Posts Tagged ‘Treatment’

• It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the population suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some point in their lives. Some people will experience just one or two episodes, whereas others will have many episodes of depression or mania. It occurs in both sexes and often first appears in the age group 18 -24 (stats from Royal College of Psychiatrists) http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/manicdepressivepsychosis.htm
• For those who come from families with a history of the disease, the likelihood that future generations will be diagnosed with the disease increase by more than half. Researchers have been seeking a genetic link to the prevalence of the disease in families, and some progress has been made in studies of gene and myelin development within the central nervous system. Other studies have shown that over one half of patients diagnosed with a bipolar disorder have a history of past substance abuse, especially the use of cocaine. http://ezinearticles.com/?More-Interesting-Facts-About-Bipolar&id=559372
• According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the age of onset for bipolar disorder is 18 with the median onset age being 25. However, the medical community is now reconsidering this as more and more incidents of childhood and infant onset are diagnosed.
• Both men and women experience equal incidence of bipolar disorder, however, women tend to experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder more often while men tend most commonly to experience traditional bipolar disorder.
• Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
• The origins of bipolar disorder are not fully understood. Most agree that a variety of chemical, genetic, and environmental issues combine to trigger the disorder. Bipolar disorder also often coexists with substance abuse, although it isn’t clear whether the link is genetic or not www.associatedcontent.com
• Bipolar disorder is more common than most people know – it is estimated that one percent of the adult population suffers from bipolar disorder. This means that out of every 100 people you know, one has bipolar disorder. www.associatedcontent.com
• Bipolar disorder is not a phase. You (or your loved one) will not snap out of it. Natural or homeopathic treatments will not cure bipolar disorder. If you suspect that you have bipolar disorder, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Bipolar disorder is not curable, but proper treatment can make the difference between an unbearable existence and leading an active, productive life. www.associatedcontent.com
• More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization)
• Consumers with bipolar disorder face up to ten years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, with only one in four receiving an accurate diagnosis in less than three years. (DBSA, 2000)
• Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers with bipolar disorder are satisfied with their current medication(s), although side effects remain a problem. (DBSA, 1999)
• Consumers who report high levels of satisfaction with their treatment and treatment provider have a much more positive outlook about their illness and their ability to cope with it. (DBSA, 1999)
• Manic depression is likely to run in families and, in some cases, is believed to be hereditary. Researchers are still undergoing intense research to identify a gene that may be responsible for this disorder. http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/mood/bipolar_disorder/Pages/index.aspx

If you think you have a mental illness you need to contact your doctor right away. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to write down what your symptoms are so that you don’t forget while you’re there. I’ve done this many times. I usually get to the appointmen and get side tracked and forget what I wanted to say or ask. If you have it written down you won’t leave anything out.

Below are some things you can provide at your initial visit to help the doctor that are taken from www.oflikeminds.com :

• A description of your symptoms-when they started, what makes them better, how often you’ve experienced them, if you know, tell what seems to set them off.
• A list of family members who have had mental health problems. Family history provides important clues in diagnosing mood disorders.
• An overview of your past psychiatric treatment, including medications and psychotherapy. Which meds worked, which didn’t, and what side effects were troublesome.
• Medical history and any medical conditions you are currently being treated for. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
• A list of your medications: prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you’re taking. Don’t forget to include contraceptives. And tell the doctor if you have any allergies.
• Honest information about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and sexual history. Withholding this information can be harmful.
• Relevant life factors, such as past or current abuse or stressful lifestyle.
• If you don’t understand something ask the doctor to explain it again.

It’s good to development a relationship with your doctor. I’ve been seeing my doctor for over 15 years and she is obviously very familair with what’s going on with me emotionally. She’s seen me at my worst and best. I laugh inside when I see that huge thick file she pulls out on me. I wonder what it says? I’m sure it has “CRAZY” written all over it. Don’t you wish you could just take a peek into all of those notes! Anyways, if you build a relationship with one doctor they will be become very familair with your moods and your personality. This will help them determine the right medication and plan of treatment for you. If you’re bouncing around from doctor to doctor you’re going to miss out on the realtionship that could potentially get you on the right track. You also need to be able to trust your doctor and talk openly. If you do not feel like you have this connection that it’s probably best if you see someone else (these are only my  opinions).

Once you’ve received your diagnosis you should be prepared to ask a few questions to help you understand what’s going on with you. The best thing you can do is ask, ask, ask! The more you know about being “crazy” the better off you’ll be! Your doctor should be more than willing to help you understand and answer every question you have.

Below are some questions you can start off with taken from www.myoptumhealth.com

• What is my actual diagnosis? Can you explain it in simple language that I can understand?
• What are the possible causes of my condition?
• What is the prescribed treatment: What are the benefits and risks?
• Is this the most successful treatment available? Are there other treatments available?
• How soon should treatment start? How long will it last?
• What are my options if this treatment fails?
• Do I need a follow-up visit?