Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Essays

Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Essays Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Paper Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Paper Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by experiences episodes of alternating of mood swings, and rapid changes in the energy levels and the ability to perform activities. The individual develops period of mania (excitability) coupled with depression. This results in the individual behaving in an irrational manner. The other symptoms of bipolar disorder include anxiety, loss of temper, aggressiveness, loss of self-control, sleeplessness, sexual urges, substance abuse, abuse of others rights, etc. The symptoms (3 or more) are present at least for a week (NIMH, 2007 Merck, 2005). The precise etiology of bipolar disorder is not known, but seemingly develops in close relatives. However, external and internal factors are responsible for the development of the condition. The condition more frequently occurs in identical twins. A single gene is usually responsible for the development of the condition. Bipolar disorder usually occurs in individuals who have experienced traumatic experiences in their lives. The neurotransmitters present in the brain function abnormally. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can also occur in other disorders such as AIDS, neurosyphilis, encephalitis, head injuries, epilepsy, etc. Certain medications such as antidepressants or corticosteroid may also be responsible (Ballas, 2006, NIMH, 2007 Merck, 2005). The acute symptoms of bipolar disorder do seem to be brought under control. However, relapses of the symptoms are common. If the individual is not given an treatment, the symptoms become more intense and severe. To some extent treatment can improve the quality of life and the ability to function normally (NIMH, 2005 Merck, 2005). One of the most frequently used and effective drugs for bipolar disorder is lithium (mood stabilizing agent). It helps to lower the symptoms of mania and depression, prevent the need for hospitalization, improves the quality of life, and improves the ability to function normally. It is effective in about 66 % of the patients suffering from bipolar disorders. Some of the side effects of lithium use include thyroid problems, weight gain, kidney problems, nausea, vomiting, fetal damage (in pregnant women), etc. Nowadays, newer drugs are come out which are more effective and have lesser number of side effects. Several newer drug such s Lamotrigine and gabapentin (newer anti-epileptic agents), atypical anti-psychotic agents (such as clozapine, olanzapine, etc), and benzodiazepines are found to be more effective and causing lesser number of side effects (Lloyd, 1996, pp. 986, NIMH, 2007 Merck, 2005). A study was conducted to determine the effect of lithium prophylaxis on bipolar disorder. About 200 patients were given lithium for about 2 years. These patients were stable after 2 years of lithium prophylaxis. The drug was stopped in a quarter of the patients and continued in the remaining three-fourths. However, the chances of the symptoms recurring were found to be high in those in whom the drug was stopped. If lithium is to be discontinued, the physicians should make a decision based on the dose of the drug required to maintain clinical stability (Biel et al, 2007). References: Ballas, P. (2006). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved March 11, 2007, from Medline Plus web site: nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000926. htm Biel, M. G. , Peselow, E. , Mulcare, L. et al (2007), â€Å"Continuation versus discontinuation of lithium in recurrent bipolar illness: a naturalistic study. † Bipolar Disorder, 9(5), 435-442. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/sites/entrez? Db=pubmedCmd=ShowDetailViewTermToSearch=17680913ordinalpos=5itool=EntrezSystem2. PEntrez. Pubmed. Pubmed_ResultsPanel. Pubmed_RVDocSum Culver, J. L. , Arnow, B. A. , Ketter, T. A. (2007). â€Å"Bipolar disorder: improving diagnosis and optimizing integrated care. † J Clin Psychol, 63(1), 73-92. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/entrez/query. fcgi? db=pubmedcmd=Retrievedopt=AbstractPluslist_uids=17115430query_hl=10itool=pubmed_DocSum Lloyd, G. G. (1996). Psychiatry, In. Edwards, C. R. A. , Bouchier, I. A. D. , Haslett, C. (Ed), Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, (17th Ed), Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. National Institute of Mental Health (2007). Bipolar Disorders. Retrieved March 11, 2007, from NIMH web site: nimh. nih. gov/publicat/bipolar. cfm The Merck Manual (2005). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 11, 2007, from Medline Plus web site: merck. com/mmpe/sec15/ch200/ch200c. html