About.com <![CDATA[Bipolar Disorder]]>

About.com <![CDATA[Bipolar Disorder]]> http://bipolar.about.com/ Get the latest headlines from the About.com About.com http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hh http://www.about.com/ 118 20 en-us 2012-02-20T15:39:40Z Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:39:40 +0000 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Introducing Bipolar Depression - For Beginners http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/21/introducing-bipolar-depression-for-beginners.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/O/G/lesson4.png" alt="Lesson 4" align="right" height="110" width="100" />Maybe you need to learn about bipolar depression to understand and support a friend or loved one who has bipolar disorder. Maybe you're diagnosed but need to understand your depressive symptoms better. Either way, Lesson 4 of Bipolar for Beginners will introduce you to the basic information, causes and common symptoms.<br /><br /> After that, you'll get a look at a concept that is growing in popularity among the psychiatric community - that bipolar and unipolar depression are not the same. The lesson rounds out with important terms to know and two writers' expressions of their own bipolar depression.<p> There will be more to come. Bipolar depression is a complicated subject, so the forthcoming Lesson 5 will go even deeper into the symptoms.<p> Start Learning: <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/bipolar-for-beginners/a/introducing-bipolar-depression.htm">Introducing Bipolar Depression</a></b>.<p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/21/introducing-bipolar-depression-for-beginners.htm">Introducing Bipolar Depression - For Beginners</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 at 05:49:00.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/21/introducing-bipolar-depression-for-beginners.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/21/introducing-bipolar-depression-for-beginners.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/21/introducing-bipolar-depression-for-beginners.htm&zItl=Introducing Bipolar Depression - For Beginners">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/21/introducing-bipolar-depression-for-beginners.htm Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:49:00 +0000 2012-02-21T05:49:00Z Mania and Hypomania - For Beginners http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/20/mania-and-hypomania-for-beginners.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/N/G/lesson3.jpg" align="right" alt="Lesson 3" width="100" height="110" />Lesson 3 of Bipolar for Beginners is about mania and hypomania. If you don't experience either of these mood states, you don't have bipolar disorder. Here's an overview of the symptoms, a look at several of the important and common symptoms in depth, and examples of ways the symptoms may appear to the patient or to others.<br /><br /> In addition, this lesson also gives you a close-up look at how four people experience mania, which is particularly valuable for people who don't have bipolar disorder but want to understand what someone else is going through.<p> People with bipolar have the opportunity to share your own manic or hypomanic symptoms in two different ways.<p> Increase your knowledge: <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/bipolar-for-beginners/a/mania-hypomania.htm">Learn About Mania and Hypomania</a>.</b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/20/mania-and-hypomania-for-beginners.htm">Mania and Hypomania - For Beginners</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Monday, February 20th, 2012 at 15:39:40.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/20/mania-and-hypomania-for-beginners.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/20/mania-and-hypomania-for-beginners.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/20/mania-and-hypomania-for-beginners.htm&zItl=Mania and Hypomania - For Beginners">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/20/mania-and-hypomania-for-beginners.htm Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:39:40 +0000 2012-02-20T15:39:40Z Jail for Mental Illness in Chicago http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/19/jail-for-mental-illness-in-chicago.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/R/G/jail-cell.png" alt="And you land in jail..." height="170" width="161" align="right" hspace="6" vspace="2" />The city of Chicago plans to shut down six of its 12 mental health centers by the end of April, says Bridget O'Shea, writing in The New York Times. The city calls the plan "consolidation" and says those who need help will still get it, but people who deal with the problems every day say a situation that is very bad is bound to get worse.<br /><br /> One of those decrying the closings is Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. O'Shea quotes Dart as saying the system "is so screwed up that I've become the largest mental health provider in the state of Illinois." It's estimated that 18% of the 11,000 inmates generally housed in the jail have <em>serious</em> mental illnesses. Sheriff Dart said the cost to house these prisoners is 2-3 times greater because more resources are needed to deal with them.<p> "[C]ity data provided to aldermen showed that the cuts could cause a patient increase of up to 71 percent at some clinics, with no additional staff," writes O'Shea. The police department's program to refer released prisoners to mental health facilities can't do much good if the waiting lists are too long. Prisoners receive only two weeks' worth of medication upon release.<p> "And then there's the humane side of it," Sheriff Dart said. "Not treating people with mental illness is bad enough, but treating them like criminals? Please, what have we become?"<p> What, indeed? I can't imagine what life is like for those people. I mean - I had to get high-risk health insurance through my state's pool when I lost my previous coverage last year. (My prior insurance company wanted $3,900 a month to give me an individual policy.) And I'm <i>fortunate</i> that I can afford the high-risk premium (barely). What is someone with schizophrenia, living in deep poverty or on the streets, going to do?<p> In Chicago, the answer appears to be that he will wind up in jail - again and again.<p> <small><b>Source:</b> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/health/in-chicago-mental-health-patients-have-no-place-to-go.html?_r=1&partner=EXCITE&ei=5043">Psychiatric Patients With No Place to Go but Jail</a></small><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/19/jail-for-mental-illness-in-chicago.htm">Jail for Mental Illness in Chicago</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 19:24:52.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/19/jail-for-mental-illness-in-chicago.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/19/jail-for-mental-illness-in-chicago.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/19/jail-for-mental-illness-in-chicago.htm&zItl=Jail for Mental Illness in Chicago">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/19/jail-for-mental-illness-in-chicago.htm Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:24:52 +0000 2012-02-19T19:24:52Z Be Aware of Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/18/be-aware-of-serotonin-syndrome-symptoms.htm Reader Jen said: "I was recently hospitalized with Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening drug reaction due to the cocktail of Bipolar drugs I was on. It was an absolutely horrific experience, and I just wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced it, or how aware people are of it? I think awareness of it and looking out for the signs is extremely important."<br /><br /> Jen is right - it's important to know the signs of Serotonin Syndrome, because it can be very, very dangerous. The symptoms aren't all subtle, but some of them can seem like other illnesses, so knowing what to watch for can help you put them together. They include such symptoms as fever, headache and sweating - easily mistaken for other conditions. But add in muscle rigidity, confusion, irregular heartbeat or others, and you can see the danger.<p> Know the symptoms: <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/antidepressants/a/serotoninsyndrm.htm">Serotonin Syndrome</a></b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/18/be-aware-of-serotonin-syndrome-symptoms.htm">Be Aware of Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at 11:20:37.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/18/be-aware-of-serotonin-syndrome-symptoms.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/18/be-aware-of-serotonin-syndrome-symptoms.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/18/be-aware-of-serotonin-syndrome-symptoms.htm&zItl=Be Aware of Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/18/be-aware-of-serotonin-syndrome-symptoms.htm Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:20:37 +0000 2012-02-18T11:20:37Z Alabama Closing Four of Six Facilities for Mentally Ill http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/alabama-closing-four-of-six-facilities-for-mentally-ill.htm The New York Times reports today that in the wake of serious budget problems, Alabama is debating plans to close its last four state hospitals for the mentally ill while retaining one for criminal suspects and one for geriatric patients.<p> Since the 1990s, says the Times reporter Robbie Brown, Alabama has already closed 10 other mental health treatment centers. In addition, financing for mental health services has been cut by 36%, and additional cuts of up to 25% are planned for 2013.<p> Brown adds, "Nearly all of the 524 other mentally ill patients will get treatment at <p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/alabama-closing-four-of-six-facilities-for-mentally-ill.htm">Alabama Closing Four of Six Facilities for Mentally Ill</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 13:14:41.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/alabama-closing-four-of-six-facilities-for-mentally-ill.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/alabama-closing-four-of-six-facilities-for-mentally-ill.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/alabama-closing-four-of-six-facilities-for-mentally-ill.htm&zItl=Alabama Closing Four of Six Facilities for Mentally Ill">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/alabama-closing-four-of-six-facilities-for-mentally-ill.htm Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:14:41 +0000 2012-02-17T13:14:41Z Bobby Brown's Bipolar Disorder http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/bobby-browns-bipolar-disorder.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/Q/G/bobby-brown-whitney-houston-2.png" alt="Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown" width="161" height="170" align="right" hspace="6" />In the wake of Whitney Houston's sudden death by drowning on February 12, 2012, it's worth taking a look the life of her ex-husband, singer Bobby Brown.<p> The couple were married in 1992, but just the next year Bobby began to get into serious trouble with the law. Both Whitney and Bobby had drug problems and went through rehab. Bobby's career waned while hers accelerated.<p> Here's a <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/singersmusicians/p/bobby_brown.htm">biographical sketch of Bobby Brown</a></b>, including a look at his bipolar behavior.<p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/bobby-browns-bipolar-disorder.htm">Bobby Brown's Bipolar Disorder</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 11:50:15.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/bobby-browns-bipolar-disorder.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/bobby-browns-bipolar-disorder.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/bobby-browns-bipolar-disorder.htm&zItl=Bobby Brown's Bipolar Disorder">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/17/bobby-browns-bipolar-disorder.htm Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:50:15 +0000 2012-02-17T11:50:15Z NAMI to Protest Ending of Psychiatric Care at Famed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/nami-to-protest-ending-of-psychiatric-care-at-famed-cedars-sinai-medical-center.htm The availability of psychiatric care took another hit Friday as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles announced it is phasing out inpatient and outpatient care for the mentally ill. About 1,800 patients depend on Cedars-Sinai for outpatient counseling and medications. In addition, 51 acute-care beds will be lost.<br /><br /> At the bottom of the move is, as usual, finances. Cedars-Sinai says it will make $1.5 million in grants to local agencies to "ease the transition," but it won't ease anything for patients who will have a harder time finding treatment as funding keeps being cut to those same agencies, and they keep having to cut staff.<p> I received the following news release from Andy Behrman regarding a planned protest: <blockquote>On Monday, February 13th, the National Alliance on Mental Illness/Los Angeles will gather to protest their outrage at Cedars-Sinai's decision to shut down both its in-patient and out-patient psychiatric care facilities. This will eliminate fifty-one beds that are critical to the community at a time when both city and county wide services are shrinking.<p> The purpose of OCCUPY CEDARS is not only<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/nami-to-protest-ending-of-psychiatric-care-at-famed-cedars-sinai-medical-center.htm">NAMI to Protest Ending of Psychiatric Care at Famed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 20:28:03.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/nami-to-protest-ending-of-psychiatric-care-at-famed-cedars-sinai-medical-center.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/nami-to-protest-ending-of-psychiatric-care-at-famed-cedars-sinai-medical-center.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/nami-to-protest-ending-of-psychiatric-care-at-famed-cedars-sinai-medical-center.htm&zItl=NAMI to Protest Ending of Psychiatric Care at Famed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/nami-to-protest-ending-of-psychiatric-care-at-famed-cedars-sinai-medical-center.htm Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:28:03 +0000 2012-02-10T20:28:03Z Exciting News: Ketamine Enters Clinical Trials for Antidepressant Use http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/ketamine-quickly-relieves-bipolar-depression-symptoms-study.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/Q/E/upchart.gif" alt="Depression Relief" align="right" />As I first reported in August, 2010, almost 3/4 of patients who were given intravenous ketamine in a small study had rapid relief from their treatment-resistant depression - the median time was just 40 minutes. This was a very small study, with 17 patients who received ketamine and 16 receiving <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/glossaryp/g/gl_placebo.htm">placebo</a>. But now <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/glossaryc/g/gl_clintrials.htm">formal clinical trials</a> are being conducted to see whether ketamine, best known as the club drug "Special K," is safe and effective enough for use as an antidepressant.<br /><br /> However, it's important to know that: <ul> <li>The average duration of relief was only a week, and<p> <li>Ketamine <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.rxlist.com/ketamine_hydrochloride-drug.htm">can have some strong psychological side effects</a>. </ul> In spite of the small group of patients in the original study, the results were strong enough to make headlines: 71% of those receiving ketamine had relief from depression, and only 1 in 16 of those receiving the placebo reported improvement. One in each group developed manic symptoms. Dissociative symptoms were the most common side effect and did not continue.<p>  Ketamine, widely used as a large animal tranquilizer and as an anesthetic, has also become a drug of abuse. It can cause <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/glossarygh/g/gl_hallucinatio.htm">hallucinations</a>, respiratory distress, blood pressure spiking, and confusion, among other things, so it's a drug that should be used only under a doctor's care and with close monitoring.<p> The headlines don't mean you can rush out and ask your doctor for intravenous ketamine to ease your depression. The original study's results, were extremely promising: <ol> <li>The patients' response to ketamine appears to validate recent research that has targeted a particular brain system as being involved in bipolar disorder. <li>The results certainly were significant enough to push forward more and bigger studies to confirm them. <li>If larger studies confirm the beneficial effect of ketamine, it is likely that there will be a strong research effort to find ways to prolong the antidepressant effects. </ol> When I first reported on ketamine, I said, "This small study could be the start of something big." Looks like it was.<p> <b>Clinical trials on Ketamine are recruiting participants:</b> <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00088699">Rapid Antidepressant Effects of Ketamine in Major Depression</a> (patients with major depression/bipolar disorder) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00768430">Optimization of IV Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression</a> (patients with major depression, treatment-resistant depression) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01209845">Ketamine for Low Mood States in the ER</a> (patients with major depression, suicidal ideation) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01135758">Study of Depression-Ketamine-Brain Function</a> (patients with major depression) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01260649">Ketamine Augmentation of Electroconvulsive Treatment for Severe Major Depression</a> (patients with major depression) </ul> As you can see, people with bipolar disorder are not eligible for all these studies, but you can pass the information along to those you know with serious major depressive disorder.<p> <sub><b>Sources</b>:<br /> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/67/8/793">Archives of General Psychiatry</a><br /> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.livescience.com/18222-club-drug-ketamine-depression.html">LiveScience</a></sub><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER </a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/About-Bipolar-Disorder/247528340444?ref=ts">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/ketamine-quickly-relieves-bipolar-depression-symptoms-study.htm">Exciting News: Ketamine Enters Clinical Trials for Antidepressant Use</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 13:00:51.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/ketamine-quickly-relieves-bipolar-depression-symptoms-study.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/ketamine-quickly-relieves-bipolar-depression-symptoms-study.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/ketamine-quickly-relieves-bipolar-depression-symptoms-study.htm&zItl=Exciting News: Ketamine Enters Clinical Trials for Antidepressant Use">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/10/ketamine-quickly-relieves-bipolar-depression-symptoms-study.htm Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:51 +0000 2012-02-10T13:00:51Z What Is Schizoaffective Disorder? http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder-2.htm Schizoaffective disorder is one of the least understood mental illnesses. Authorities differ on the description of the illness, and to make matters worse, the European and American definitions are quite a bit different.<br /><br /> In the US, patients with schizoaffective disorder have symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - but there is a lot more to it. Misdiagnosis is common, but fortunately, even when the condition isn't properly diagnosed, treatment may still be effective.<p> Read the best available information, what the problems in diagnosis are, and why treatment doesn't depend on the right diagnosis:<p> <b><a href='http://bipolar.about.com/od/relateddisorders/a/what_is_schizoa.htm'>What Is Schizoaffective Disorder?</a>.</b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder-2.htm">What Is Schizoaffective Disorder?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 09:52:58.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder-2.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder-2.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder-2.htm&zItl=What Is Schizoaffective Disorder?">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder-2.htm Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:52:58 +0000 2012-02-06T09:52:58Z Highly Sensitive to Noise? http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/highly-sensitive-to-noise.htm <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=1&tid=45747&webtag=ab-bipolar">On our Main Forum</a>, Drop-In Jane writes: "I was wondering, are any of you highly sensitive to noise? I'm moving, and part of the reason is that the walls here are ...<p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/highly-sensitive-to-noise.htm">Read Full Post</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/06/highly-sensitive-to-noise.htm Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000 2012-02-06T06:00:00Z Change Proposed for Definition and Diagnosing of Cyclothymia http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/03/change-proposed-for-definition-and-diagnosing-of-cyclothymia.htm The American Psychiatric Association is hard at work to produce the next version of the <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i>. One of the disorders that has changes proposed is Cyclothymia, a form of bipolar that comprises hypomanic episodes along with periods of depression that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a major depressive episode.<br /><br /> In the current edition of the DSM, the presence of mixed episodes during the first two years of illness rules out a diagnosis of Cyclothymia. In the proposed new version, this exclusion has been removed. If this revision stands, a diagnosis of Cyclothymia With Mixed Features would be possible. "With Mixed Features" is an example of a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/faq_specifiers.htm">specifier</a>.<p> Other specifiers that could be applied to Cyclothymia under the new diagnostic guidelines would be: <ul> <li>With <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/cs/faqs/f/faq_rapidcycle.htm">Rapid Cycling</a> <li>With Anxiety, mild to severe <li>With Suicide Risk Severity <li>With Seasonal Pattern, and <li>With Postpartum Onset </ul> <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/cs/faqs/f/faq_cyclothymia.htm">Learn More About Cyclothymia</a></b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/03/change-proposed-for-definition-and-diagnosing-of-cyclothymia.htm">Change Proposed for Definition and Diagnosing of Cyclothymia</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, February 3rd, 2012 at 13:53:55.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/03/change-proposed-for-definition-and-diagnosing-of-cyclothymia.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/03/change-proposed-for-definition-and-diagnosing-of-cyclothymia.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/03/change-proposed-for-definition-and-diagnosing-of-cyclothymia.htm&zItl=Change Proposed for Definition and Diagnosing of Cyclothymia">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/02/03/change-proposed-for-definition-and-diagnosing-of-cyclothymia.htm Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:53:55 +0000 2012-02-03T13:53:55Z Continuing Bipolar for Beginners: Causes of Bipolar Disorder http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/29/continuing-bipolar-for-beginners-causes-of-bipolar-disorder.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/M/G/lesson2.jpg" alt="Lesson 2" height="110" width="100" align="right" />Here's part 2 of Bipolar for Beginners, a series designed to walk you through the basic information about bipolar disorder. Lesson 1, <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/bipolar-for-beginners/a/introducing-bipolar-disorder.htm">Introducing Bipolar Disorder</a></b>, started you out with the most basic information: an explanation of what bipolar is along with definitions of terms that are essential to understanding the illness. Lesson 1 also debunks some of the common myths.<br /><br /> Lesson 2 covers what's known about the genetic component of mental disorders, theories regarding the relationship between stress and genetic susceptibility, and types of stresses that could bring on a bipolar episode. In addition, this lesson takes a look at the inner workings of nerves in the brain that are thought to affect moods. Finally, there's the story of a court decision legally confirming that bipolar disorder is not "all in your head."<p> Keep learning: <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/bipolar-for-beginners/a/bipolar-disorder-causes.htm">Causes of Bipolar Disorder</a></b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/29/continuing-bipolar-for-beginners-causes-of-bipolar-disorder.htm">Continuing Bipolar for Beginners: Causes of Bipolar Disorder</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 14:05:00.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/29/continuing-bipolar-for-beginners-causes-of-bipolar-disorder.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/29/continuing-bipolar-for-beginners-causes-of-bipolar-disorder.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/29/continuing-bipolar-for-beginners-causes-of-bipolar-disorder.htm&zItl=Continuing Bipolar for Beginners: Causes of Bipolar Disorder">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/29/continuing-bipolar-for-beginners-causes-of-bipolar-disorder.htm Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:05:00 +0000 2012-01-29T14:05:00Z Lithium Toxicity http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/25/lithium-toxicity.htm The window between the therapeutic dose of lithium and the toxic dose is almost vanishingly small. Differences in physiology may mean that what's the proper dose for one person is toxic for another.<br /><br /> If you or someone you care for is taking lithium for bipolar disorder, it's essential to know not just the symptoms of lithium intoxication, but also what circumstances are most likely to lead to it.<p> Lithium poisoning is no joke. When it's properly and promptly treated, most people recover with no aftereffects. But if it's not treated, or if treatment is delayed too long, it can have permanent consequences or lead to death. Read this vital information on <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/lithium/a/lithium-toxicity.htm">Lithium Toxicity</a></b>.<p> <center><img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/L/G/lithium-rx-label.jpg" alt="Lithium prescription label" height="69" width="325" /></center><p> <small><i>Photo: wonderferret / Flickr</i></small><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/25/lithium-toxicity.htm">Lithium Toxicity</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 20:12:40.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/25/lithium-toxicity.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/25/lithium-toxicity.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/25/lithium-toxicity.htm&zItl=Lithium Toxicity">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/25/lithium-toxicity.htm Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:12:40 +0000 2012-01-25T20:12:40Z Bipolar Depression Symptoms - Emotional Pain http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/22/bipolar-depression-symptoms-emotional-pain.htm <p>Bipolar depression expresses itself in dozens of ways. One group of symptoms comes under the heading of emotional pain - the sadness, guilt feelings, helplessness and other feelings that contribute to the misery of depression.</p> <p>These symptoms aren't unique to bipolar depression or major depressive disorder by any means. Take a look at how this cluster of symptoms fits into the overall diagnosis of a bipolar depressive episode:</p> <p><b><a href='http://bipolar.about.com/od/depression/a/020623_dpsym3.htm'>Emotional Pain in Bipolar Depression</a></b></p><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/22/bipolar-depression-symptoms-emotional-pain.htm">Bipolar Depression Symptoms - Emotional Pain</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at 14:08:14.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/22/bipolar-depression-symptoms-emotional-pain.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/22/bipolar-depression-symptoms-emotional-pain.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/22/bipolar-depression-symptoms-emotional-pain.htm&zItl=Bipolar Depression Symptoms - Emotional Pain">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/22/bipolar-depression-symptoms-emotional-pain.htm Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:08:14 +0000 2012-01-22T14:08:14Z New Information Links Lithium to Thyroid, Parathyroid Problems http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/20/new-information-links-lithium-to-thyroid-parathyroid-problems.htm A new review published today in <i>The Lancet</i> found that in addition to the known potential for causing weight gain, taking lithium may increase the activity of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Because of the increased risk for hyperparathyroidism, it is now recommended that doctors check blood calcium levels, an indicator for parathyroid activity, before beginning lithium therapy and periodically while the patient is taking lithium.<br /><br /> Lithium is a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder and may be used as add-on treatment for major depression.<p> The review found that patients taking lithium gained more weight than those taking a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/glossaryp/g/gl_placebo.htm">placebo</a>, but less than those taking <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/cs/zyprexa/a/meds_zyprexa.htm">Zyprexa</a> (olanzapine).<p> <b>For more information: <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/lithium/a/lithium_profile.htm">Lithium Drug Profile</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://thyroid.about.com/library/endocrine/blhyperparathyroidism2.htm">Hyperparathyroidism</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hyperthyrdgraves/a/faq.htm">Hyperthyroidism</a> </ul></b> <sub><strong>Source:</strong><br /> McKnight, R, et al. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2961516-X/abstract">Lithium toxicity profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis</a>. <i>The Lancet.</i> 20 Jan 2012</sub><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/20/new-information-links-lithium-to-thyroid-parathyroid-problems.htm">New Information Links Lithium to Thyroid, Parathyroid Problems</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, January 20th, 2012 at 14:50:27.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/20/new-information-links-lithium-to-thyroid-parathyroid-problems.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/20/new-information-links-lithium-to-thyroid-parathyroid-problems.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/20/new-information-links-lithium-to-thyroid-parathyroid-problems.htm&zItl=New Information Links Lithium to Thyroid, Parathyroid Problems">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/20/new-information-links-lithium-to-thyroid-parathyroid-problems.htm Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:50:27 +0000 2012-01-20T14:50:27Z Introducing Bipolar for Beginners http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/16/introducing-bipolar-for-beginners.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/K/G/lesson1.jpg" alt="Lesson 1" align="right" height="110" width="100" />You might need this information in a compact form that guides you through the basic information about bipolar disorder because you're newly diagnosed. You might need it because someone in your family has been diagnosed, or you've just learned that a friend, someone you're dating, or someone you work with is bipolar. You might even be writing a term paper on bipolar disorder. No matter what the reason, you want to learn about BP from the ground up - so I've put together one page that will guide you through the first steps to knowledge.<br /><br /> This will be a series of walk-through pages, and by the time you've gone through them all, you'll have a strong understanding of what bipolar disorder is, the symptoms, the moods, the complexities and more. Watch this blog for the next in the series!<p> <b>Get Started: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/bipolar-for-beginners/a/introducing-bipolar-disorder.htm">Introducing Bipolar Disorder</a></b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/16/introducing-bipolar-for-beginners.htm">Introducing Bipolar for Beginners</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Monday, January 16th, 2012 at 15:10:53.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/16/introducing-bipolar-for-beginners.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/16/introducing-bipolar-for-beginners.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/16/introducing-bipolar-for-beginners.htm&zItl=Introducing Bipolar for Beginners">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/16/introducing-bipolar-for-beginners.htm Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:10:53 +0000 2012-01-16T15:10:53Z Are You So Used to Depression That You Can't See It? http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/15/are-you-so-used-to-depression-that-you-cant-see-it.htm When a friend of mine suggested maybe I was "conditioned to depression," it was a revelation to me. This is not using "conditioned" in the formal psychological sense, mind you. It's more like being annoyed at having to put a heavy coat on when the weather first gets cold, but after awhile, you don't think about it any more. You're used to doing it.<br /><br /> In a similar way, the habits of depression can become so much a part of your life that you become used to them. When you're moving from a stable mood - particular if it's a low-level stable mood as can occur in Bipolar II - into the first stages of a depressed mood, you don't recognize that something is changing, because that state and the habits that go with it are so familiar that you're conditioned to them.<p> See if you recognize yourself: <strong><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/depression/a/depress_condit.htm">Are You Conditioned to Depression?</a></strong><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/15/are-you-so-used-to-depression-that-you-cant-see-it.htm">Are You So Used to Depression That You Can't See It?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 17:29:17.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/15/are-you-so-used-to-depression-that-you-cant-see-it.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/15/are-you-so-used-to-depression-that-you-cant-see-it.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/15/are-you-so-used-to-depression-that-you-cant-see-it.htm&zItl=Are You So Used to Depression That You Can't See It?">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/15/are-you-so-used-to-depression-that-you-cant-see-it.htm Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:29:17 +0000 2012-01-15T17:29:17Z Baffling Study on Immigration and Psychosis http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/13/baffling-study-on-immigration-and-psychosis.htm In the December issue of the <em>American Journal of Psychiatry</em> is a report on a Dutch study regarding <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=181035">age of immigration and risk of future psychosis</a> that has me scratching my head.<br /><br /> After gathering data for 7 years on immigrants who "made a first contact with a physician for a suspected psychotic disorder," the researchers looked at the age when those people migrated to the Netherlands. According to an <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/health/research/mental-health-study-links-immigrating-at-young-age-and-higher-risk-of-psychosis.html?_r=1&partner=EXCITE&ei=5043">article in the New York Times</a>, they found that those who came from Suriname, the Netherlands Antilles, Turkey and Morocco, and who immigrated as infants and up to the age of four, had the highest incidence of psychosis in later life, <p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/13/baffling-study-on-immigration-and-psychosis.htm">Baffling Study on Immigration and Psychosis</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, January 13th, 2012 at 13:37:59.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/13/baffling-study-on-immigration-and-psychosis.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/13/baffling-study-on-immigration-and-psychosis.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/13/baffling-study-on-immigration-and-psychosis.htm&zItl=Baffling Study on Immigration and Psychosis">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/13/baffling-study-on-immigration-and-psychosis.htm Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:37:59 +0000 2012-01-13T13:37:59Z "No Genetic Proof of Mental Illnesses" - WRONG! http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/09/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses-wrong.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/J/G/quack.jpg" alt="Quack Facts" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="2" height="170" width="134" />The Citizens Commission on Human Rights recently tweeted saying there is <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.cchr.org/quick-facts/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses.html">no genetic proof of mental illnesses</a>. "Get the facts," they say, "about psychiatric diagnoses of mental illnesses. Learn about one of the biggest so-called medical scams in history."<br /><br /> The CCHR, which touts itself as being a "watchdog investigating and exposing psychiatric human rights violations," starts with the premise that psychiatry is evil and goes on from there. In this case, "getting the facts" turns out to mean "read three quotes from doctors." (One of these quotes starts out, "In fourty years...." Okay, I admit I automatically downgrade the credibility of anybody who can't even spell forty.)<p> In fact, there is plenty of evidence regarding the heritability of bipolar and other mental disorders. There is abundant proof specifically that there is genetic component to bipolar. Studies have shown, for example, that a child of parents who both have bipolar disorder has a 50-75% chance of developing bipolar as well - far beyond the norm.<p> Get the <i>true</i> information: <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/pregnancy/f/inherit_bipolar.htm">The Heredity Factor in Bipolar Disorder</a></b><p> As for the CCHR's so-called information - this "Quick Fact" should be called a "Quack Fact."<p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/09/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses-wrong.htm">"No Genetic Proof of Mental Illnesses" - WRONG!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 14:39:12.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/09/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses-wrong.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/09/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses-wrong.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/09/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses-wrong.htm&zItl="No Genetic Proof of Mental Illnesses" - WRONG!">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/09/no-genetic-proof-of-mental-illnesses-wrong.htm Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:39:12 +0000 2012-01-09T14:39:12Z Why "Manic Depression" Became "Bipolar Disorder" http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/08/why-manic-depression-became-bipolar-disorder.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/I/G/manic-bipolar-depression.jpg" alt="Manic - Bipolar - Depression" height="118" width="168" border="1" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="2" />"Manic" comes from the ancient Greek word "mania" meaning madness - simple enough. "Depression" comes from the Latin "to press down" and, according to the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=depression">Online Etymology Dictionary</a>, was first used to describe a mood of dejection in the 15th century. Though the manic depressive condition was described millennia ago, the actual term "manic depression" came into being relatively recently, and "bipolar disorder" was suggested just 50 years later.<br /><br /> The change in name was an important step forward for both patients and those who treat them. Take a look at what happened:<p> <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/definingbipolardisorder/a/manic_depression_changes_names.htm">Why Did Manic Depression Become Bipolar Disorder?</a></b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/08/why-manic-depression-became-bipolar-disorder.htm">Why "Manic Depression" Became "Bipolar Disorder"</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at 16:34:48.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/08/why-manic-depression-became-bipolar-disorder.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/08/why-manic-depression-became-bipolar-disorder.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/08/why-manic-depression-became-bipolar-disorder.htm&zItl=Why "Manic Depression" Became "Bipolar Disorder"">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/08/why-manic-depression-became-bipolar-disorder.htm Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:34:48 +0000 2012-01-08T16:34:48Z Bipolar Depression: Symptoms of Decreased Energy and Activity http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/05/bipolar-depression-symptoms-of-decreased-energy-and-activity.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/H/G/apathetic.man.jpg" alt="Apathy" height="162" width="170" align="right" hspace="4" vspace="2" />The depressive side of bipolar disorder can express itself in many, many ways. One group of symptoms and behaviors comes under the heading of loss of energy and decreased activity. In this group are things like fatigue, lethargy, insomnia, hypersomnia and social withdrawal. Both the patient and his or her friends and family need to be able to recognize these symptoms. Some are easy to spot, while others are not.<br /><br /> In this article, I take a look at several ways the symptom group called "Changes in Activity or Energy Levels" can show up, with examples of each that will help you identify when a person with bipolar disorder is exhibiting these signs of depression.<p> <b>Learn more about bipolar depression: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/cs/depressive/a/0402_dpsym1.htm">Decreased Energy and Activity</a></b><p> <small><i>Photo: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.flickr.com/photos/thejs/">Jason Nelms/Flickr</a></i></small><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/05/bipolar-depression-symptoms-of-decreased-energy-and-activity.htm">Bipolar Depression: Symptoms of Decreased Energy and Activity</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Thursday, January 5th, 2012 at 15:13:30.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/05/bipolar-depression-symptoms-of-decreased-energy-and-activity.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/05/bipolar-depression-symptoms-of-decreased-energy-and-activity.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/05/bipolar-depression-symptoms-of-decreased-energy-and-activity.htm&zItl=Bipolar Depression: Symptoms of Decreased Energy and Activity">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2012/01/05/bipolar-depression-symptoms-of-decreased-energy-and-activity.htm Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:13:30 +0000 2012-01-05T15:13:30Z All About Topamax / Topiramate http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/all-about-topamax-topiramate.htm Topamax is an anti-seizure and migraine medication, available at reduced cost as the generic topiramate, that is often prescribed as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Here is a profile of Topamax, including several major warnings, information about common side effects and use in pregnancy, and information on the subject that gets talked about most - whether it causes weight loss.<br /><br /> In-Depth Information: <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/topamax/a/profile_topamax.htm">Topamax Drug Profile</a></b><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/all-about-topamax-topiramate.htm">All About Topamax / Topiramate</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 12:18:27.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/all-about-topamax-topiramate.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/all-about-topamax-topiramate.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/all-about-topamax-topiramate.htm&zItl=All About Topamax / Topiramate">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/all-about-topamax-topiramate.htm Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:18:27 +0000 2011-12-27T12:18:27Z Depakote Drug Profile http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/depakote-drug-profile.htm Depakote is a medication used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders, migraines, and bipolar disorder, where it acts as a mood stabilizer for people who have manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes. It is also sold as Depakene. Generic versions are sodium valproate, divalproex sodium and valproic acid.<br /><br /> Read about available forms of Depakote, major warnings, common side effects, precautions, important drug interactions and usage in pregnancy and nursing.<p> <strong><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/depakote/a/qf_depakote.htm">Depakote Drug Profile</a></strong><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/depakote-drug-profile.htm">Depakote Drug Profile</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 00:13:12.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/depakote-drug-profile.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/depakote-drug-profile.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/depakote-drug-profile.htm&zItl=Depakote Drug Profile">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/27/depakote-drug-profile.htm Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:13:12 +0000 2011-12-27T00:13:12Z Hypomania Symptoms and Diagnosis http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/26/hypomania-symptoms-and-diagnosis.htm Hypomania may not have the most severe symptoms of mania, but it's still a serious condition that needs treatment. Many of the symptoms of the two conditions are the same and can have profound consequences. The most obvious examples of these are hypersexual behavior and out-of-control spending. Things like poor impulse control, speaking so fast you can't be understood, making commitments you can't keep because you feel so energetic <i>now</i> - all of these may change people's perceptions of you forever. Imagine using obscene language while you talk to everyone up to the bishop's wife at a church dinner - you can't see it's inappropriate, you think it's funny, but the damage done to your reputation might last for years or decades.<br /><br /> And here's something I'll bet you never thought about: people with Bipolar I Disorder can have hypomanic episodes, too. For these people, not <i>every</i> "up" episode is so severe as to qualify as mania.<p> <strong>Information in depth: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/maniahypomani1/a/what_is_hypomania.htm">What Is Hypomania? How Is It Diagnosed?</a></strong><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/26/hypomania-symptoms-and-diagnosis.htm">Hypomania Symptoms and Diagnosis</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Monday, December 26th, 2011 at 15:10:30.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/26/hypomania-symptoms-and-diagnosis.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/26/hypomania-symptoms-and-diagnosis.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/26/hypomania-symptoms-and-diagnosis.htm&zItl=Hypomania Symptoms and Diagnosis">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/26/hypomania-symptoms-and-diagnosis.htm Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:10:30 +0000 2011-12-26T15:10:30Z The Bipolar Disorders Spectrum - More Than Just Manic Depression http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/23/the-bipolar-disorders-spectrum-more-than-just-manic-depression.htm <img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/bipolar/1/0/F/G/comedy-tragedy.jpg" alt="Comedy and tragedy" border="1" hspace="6" vspace="2" align="right" />Dark and bright, smile and frown, laugh and cry, comedy and tragedy - the contrasts of human emotions have been staples of philosophy and poetry, literature and theater, throughout the history of mankind. And within those contrasts, "manic depression" was identified at least as far back as the 2nd century AD.<br /><br /> But bipolar disorder is more than manic depression. The spectrum of bipolar disorders encompasses a variety of symptoms that shade the range of moods between the two extremes.<p> From darkest black through shades of grey to muted tones and up to flamboyant scarlet, sapphire blue, royal purple and the other richest, most vivid colors, the forms and moods of bipolar disorder encompass the entire spectrum of light and of human experience.<p> And with that in mind, I've put together a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/od/formsofbipolardisorder/a/the-bipolar-disorders.htm">comprehensive reference to the bipolar disorders</a> - prose rather than poetry, I admit, but still a handy resource.<p> <sub><i>Photo: Stockbyte / Getty Images</i></sub><p align=center>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <br /><em>Learn more or join the conversation!</em> <br /><sub><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm">NEWSLETTER</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/ab-bipolar/start/?lgnF=y">FORUM</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/mbiopage.htm">BIO</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Bipolar-Disorder/164925816929489">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/bipolar_disord">TWITTER</a></sub> <br />. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/23/the-bipolar-disorders-spectrum-more-than-just-manic-depression.htm">The Bipolar Disorders Spectrum - More Than Just Manic Depression</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/">About.com Bipolar Disorder</a> on Friday, December 23rd, 2011 at 03:03:09.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/23/the-bipolar-disorders-spectrum-more-than-just-manic-depression.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/23/the-bipolar-disorders-spectrum-more-than-just-manic-depression.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/23/the-bipolar-disorders-spectrum-more-than-just-manic-depression.htm&zItl=The Bipolar Disorders Spectrum - More Than Just Manic Depression">Email this</a></p> http://bipolar.about.com/b/2011/12/23/the-bipolar-disorders-spectrum-more-than-just-manic-depression.htm Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:03:09 +0000 2011-12-23T03:03:09Z