|  | Mental Health | Bipolar Disorder

Cures for Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by rapidly shifting moods. Individuals living with bipolar disorder alternate between periods of mania (happiness) and depression. Mood swings can occur on a daily basis, and they can persist for several weeks, months or years. Unfortunately, there is no way to cure bipolar disease completely. But with treatment, sufferers can achieve mental stability and lead a normal life.

  1. Identification

    • Bipolar disorder differs from the blues or mild depression. There are different phases of bipolarism, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms during manic episodes include extreme optimism, increased physical activity and high self-esteem. Additionally, sufferers can engage in reckless behavior such as spending sprees and drug abuse. During depression episodes, sufferers generally feel sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, guilt and anxiety and sometimes have suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

    Prescription Medications

    • Because bipolar disorder is a serious illness, the condition rarely improves with home remedies. Prescription medications are essential, and doctors generally prescribe a combination of mood stabilizers and anti-depressants. Both medications help balance moods and control bipolar episodes. In severe cases, bipolar sufferers must sometimes take anti-psychotic medications to control hallucinations.

    Psychotherapy

    • Certain factors can trigger a bipolar episode. With psychotherapy, sufferers can learn about their condition, and a therapist can help them recognize factors that bring on mania or depression. Individual and group therapy sessions are effective. And through family sessions, loved ones can learn how to cope with a bipolar relative, and how to offer their support.

    Other Treatment Options

    • Abusing drugs and alcohol can trigger bipolar disorder. Limit your consumption of alcohol, or avoid alcohol completely, to maintain a stable mood. Also, seek treatment for drug or alcohol addictions. Reducing stress and getting adequate sleep (along with medication) might also reduce the frequency of bipolar episodes.

    Alternative Medicine

    • In addition to conventional medications, alternative therapies are effective with controlling the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Vitamin supplements such as Sam E can improve the effectiveness of mood stabilizers and anti-depressants. Also, Omega 3 or fish oil supplements are proven to reduce the symptoms of mild to severe depression.

Bipolar Disorder - Related Articles