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The treatment of Bipolar Manic Depression

Bipolar Manic Depression or manic depressive illness as it is often termed can be treated in a number of different ways. With appropriate treatment even the most severe of symptoms can be brought under control and individuals can achieve a near normal level of existence. Research has shown that the key to the successful control of bipolar depression lies in long term, continuous treatment as opposed to sporadic bouts of prescribed medication.

The most common and often most effective type of mood stabilizing medication to be used in the treatment of manic depression is undoubtedly Lithium.

Research has shown that carefully controlled doses of Lithium over an extended period of time may reduce both the severity and frequency of manic episodes. Ultimately, the aim is for the medication to eventually prevent the onset of depressive, manic and hypomanic episodes altogether.

Some possible drawbacks to Lithium include the fact that it is effective in only a certain segment of patients suffering from bipolar disorder. In the case of those not suited to the medication, its toxicity may cause undesirable reactions such as skin conditions and substantial weight gain. Doses of the drug need to be carefully monitored and patients will need to undergo monthly blood tests to check overall Lithium levels in their bloodstream.

Lithium is often combined with anticonvulsant drugs, antipsychotic drugs and electroconvulsive therapy so as to increase its effectiveness. Well known anticonvulsants include Gabapentin, Carbamazepine and Valproate. In addition, other anticonvulsant and antipsychotic medications such as Topiramate, Lamotrigine, Tiagabine, Clozapine, Ziprasidone and Phenytoin are currently being tested to determine their effectiveness in the treatment and control of bipolar disorders.

Electroconvulsive Therapy or "shock therapy" as it is commonly called has developed a reputation for being both dangerous and outdated. When used in the correct doses, it has however proved exceptionally effective in the treatment of patients suffering from bouts of major, dangerous depression and manic episodes. In addition, it is a suitable option for patients who are either suicidal, completely out of control or pregnant and thus unable to take certain types of medication. It should however be noted that despite its effectiveness, electroconvulsive therapy should nevertheless only be considered as a last resort after all other forms of treatment have proved ineffective.

It should be kept in mind at all times that medication is in itself not some form of miracle solution that will magically cure all of the symptoms that a patient may be experiencing. Similarly, responses to medication will more often than not be neither instantaneous nor without any side effects. As is the case with most other forms of neuropathy, the successful treatment of bipolar disorder is dependant upon the cooperation of patients and the regular, continuous doses of appropriate medication.

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