Bipolar Disorder - Information for Families
by Jonathan Kessler, M.A., M.F.C.C.
Bipolar Disorder is a complex mental illness characterized
by prominent moodswings beyond the range experienced by most persons. The
person with bipolar disorder may cycle from depression to manic (highly
active and excitable) or hypomanic (moderately active or excitable) phases.
These cycles may be rapid (over a matter of days) or the cycles may stretch
out over a period of months or longer. Persons with severe bipolar disorder
may suffer from hallucinations. They may also endanger themselves or others,
either through suicidality during a depressed phase, or through the rash
actions and poor impulse control common during a manic phase.
For some general thoughts on dealing with a loved one's diagnosis of a mental
illness such as bipolar disorder, please see our
"Mental Illness - Information for Families" page.
Bipolar Disorder generally responds well to medication and therapy. Mood
stabilizers such as Lithium Carbonate have proven to be effective in
moderating the severe moodswings characteristic of this disorder. Many
people with bipolar disorder respond well to treatment and lead happy and
productive lives. Other people with this illness may not fare so well,
especially if they avoid treatment.
Persons with bipolar disorder may be resistant to treatment and to
medication. The person with bipolar disorder often thinks that he or she
feels great when in a manic phase, and is resistant to taking medication
that "brings them down". They go off their medication, often with disasterous
results. Another common occurance is that the person with bipolar disorder
believes that he or she is "cured" when the moodswings are controlled with
medication. They then think they can go off the medication (the way one
would stop taking antibiotics after flu symptoms stop). However, bipolar
disorder is an ongoing illness, and medication should not be stopped without
consulting a psychiatrist.
In terms of treatment approaches, it appears that bipolar disorder responds best
to a combination of medication therapy and "talk" therapy to work through
underlying issues and develop insight. If hospitalization is necessary, it is best to work
toward initial stabilization of mood and symptoms, and then to move into
an environment in which the client has greater and greater freedom in
proportion to his or her recovery.
Remember that with proper treatment, bipolar disorder can be controlled in
most people.
If your family member is out of control or suicidal (danger of harm
to self or others), stay calm and call 911. Do not try to handle it alone.
