“How to Find the RIGHT Manic Depression Treatment”
Manic depression which is now known as bipolar disorder can be divided into three categories. Then within those three categories there can be many variations. You can be mildly manic-depressive or your cycles could be more severe. You may just need a little counseling and maybe some mild medications or you may require stronger medications or even ECT in order to be able to function and lead a normal life. Fortunately when it comes to treatment options there are many available.
Medication is vital in treating manic depression. In fact many patients need to combine several medications to receive the best effects. One thing to understand with manic depression treatment is that the first medication that you are prescribed may not be the right one. Finding the right treatment can be a very long process of trial and error. If your first medication is not helping don’t be alarmed there are many types of medication available. The downside to medication though is that although rare there are possible side effects and that medications actually alter brain chemistry.
Here is a look at some of the most widely used types of medication:
1.Mood stabilizers regulate your mood. The most common being Lithium.
2.Anti depressants used to be very common in manic depression treatment. However recently there has been quite a bit of controversy. When anti depressants are used to treat manic depression there becomes the risk of the person becoming overly manic.
3.Anti seizure medication is often used in cases of rapid cycling.
One problem with medication is that manic-depression is a lifelong illness and most people need to take medication for their entire lives yet many don’t. It’s very common as with all mental illnesses that when once the symptoms are under control to discontinue use. It’s at this point that the symptoms usually return. I cannot overemphasize the importance of continuing medication and only changing or discontinuing use under the supervision of a medical professional.
The next treatment option used in manic depression treatment is psychotherapy also known as counseling. Counseling helps to control symptoms and also lets a person suffering from manic depression understand the triggers and warning signs. Knowing when your mood shifts occur can be of great help in leading a normal life. There are several common forms of therapy used in manic depression treatment.
1.Cognitive behavioral therapy allows a person to be able identify and change negative behaviors. This includes negative patterns and feelings a person has about themselves.
2.Family therapy is also commonly used. Manic depression affects the entire family. So it is vitally important that the entire family be involved. It is also important to make sure that each member be able to express his or her feelings.
3.Group therapy can also be very helpful. It allows the patient to see that they are not the only one suffering from the disease and also see how others cope.
Electro convulsive therapy can be used when medications are not effective or when a person is unable to take medication. ECT as it is more commonly referred to usually is used in more severe cases. It can provide a great deal of benefit but also comes with the risk of memory loss and confusion.
Hospitalization is another treatment option and involves spending time in 24 hour a day care for a specific period of time. This is usually done with individuals whose moods whether manic or depressive pose a danger to themselves or others. Hospitalization usually involves high levels of medication and intensive counseling.
A person suffering from manic depression will cycle between depression and mania and it’s characterized by instability in mood and thought processes. However with many treatment options available there is new hope for those who suffer.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 at 5:04 am and is filed under Manic Depression |
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