-bipolar? Researchers at Bradley Hospital in Providence have found that some kids with bipolar disorder experience manic episodes without extreme elation, one of the classic hallmarks of bipolar disorder, but may be diagnosed based on irritable mood. The findings have implications for the ongoing debate that rages over diagnosing young children as bipolar. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:25:09 GMT http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-blog.html#Brain-structure-may-reveal-causes-of-bipolar Mary Phillips peers into the brains of people with bipolar disorder, and what she has found there gives a whole new meaning to the term bipolar. Dr. Phillips, a University of Pittsburgh psychiatrist, has discovered that each half of a bipolar patients brain may be responsible for a different extreme of the illness. Her study found that on the left side of the brain, which is associated with more positive feelings, the uncinate fasciculus was much thinner than normal, which could mean the front of the brain was less able to control those feelings in bipolar patients, sending them into hyperactive, sometimes grandiose episodes of mania. On the right side, which is more linked to negative feelings, the wiring was thicker and had more cross connections, which she said can lead to sort of getting off the point and thinking too much, getting off into this reverberative, ruminative loop of anxious, melancholy ideas. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:25:09 GMT