Bipolar Disorder Research
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person's mood swings from a low point of depression to a high point of mania: the swings may be for several months, a few days, or for very short periods of time, in what is called "rapid cycling." To a much lesser degree mood swings are a part of life for most people. People with a medium degree of bipolar disorder are sometimes greatly successful in their work, particularly in artistic or creative activities, because of their increased energy and optimism in their high moods. But many with this disorder can be very unstable, always making changes, from one thing to another, changing jobs, spouses, homes and friends.
Treatment for bipolar disorder should be from a psycho-therapist and usually consists of counseling and drugs. Unfortunately, when depressed, they often receive treatment for depression and when elated, for manic disorder. But what the patient really needs is a mood stabilizer drug, like Lamictal. Otherwise, a pure anti-depressant can catapult the patient into a manic phase; and the anti-manic drug can throw the patient into a depression. The doctor tries to get the patient on a level mood position and usually by drugs. There are numerous drug options and some people must stay on drugs for an indefinite period or even for life.
