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that can be triggered by a life changing circumstance, such as the death of a loved one.

The manic episodes (that can last up to a month or more) have been described by patients as;

Feeling energetic all of the time
Sense of endless euphoria
Sense of grandiose
Insomnia
Lack of concentration
Abuse of alcohol and drugs

Where there is great high, there is an even greater low and the low that one experiences is extreme. An array of feelings can occur. The following are a few common ones

Feelings of lasting sadness
Hopelessness
Guilt
Strong decrease in energy
Pessimistic thoughts that won't go away
Strong thoughts of suicide
Anger and frustration

The treatment plan for bipolar can vary from a mild prescription of meds and counseling to being hospitalized. Lithium used to be the drug of choice to treat bipolar but now safer, more effective drugs are offered to help patients control this disease. In treating bipolar, anti-seizure medications have proven to be quite effective. Such medications include, Depakote, Serequol, Lamictal, and Topomax, to name a few. Either taken alone or combined with other meds it has been proven that these regimens have been successful in treatment of the manic-depressive behavior in bipolar patients. They seem to carry many of the same side effects as the drugs mentioned for clinical depression.

Counseling through a clinical doctor is necessary with bipolar disorder so that they can prescribe the medications needed for proper treatment. In several cases, more than one treatment plan has to be explored to find the right one that will fit the patient's needs. This is where counsel becomes personally important, so the patient can inquire about any concerns that they may have about their disease and the treatment.

Whether one is diagnosed with clinical depression or bipolar disorder, it is crucial to seek help because in some cases, if left untreated, it could prove to be fatal at one's own hand. Depression progresses over time and can become worse. I should know because I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 6 years ago. I believe it was triggered by the death of a loved one. I have been on several treatment plans, but with patience, support and perseverance, I finally found one that works for me.

Learn more about this author, Allison Hickman.
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