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An Introduction to Bipolar Disease |
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People seem to be afflicted with more mental illnesses these days. Some
of these mental diseases can be detected during childhood, while others
only become apparent during adulthood. Some of them are also hereditary
while others are caused by drug abuse or by a traumatic head injury.
A lot of people do not realize that mental illness is a disease and that a mentally ill person can function well with the help of proper treatment. Bipolar disease is one of the mental illnesses that can be controlled well through medications. However, it can be difficult to convince the patients to stay on their medication.
Bipolar disease is similar with many other mental illnesses because it involves a chemical imbalance of the brain. This balance can be restored through the use of medication, as long as the patient takes the mediation on a consistent basis.
Those who suffer from bipolar disease experience periods of very deep depression. Some can become so depressed that they cannot get out of bed. They may also refuse to eat and may not take care of their personal hygiene.
There are also times when sufferers can experience extremely elevated moods. During these cases, they will have high energy levels, can go days without sleep and can be very impulsive in their actions. Medications can help to even out these extreme moods.
Finding the right medication for each individual is the most difficult part of treating bipolar disease. A medication that was effective for one person may mot work for another. Every bipolar disease patient responds differently to medications. Some people can experience extreme side effects while the next person will not have any. It is important to keep working with the person until they find a balance in their moods.
Persons who suffer from bipolar disease should be involved in on-going therapy along with the mediation management. This therapy can be done through groups or by individuals. Consistent therapy can allow the doctors and nurses to detect early if a person has gone off his or her medications. The patient’s behavior will become less severe if the medication can be brought back into the person’s system quickly.
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