How To Treat Manic Depression
By Ronen David
Treatment for manic depression, also called bi-polar syndrome is a life-long endeavor. The control of the massive mood swings is vital to a healthy, happy, and productive life. It is entirely possible for a manic depression patient to be able to live an independent life with treatment and planning.
The treatment for manic depression is individualized to cater to each patient and should never be attempted alone. Seeking the help of a qualified psychiatrist that you feel comfortable with is your first step toward a controlled and happy life.
There are three main types of medications your doctor will probably prescribe to you in your course of treatment for manic depression. The first is a mood stabilizer. They regulate your moods so that you do not swing from high to low or vice versa. One of the most popular types of mood stabilizers is Lithium. You will most likely be prescribed this medication for the rest of your life. It is important to remember to take it as prescribed to achieve the desired results.
The second type of medication you will probably receive is an anti-seizure medication. They also help off-set mood swings, but more importantly especially in the case of those with a very rapid cycle of bi-polar swings they help to prevent seizures caused by the violent changes in moods.
The third type of medication you will likely receive are antidepressants. Unlike the first two of the medications above, the antidepressant drugs may or may not be prescribed depending on your own individual situation. Not all manic depressive patients require an ongoing antidepressant drug and it may cause manic episodes in some instances. Your doctor will help you decide if this is a necessary medication for your condition.
Other medications such as drugs to help you sleep, or relieve anxiety may also be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of manic depression. Your doctor will devise a proper course of medicines that will help you control all of the issues surrounding your illness.
Always keep in close contact with your physician as you begin your course of treatment. Not all medications work for every individual and there are many different forms of each one so that you treatment can be tailored to work best for you. This can be an on-going trial and error process at the start, but well worth the effort to adjust and change as the need arises to give you the most beneficial results.
Do not expect immediate improvement at the very beginning of your medication protocol. It may take several weeks to notice a change in your behaviors. During the course of your treatment and probably for the rest of your life you will have continued therapy sessions with your psychiatrist to evaluate and help you through your issues in dealing with the disease. There are several forms of this therapy and you will probably be involved in all at one time or another. The individual therapy, for yourself in dealing with your illness, family therapy to help your family members best help you and deal with the issues and impacts of your illness on the entire family unit, and group therapy where you can talk with others who are going through similar situations and learn how they combat their illness are all helpful procedures for your healthy life.
In some cases your psychiatrist will deem in necessary to have you hospitalized to control your medications or get your illness in check. Always follow the advice of your therapist for the very best outcome and you will soon begin to experience the full and active lifestyle that you deserve.
About the author
Ronen David is the chairman of "Malam" (an Israeli organization supporting and representing those dealing with mental disabilities). He is the author of the "How to Cope With Psychosis & Schizophrenia Self Help Handbook".
Visit his web site and learn Coping With Mania Depresia from http://www.FreeArticlesAndContent.com
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