Disorders & Medication Bi-Polar Disorder Bi-polar disorder is the modern name for what was previously known as manic depression. Sufferers of this order experience very marked mood swings often alternating between mania and depression. In a manic phase the patient will be euphoric,have grandiose ideas and greatly inflated ideas about their abilities and talents. Irresponsible sexual liaisons may be entered into and often a manic patient may be very financially irresponsible. A patient will sleep much less than normal and will appear to be full of nervous energy. Often a psychotic state may result as a consequence of the mania. Sufferers may become irritable,thinking that other people don’t understand them. The depressive phase of the illness is difficult to distinguish from unipolar depression. A patient will be miserable with low self-esteem,with a sense of despair and unable to enjoy pleasurable things. Suicidal thought patterns may occur and the patient will need close supervision at this stage of their illness. Bi-polar disorder is an episodic illness and a sufferer will be able to lead a fairly normal life between bouts of illness. However,there is always the possibility of a relapse and many people will have bouts of illness throughout their life. Most patients will be prescribed a mood stabilizer,usually lithium (Priadel or Camcolit). This medication is a preventative measure rather having the affect of treating the symptoms. If lithium proves to be unsatisfactory carbamazepine (Tegretol) or sodium valproate (Epilim) may be prescribed. Both these drugs are usually used as anti-convulsants, but have been found to have a mood stabilizing effect. Other anti-convulsants have been used to treat bi-polar disorder but are not in wide use. Lithium can be toxic if blood levels are excessive and consequently regular tests are necessary. Olanzapine is increasingly being used to treat this disorder due to its dual anti-psychotic/mood stabilizing properties. An anti-psychotic drug may be used in patients suffering from mania, particularily if a psychotic state has been entered into. These drugs also have a beneficial effect in calming down often excitable and over energetic patients. The cause of bi-polar disorder is not known and how lithium has its mood stabilizing affect is unclear. This disorder can be disabling particularily due to its unpredictable nature. The prognosis of bi-polar disorder is generally better than for schizophrenia. Back to the Disorders & Medication menu