Old Treatments for Manic Depression

Older treatments for manic depression are as outdated as the term manic depression. Some of the older treatments are still beneficial for certain groups of individuals who suffer from manic depression, which is now called bipolar disorder. There are several causes for manic depression and a variety of medications on the market that have proven useful in the treatment of this disabling mood disorder. Some of the first and oldest treatments are still being used to control and lessen the symptoms of mania and depression.

History

• Manic depression is an intermittent neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that regulate mood and cognitive function deep within the brain. Manic depression is a switch from extremely high or agitated mood states to low or depressed mood states with periods of normal mood in between. This disorder can range from mild to severely disabling, and is often noted for creating havoc in personal, financial, and work life.

Discovery

• The first medication used in the treatment of manic depression was discovered by accident. Lithium was being used as a salt substitute for cardiac patients, and physicians noted that lithium produced a calming effect in this group of patients. Researchers later theorized that lithium could be beneficial for psychiatric patients who suffered from agitated mania. Hence, the first treatment for manic depression was discovered.

Older Medications Used

• In addition to lithium, which is a naturally occurring salt, other medications were later developed to aid in the treatment of manic depression. This class of medication was labeled as neuroleptics or antipsychotic medication. Some of the first antipsychotic medications include Thorazine, Haldol, Clozapine, Prolixin, Navane and Mellaril. Although those drugs helped the positive symptoms of bipolar, including hallucinations and delusions, the side effects were burdensome and dangerous. In addition, anti-seizure medication such as Depakote was successfully used in the treatment of manic depression. Lithium and Depakote are still prescribed today.

Warning

• Many of the serious side effects that plague these older classes of medications include muscular rigidity, painful muscle spasms and uncontrollable facial movements called tardive dyskinesia, which often led to permanent disability. Due to the severe side effect profile of the older class of antipsychotic medications, they are typically not prescribed for the treatment of manic depressive disorder at this time.

Considerations

• If you or a loved one is taking one of the older classes of medications for manic depression, see your health care provider for promising new alternatives.