The collection of related illnesses known as manic depressive disorder (or manic depression or bipolar disorder) is characterized predominantly by swings between highly elevated moods (known as mania) and severely depressed moods. But because the permutations of the disorder can vary (rapid cycling between those extremes versus slower cycling, for example), it’s often difficult to find the best treatments. In fact, finding a therapist who knows a great deal about this disorder is probably the first step in finding effective treatment. Treating the illness will most likely involve considerable teamwork.
Most people with manic depressive disorder don’t exist in a constant “back and forth” cycle of mood swings, as many function quite well in the periods between manic and depressive episodes. What that means is that they are capable of taking an active role in their own manic depression treatment, working with their doctors to devise and monitor them. Among other behavior issues, their greatest temptation may be to go off their medications if the symptoms appear to vanish. Therefore, the treatments may not be restricted just to those drug products, but may also involve psychotherapy so they can learn to recognize behaviors that might undermine their success.
When it comes to the medications prescribed for manic depressives, there are a great many currently available. However, lithium has been used for many years in various forms, and seems to have the best track record for stabilizing the mood swings and even for reducing instances of suicide. One difficulty with this drug, however, is the side effects of high blood pressure, water retention and constipation. So, new treatments are often sought to see if other drugs might work as well, with fewer repercussions. Interestingly, it’s a breast cancer medicine called tamoxifen that has shown one of the best and quickest responses to a manic phase. Other mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs are also among the current treatments.
As constant research into manic depressive disorder goes on, and knowledge about the manifestations of this illness increases, newer drugs and treatments are also being developed. What people can contribute on their own side of the treatment equation is to gather whatever bipolar info they can, work with a therapist, and become familiar with potential weak spots in their own behavior. A successful treatment strategy can only be developed when all parties work together.
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