Bipolar Disorder

Term Paper # 92893

Psychology > Disorders
Psychology > Therapies

Bipolar Disorder

This paper discusses various treatments for bipolar disorder.

2,775 words () | 16 sources | APA | 2006 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, while there is no cure for bipolar disorder, there are numerous medications in combination with psychotherapy, which can assist a patient in leading a normal life. The author points out that the treatment of bipolar disorder can be a daunting task because not all types of bipolar disorder are alike and therefore some require different medications and other therapies. The paper relates that anti-depressants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder but almost never as a mono-therapy because an antidepressant alone can cause manic symptoms or an acceleration of the illness in some patients.

From the Paper:

"Lithium does have side effects in some patients, which should be noted because of the risk of poor compliance from the patient. Some of its side effects include tremor, sedation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, hypothyroidism and weight gain. These side effects are a major factor in non-compliance and have provoked many physicians into not prescribing it. If a patient decides to discontinue their lithium, there is a risk of recurrence of their symptoms. In one study, 50% of new episodes occurred within 10 weeks of discontinuation "

Sample of Sources Used:

Brigham, Peter M. The Psychopharmacology of Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved April 21, 2003 from the World Wide Web: http://home.attbi.com/~pmbrig/BP_pharm.html.
Dinan, TG (2002). Lithium in bipolar mood disorder: evidence suggests that lithium should still be first choice for prophylactic treatment. British Medical Journal, v324 i7344. 989-991.
Fink M, Young A (2001). Treating bipolar affective disorder. British Medical Journal, v322 i7282. 365.
Griswold KS, Pessar LF. (2000). Management of Bipolar Disorder. American Family Physician, v62 i6, 1343.
Grof P (2002). Mood Disorders--New Definitions, Treatment Directions, and Understanding. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, v47 i2. 123-125.