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Tag Archives: bipolar disorder
Complementary and alternative treatments of bipolar disorder
A large percentage of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder use complementary and alternative approaches together with prescription medications however there is little evidence for the safety and efficacy of many CAM therapies. The most appropriate and effective treatment approach should … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged alternative, bipolar disorder, complementary, evidence, research, supplements
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Limitations of conventional medications used to treat bipolar disorder
Different medications are used to treat bipolar disorder including mood stabilizers (e.g. lithium carbonate and valproate), antidepressants, antipsychotics and sedative-hypnotics. Mood stabilizers do what the name implies, that is they keep the mood from going up and down between episodes … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged alternative, bipolar disorder, complementary, integrative, limitations, pharmacologic, supplements, treatments
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Poor sleep habits increase the risk of relapse in persons with bipolar disorder
Abnormal sleep is known to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Sleeping too little or too long, as well as chronic insomnia significantly increase the risk of illness and death related to cardiovascular disease. This is probably related to … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged bipolar disorder, insomnia, relapse, risk, sleep habits
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Serious medical problems frequently accompany bipolar disorder
Many individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder have serious medical problems including diabetes and cardiovascular disease which significantly increase their risk of dying. In fact cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder resulting in … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged alternative, bipolar disorder, complementary, conventional, integrative, medical problems, treatment
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Many individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder do not respond to treatment
It is estimated that fewer than one half of individuals who take prescription medications following a first manic episode have good long-term control of their symptoms. To make matters more complicated, as many as 40% of bipolar patients who are … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged alternative, bipolar disorder, conventional, effectiveness, pharmacologic, problems, treatment
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Challenges in diagnosing bipolar disorder
Distinguishing between mania and acute agitation caused by another mental health problem or a medical disorder, medication side effects or a substance of abuse can be challenging. A careful history helps to clarify whether a person is experiencing mood changes … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged bipolar disorder, challenges, diagnosis, differential diagnosis
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Recent advances in understanding of bipolar disorder
There are probably many causes of bipolar disorder including genetic, neurobiological, and immunologic factors. One recently proposed theory suggests that a problem that takes place at the level of RNA may lead to dysfunction of mitochondria, the ‘power houses’ of … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged advances, alternative, bipolar disorder, complementary, integrative, limitations, treatment
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Bipolar disorder: managing symptoms from an integrative perspective
Bipolar disorder in overview Approximately 1% of the adult population experiences persisting mood swings and fulfills criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a heritable mental illness. First-degree relatives of Bipolar individuals are much more likely to … Continue reading
Posted in Bipolar Disorder
Tagged alternative, bipolar disorder, complementary, holistic, hypomania, integrative, mania, mood swings, non-medication, therapy, treatment
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