Bipolar FAQ
Mental Health Help » Bipolar FAQ » bipolar 2 treatments

bipolar 2 treatments

For more information about: bipolar 2 treatments visit the Depression, Bipolar & anti psychotic site AntiPsychoticHelp.com today.

Q: Bipolar 2 and depression?
FYI I know you’re not doctors (for the most part). I just want to know if anyone feels that same as i do and what they did. I have bipolar 2 and I’ve been taking Lithium for the past year and a half now. I was originally on Effexor and it was a disaster. Anyway, the lithium works really well to keep my slight mania in check, but my depression is still very prominent. Its been running crazy lately. I can’t even watch TV because everything makes me cry. The question I have is does anyone else deal with this and what sort of treatments helped you? I go to see my doctor on the 15th so I’d like to have some idea of others’ experiences. Thanks everyone!

A: http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/lithium.html

Hi Saranova,
I was on Effexor as well ( Bipolar 2) and it had its place for awhile, but life happened and it sort of thwarted progress, so I changed meds.
I’ll tell you why I left the website, other than to educate myself. I started taking a mood stabilizer in conjunction with my anti-depressants. Lithium is proven to work well with mood stabilizers, so perhaps you want to ask your Dr. about that. I really started to become more functional, with less tears, more self-esteem and erratic behaviour once I went on Lamotrigine ( one of the newest mood stabilizers, also known to have anti-depressant properties.) I take Seraquel too because it is a timed release medication that works for many things…but in my case intense anxiety and thus, preventing chaos. That is my most recent medication. It helps me sleep, and feel less jumpy. It’s so different for all of us! I wouldn’t wish any of this on my worst enemy! But I’ve had success. I just wanted to add that I started taking these new meds at two of the worst times of my life. I lost my older brother, and then I was sexually assualted. I truly believe that my meds are continuing to help me function through this.
Another thing I did, was admit myself voluntarily to a psychiatric facility just to have quick and attentive help. I also have a great therapist. I know I sound self-absorbed, but I thought maybe adding my other stories and treatments might be of service to you…?
The great thing is that you are aware that something is NOT right! A lot of depressed people second guess themselves.

I wish you all the best, and things change…the best thing you can do is be your best advocate, which you are doing.
x

Q: Type 2 Bipolar Information?
Hi. I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Bipolar/Mood Disorder. I am pretty unfamiliar with what all of these means, what to expect as I go through treatment, the different types of treatment available, etc. I know what I was feeling, but don’t know much beyond that. This is a pretty new concept to me… Actually, the whole fact that there is 2 types of Bipolar is new to me. I have been put on Abilitfy. This is also a new medicine for me. I am looking for any information, advice, hints/tips/suggestions, and/or personal stories about either Type 2 Bipolar and/or Abilify. Anything and Everything that you may be able to tell me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I’m not sure whether or not this will matter, but when I first saw my psychiatrist I was on Celexa. He has decided to keep me on the celexa, but also put me on the abilify. Not really sure the reason for that? don’t they do the same thing?

A: Bipolar II Disorder is a milder form of Bipolar I Disorder. Bipolar I Disorder was once called Manic-Depression or Manic-Depressive Disorder. Bipolar means “two poles” or two extremes….mania and depression. Bipolar I involves a “full blown manic episode” which is very intense and severe whereas Bipolar II is marked by hypomanic episodes which are a milder form of mania. Most often, the depressive episodes are less severe in Bipolar II as well.
Most people think of mania as someone who is very high and happy…an extremely happy, jovial, and energetic mood. However, mania and hypomania can involve a very irritable, angry, agitated, or volatile mood.
Bipolar Disorder is about mood swings…from a hypomanic or manic mood to a depressed mood. These moods last for days or weeks….not minutes or hours.
Both forms of Bipolar Disorder are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Medication is necessary to restore the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. Abilify is a medication that treats Bipolar Disorder. Other mood stabilizers that are used for Bipolar Diso that you might be familiar with are Depakote, Valproic Acid, Lithium, and Tegretol. Abilify and Risperdal are two newer medications that treat Bipolar.
I’ve copied off some information from the DSM-IV, the book we use to diagnose mental disorders. It’s from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, it’s fourth revision. If you go to a search engine and type in DSM-IV symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, you can read a whole lot about these mood disorders.
You can also type in Abilify and get a whole lot of information about this medication. Don’t panic, it’s also used for psychosis, but it is a good medication for Bipolar too!
Here’s some criteria for Hypomania and Depression.
Criteria for Hypomanic Episode (DSM-IV, p. 338)
A. A distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood.
B. During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree:
1.inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
2.decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
3.more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
4.flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
5.distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
6.increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
7.excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
C. The episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the person when not symptomatic.
D. The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.
E. The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.
F. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
Note: Hypomanic-like episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g., medication, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy) should not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder.
Criteria for Major Depressive Episode (DSM-IV, p. 327)
A. Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a general medical condition, or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations.
1.depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g. appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood.
2.markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others)
3.significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: In children, consider failure to make expected weight gains.
4.insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5.psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed

Q: What do I do about bipolar disorder?
I’m 20 yrs. old & was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in April.I was born with a hemmorage in my brain&had seizures from 6-13 yrs. old.I dropped out of school in 11th grade and was in bed for months, refused to talk to anyone or go anywhere.After a year I started working & met my boyfriend who i’ve been with now for 2 1/2 years.I quit my job a year ago in the mist of my boyfriend going through cancer treatments,my parents getting a divorce,dad moving out,& my grandpa passing.The only thing i really have in my life right now that’s keeping me going is my boyfriend who is still battling with cancer. i haven’t done anything with school since i dropped out & haven’t worked for a year.I live with my mom who seems crazy & is an alcoholic.my dad’s a drug addict who’s been on methadone.i’m totally miserble &depressed.All i do is see my boyfriend who’s very sick, i have no friends.Can’t fit about what happened in April & meds. email me for more info,i need advice or someone to talk to. thanks.

A: You are going through so much at such a young age. My heart aches for you. Are you seeing a mental health professional for your bipolar? I know its hard to think about you when so much is going on. But if you aren’t doing well, you won’t be able to help those you love.

I’ve belonged to a mental health forum for a year that has been a great help to me. Take a look when you get a chance.
htttp://www.psychcentral.com

Good luck and take care of you!
Dee

Q: Alternatives to meds for bipolar disorder?
Someone close to me has been diagnosed as bipolar. For the past 15 yrs,they were diagnosed as Stage 2 Depression and were on a lot of meds.

I personally am against meds but have reservations about religous therapy as well. What other prospects are out there as far as treatment goes?

A: i have lived with bipolar disorder near enough all of my life and i wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my antidepressents… they saved my life! bipolar is definitely not something for a person to screw around with (so-to-speak) living with bipolar can be both interesting and a pain but when someone finds the right balance of meds they’ll do wonders :) i work full-time, i highly function and i also help other people with similar conditions to me as i understand. i can tell you that exercise is a major role in my life as well.. it’s positive and when i’m feeling down i just pick myself up and go! i hope your friend will be ok and tell them to hang in there… there is treatment out there.

all the best.

Q: not only is my wife depressed, i have just been diagnosed with bipolar. and am severely depressed 2?
i have been unable to work for 2 months and have sought treatment but not improving. we have two other children together. what do we do? please help

A: apply for ssi and foodstamps and find a agency in the area to seen a doc to get meds

Q: Which is better a minorly bipolar mother that has taken meds and not had a problem in 2 yrs or druggie dad?
The mother is stable and has been for 2 years, she is in school and working hard. She has always taken care of the children full time and only experienced extreme depression 2 years ago which required hospitalization to regulate meds. The father comes and goes, has a long history of domestic violence, ADHD, personality disorders and substance abuse but is holding a job now and has a college degree, although no formal treatment for substance abuse. He has a long crimial history and spent time in jail. whos fit?

A: Studies show that either one can cause some pretty serious damage to children. However, I would say that you are more at risk with the father. The mother seems to have gone through a bout of depression, which isnt abnormal considering the American Psychological Association has recently found that 1/3 of Americans will have a psychological disorder in the course of their lifetime. That’s pretty big number. The father doesn’t seem to have his problems under control nor has he made the effort to cured of his ailments. The mother has done both. I would side with her.

Q: I suffer from Bipolar and my partner doesnt understand now shes filed 4 an ouster order 2 make me leave?
thankyou for everyone for replying to my previous posts, I now have an even bigger drama on my hands, my partner reckons I am now using my condition as an excuse and as a way of gaining attention and making her feel bad, but after having to take meds every day, blood test every three days to monitor my lithium levels, this is not enough to show that I am trying to take responsibility for my actions by seeking help which sometimes requires travels over 500 miles away & now she has filed for an “Ouster Order” meaning I have to vacate our home because of “domestic Violence” when I have never threatened her or physically abused her which is going to put more stress on my condition plus I have no money, am not entitled to any benifits & basically my savings have gone on my treatment and meds plus what every normal partner would, providing for a young family with a 3 month old boy! anyone got any suggestions??? can you apply to have this order lifted on medical grounds & finacial hardship??

A: Geeeez it stinks
Gezz I feel ya
Gezz I wish you the best
Gezz she must be ticked

In all reality you have done everything. Split your way and she will reconize when you have helped yourself that it is worth it.

Sry it sounds like your going throu a tought time. Bi polar is a common illness That in my opinion can be overcome. I have given much advice on it and would love to dig you out of the pit that I myself was once in.

When your ready or if your ready email me and I can give you a boat load of help.

As of your wife she doesent understand and never will. But After finding god the one who knows us individual can help us. Let that be your strength cause it is the only way. For years I tried to convince my everyone I knew of how hard my life was with bi polar.

Just in all reality know that god cares and I do. I can never judge you cause I know what it is like. Best luck on your life and do what seems best but remeber

There is really only one person who knows

Theropist
pyscotrist
none of them can ever relate

Christ has felt every pain you and I have gone through

Good luck I will be praying for you .

Q: I have been bipolar for 45 years and was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Now, my swings are severe. I want to die NOW.?
The doctor can’t seem to find the right combination of meds. It is a fact that when bipolar has been untreated for a number of years it can be very difficult to treat and may not respond to treatment at all. I can’t imagine going through the rest of my life like this and even getting progressively worse. I don’t want to end up in a mental hospital. I want it all to end. I’ve pretended to be fairly normal dreging up a happy face using the last bit of strength I have. There is no more left I’ve always had an enormous amount of will and strength. It’s gone and so is my will to live anymore. I’m done with this terrible mental and emotional pain. I doubt you have any solutions but I’d be willing to hear you out.

A: You have to have patience. I was diagnosed 3 years ago after being Bipolar 1 for over 30 years. I had a serious full blown mania followed by two years of rapid cycling and mixed states….. I am just now really starting to recover. It takes time to find the right meds and time for them to work and time for your mind to sort itself out again. Patience and time. You have to give it that but it will get better.

Q: If you’re good in psychology, can you answer the following question please?
What is Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder? Please discuss at least (2) methods for the treatment of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

Im just trying to get your suggesstions to write my paper. Thanks!!

A: Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has been recognized throughout recorded history. It affects about 1 percent of Americans.
People with schizophrenia may hear voices other people don’t hear or they may believe that others are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These experiences are terrifying and can cause fearfulness, withdrawal, or extreme agitation. People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk, may sit for hours without moving or talking much, or may seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking. Because many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, the burden on their families and society is significant as well.

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a disease; it is a medical condition that causes psychological problems to such a degree that daily functioning is hampered by the symptoms. The most prominent symptoms include extremes of mood known as depression and mania. These emotional extremes are usually beyond normal responses to events and often last for extended periods of time. Psychosis and suicide are also concerns for those diagnosed with this disorder.

Q: My daughter who is 15 attempted suicide 2 times in the past year.?
HELP. We’ve provided the best medical advice & treatment we have access to. My question is, is this “cool” among emos? whatever that is? please help me understand. Is bipolar contageous with teens on my space? Any comments?

A: Bipolar is not contagious. She needs medication to deal with this. She is probably trying to find support and people who might understand what she is going through.

Q: Hypomania? Mania? Effects? Causes?
In psychology, we are doing an essay on any mental illness.
I have chosen to do Bipolar Disorder (with a focus on type 2)

Now my questions…
What is the biggest difference in the symptoms of Hypomania and Mania?

As Hypomania does not impair neuro-functioning, could it be seen as beneficial?

How effective is psychotherapy alone in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder?
24 seconds ago – 3 days left to answer.

Obviously, Mania is more serious, but how so, are the symptoms just more “aggressive” ?

A: Hypomania is like Mania Lite, in a sense.

Hallmark characteristics of Mania include: grandiosity (and often delusional thoughts), a sudden lack of sleep, racing thoughts/speech, hypersexuality, and severe irritability, as well as poor judgement skills and poor attention spans. Basically, you’re either higher than the sky or pissed off all the time.

Hypomania is much the same only on a much smaller scale; instead of grandiosity, you feel uncharacteristically peppy and creative. You may feel more energized but still maintain a normal sleeping pattern. Irritability is still a problem, but, again, on a much smaller scale. In a way, Hypomania can be a benefit. You’re much more creative than usual, in a (usually) good mood, you become much more confident and sociable… when compared to the depression side of bipolar, it’s seen as a welcome relief. It’s not necessarily good and should be monitored with medication (since Hypomania can turn into Mania very, very quickly) but… it’s still pretty useful.

Hope that helps a bit.

*And to answer the second part of your question… in treating bipolar, it is -highly- reccomended that you take medication as well as attend counciling and other forms of psychotherapy. Bipolar is a mental disorder involving either an overload of a lack of chemicals in the brain. It’s a serious mental disorder that needs medication. Being bipolar myself, the meds are like instruction manuals letting me use the “tools” (a.k.a. advice given by counciling) to cope with my disorder.

So, in short, psychotherapy is great but should always be coupled with some sort of mood stabilizer to ensure treatment.

Q: I dont know why but I find it hard to leave the house and go anywhere outside alone without my husband?
i was attacked and raped by 4 men when I was 15, I was affected so badly, that even though I tried to have a normal life, everything became so difficult that I had a breakdown, since then I married had 2 children who are 20 and 21, plus a grandchild, I just cannot pluck up the courage to go outside, get on a bus, or even get interested in the garden. I rely solely on my husband to take me out in his car. Over the last 5 years, I manage to go to charity shops, if I think I am going to throw a wobbly, I just talk to the ladies who work there, going to Tescos once a week is the highlight of my life. Im also Bipolar, and under psychiatric treatment, I love the comfort of my home, but my husband went away for over a week, and I felt like I was going to go completely mad, even though his friend popped by every other day to see if I was ok. I am 52 years old now, Ive been on a weird merrygoround that never stops, how can I get some help, I have osteoarthiritis, and other ailments, help!

A: i’m sorry to hear that.
my prayers are with you , i hope some day you have the courage to live your life the way you want it to be.

Q: Why is it hard for bipolar to hold on to jobs?what made you check with a mental health professional?
I want to hear from bipolars, as well as from experts.

If you are a bipolar II, what made you seek treatment, and what were the signs ?My uncle is bipolar, and my dad suffers from depression.My life has turned into a mess, and no one is even considering the possibility of some mental issues behind it.I just want to know before things get worse.

1.Went through couple of major depressions, in the last few years, accompagnied by weight loss.
2.Can’t keep a relationship, or a job.(Changed career for no apparent reason.+ always end my relationships whether with bfs, or friends.)…many bfs, some jobs.
3.Occasional Paranoid behaviour that someone is spying on me.
4.I had delusions for years when I was younger, and suddenly I got better, and it all went away.
5.I have suicidal thoughts now, but I think I have a reason for them.

I checked with a mental health professional before , and he said I was fine.I just have occasional social problems.

I am not trying to take a relief by being sick.I need to know if I am , or not?why aren’t parents offering that I need treatment.They aren’t living with me anyway, but when they come to visit, they definitely know i am not ok .

A: Don’t listen to that guy, Bipolar is not a way of thinking, it is a legitimate mental disorder.

Whether or not suicidal thoughts are reasonable, they are still a bad sign and are common in mental disorders.

You mention not being able to keep relationships or jobs. Try looking up Borderline Personality Disorder and see if this fits you. The paranoia does fit with Bipolar though.

I believe you when you say you are unwell. Nobody knows you better than you know yourself. Doctors told me I was making it up, which left my Schizophrenia untreated for three years. Please do persist with your doctors.

Q: After 7 years; I don’t trust my wife anymore; emotionally & I don’t love her (as a wife) anymore. Separate or?
My wife recently started treatment for bipolar, which for the last 9 days seems good. In her last manic cycle, we made plans to split, which she was OK with (she wanted find herself). Then for 2 months I planned my new life. The last few years, we’ve had lots of fights, and challenging of each others ability to acurately judge things; even simple, stupid things. We share some, but few common interests, and have very different temperments. She was raised by her mother, who is BP 2. She is typically high-energy, which wears me out, and highly chatty. She also has sayings, habits and social views that set my nerves on edge, and a habit of seeing the negative side of things.
Now with treatment, she’s trying to save our marriage, by being “too understanding”. I don’t know how much of her past behaviour was due BP or just personality. I know she’ll revert to being the same person, only not BP. I have been verbally & emotionally beat down and belittled for the last 4 years. We have no kids.
Also, she has realized she has had this since 5 years before we met; 11 years ago. I am in my mid 40s. I am trying to sort out the disease from who she really is; but her opinions of things I doubt will change; just the intensity in which she feels them. I have worked hard on this marriage for 7 years; so for those of you who say I’m a coward, try on my shoes!

A: I think It would be the best for you to split. You deserve someone better, but if it is due to her bipolar disorder, maybe things will be different. I think you should give it some time, but you should also do what you think feels right. Good Luck:)

Q: how can i tell if im bi polar or depressed?
-i have major mood swings
-i get extremely mad/sad /frustrated/ fed up easily
-i get extremely happy/giggly
-i never seem to have much of an in between
-i started birth control 2-3 months ago
-am i bipolar/depressed/ or is it just flat out b!tchy ?
-if i am bipolar/depressed what do i do are there any treatments i can do at home?
happy/giggly and upset frustrated ect. are not happening at the same time
ok i do experience cycles or happy/sad ect . uhhh
its not my period this is a cycle that happens when im two weeks away from a period
i hate being like this but you guys have really good suggestions thanks for all the help <3 Crystal M

A: It sounds like bipolar but you never know i would check out this link….
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/102/106771.htm
and if you fit the symptoms i would speak to a doctor.

Related Posts

Write a comment