Posted by Cam W. on March 14, 2000, at 23:08:27
In reply to Re: Help! I Want to go off my meds!--James?, posted by vesper on March 14, 2000, at 19:34:13
Vesper - I think what James is trying to relate is the concept of 'kindling' (correct me if I'm wrong James). Each manic episode one has "kindles" the next. The next episode will come sooner and last longer. By interupting this process with meds (causing fewer manic episodes) the kindling is delayed. Therefore the disorder does not progress as fast. Fewer lifetime episode keeps the time between episodes longer and the length of each episode shorter. In other words, with the medications slowing kindling, the disorder will not become as severe as it could without medications in one's lifetime. But, even with good medication compliance, 2/3 of people with bipolar disorder will experience at least one break-through episode of mania in their lifetime, I hope I have related this clearly. - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:26981
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/27045.html