Posted by Cam W. on June 3, 2000, at 18:25:59
In reply to I'm back with a new post., posted by Ima Lamer on June 3, 2000, at 13:55:31
Ima - Tell your doc of these thoughts and experiences you have had earlier in life, especially since you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This can help a doc to decide (via some of the newer algorithms) as to what medications and psychotherapy will work better for you and your unique form of bipolar disorder, and perhaps prevent unnecessarily putting you through a lot of trial and error with other, ineffective, medication regimens. The more your doctor knows about the symptoms of your disorder, the better he/she can treat your symptoms.As to your first question about whether you need to take drugs for your condition. Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, nearly all people with bipolar disorder need to take maintenance medication for life (not unlike the diabetic or hypertensive). The reason being, the more episodes you have the sooner the next one will come, the more severe it will be, and the longer it will last. This process is called "kindling". One episode kindles the next.
With maintenance medication you reduce kindling, thus the fewer lifetime episodes you will have. Taking maintenance medication properly and compliantly does not mean that you will never have another episode (2/3 still do in their lifetimes), but you will most likely have fewer episodes in your lifetime.
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:35871
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/35906.html