There is great news for those suffering with Bipolar Disorder, today.. Bipolar disorder can be treated and the patient can lead a very normal and productive life. Significant stabilization of the mood swings and symptoms experienced by persons with bipolar disorder can be achieved by a program of preventive treatment that combines medication and psychosocial treatment. Because of the nature of this recurring illness, long-term treatment is almost always recommended for managing this condition.
Bipolar disorder is usually easier to control if treatment is continuous, but even then, there can be a recurrence of mood swings. Your doctor should be notified immediately, as he/she may be able to adjust the treatment plan and prevent a severe episode. Communicating and consulting often with your doctor often will greatly increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Several of these medications are available. Treatment with these often extends for years. Other medications are added on a short-term basis, to treat episodes of mania or depression that occur despite the mood stabiliser.
Lithium and valproate are most commonly used, however research is continuing into the mood-stabilizing effect of newer drugs such as clozapine and olanzapine. Clozapine may help stabilize the moods of persons who do not repond to lithium or anticonvulsants. Olanzapine may help those who experience acute mania and may relieve psychotic depression; this medication has received FDA approval.
Medication types or dosages may have to be changed to manage the illness effectively, so be sure to be guided by your psychiatrist in this and stick to the treatment plan. Do not try to alter the dosages on your own or discontinue treatment. Be sure to talk with your psychiatrist about your concerns with the medications and tell him/her about any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements you are taking.
Alternative Treatments For Depression
Alternative treatments for depression are gaining in popularity as the side effects of common antidepressant medications are becoming better understood. Weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, headache, blurred vision and diarrhea are just a few of the many potential adverse reactions to prescription depression medications...alternative cures present a safer, often equally effective solution.
There are different manifestations of the depressive state. Depression may be chronic and ongoing, showing itself in an overall decreased level of functioning. Depression may also be cyclical, with the individual suffering emotional extremes (i.e. elation or despair, euphoria or grief). Whatever form depression takes, the ultimate result is the same. It is an extremely serious condition that can impede an individual’s self esteem, their ability to cope with stress and their capacity for meaningful relationships. However, although depression can be a severe physical and psychological condition, the good news is that it is very treatable.
Cognitive and behavioral therapy are two psychological treatment methods for depression. Cognitive therapy teaches the patient to recognize negative feelings and thinking patterns that spark the depression cycle. Behavioral therapy focuses on teaching the patient to reinforce positive behaviors and coping methods as they apply to everyday activities. Both treatments have measured success, but require great investment and commitment on the part of the patient.
Alternative treatments for depression can be used in conjunction with medication and other psychological approaches for a more holistic technique. Hypnotherapy is one example of a non-traditional approach to depression. There are many different forms of hypnotherapy available, each using a combination of breath, regression, sound and/or visual imagery. The main difference between hypnotherapy and other psychological treatment methods for depression is that hypnotherapy brings about quicker results than other methods by immediately addressing subconscious issues.
You might say that behavioral and cognitive therapy take a circuitous route to arrive at a cure, while hypnotherapy cuts right to the chase. Hypnotherapy can act as a catalyst for other psychological treatment methods for depression. It can jump start the patient on the road to recovery, while a combination of drugs and other psychological approaches can reinforce positive behaviors.
Alternative treatments for depression can also include meditation. There are two schools of thought regarding this technique. The first is that meditation can help to calm the heightened anxiety and worry that depression can bring about.Breathing exercises and repetitive mantras can help to address nervousness and unease. Others believe that the increased state of self-observation during meditation can bring about an even greater sense of despondency and should not be used without the guidance of an experienced meditation practitioner. Regardless, meditation remains one of the most popular alternative cures for depression.
The bottom line is that depression can have very serious mental, emotional and physical consequences. Alternative treatments for depression such as hypnotherapy and meditation can offer a safe, effective solution as well as help you avoid the potential side effects of prescription medications.
Jamie Lynn
http://www.meditation-techniques-and-alternative-healing.com
