Living with Bipolar Affective Disorder
Coping with the Effects of Manic Depression
Everybody has their ups and downs in daily life, but with bipolar disorder these changes are extreme. However, with careful management and support from people around them, someone with bipolar can live a full and happy life.
Treatment Available for Bipolar Disorder
There are several medications available for people who have been diagnosed with bipolar and related mood disorders. Although drugs may control bipolar disorder, they do not provide a cure, and should be seen as part of a much wider treatment that takes account of individual needs. The following list provides an overview of the most common drugs which help sufferers:
- Lithium is often prescribed for bipolar disorder and comes in two forms: lithium carbonate (Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel) and lithium citrate (Li-liquid, Priadel). If taking lithium, the patient will have to have regular blood tests to make sure that the level of lithium in the blood is safe and effective. It is also important to maintain steady salt and water levels as far as possible. Common side effects of lithium include weight gain, thirst, and tremors. Long-term use is potentially toxic to the thyroid gland and the kidneys, and their function should be checked regularly during treatment.
- Alternative drugs to lithium are some of the anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants are found to be particularly effective in people who have rapid cycling between mania and depression, and who have no family history of bipolar disorder. In the UK, carbamazepine (Tegretol) and semisodium valproate (Depakote) are licensed for use with bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine is also increasingly used, although it is not yet licensed for manic depression in the UK. Lamotrigine has the advantage of having antidepressant effects as well as being effective as a mood stabiliser for some people.
- The drugs above are mood stabilisers, and are usually taken long term. Some antipsychotic drugs – specifically olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal) – are also licensed for the treatment of manic episodes and may be taken at the same time as mood stabilisers; usually for short periods.
- Psychotic episodes may be treated with older antipsychotics, such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine (Largactil). All of these drugs are associated with potentially serious side effects and should be used at the lowest possible effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Talking Therapies
When diagnosed with bipolar, a GP may refer the patient to a psychiatrist, who will be able to discuss the various treatments available.
Talking treatments reduce the relapse rate considerably and do not turn the disorder into a chronic condition, as drug treatments tend to.
Counselling, psychotherapy or sessions with a psychologist can help people understand why they feel as they do, and change both the way they think and feel. It may help people to overcome relationship difficulties often associated with the condition. Unfortunately, psychotherapy for people diagnosed with manic depression is rare under the NHS outside a hospital setting, but it may be possible to find an organisation offering a low-fee scheme.
Source:
The National Health Service online
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