When To See A Doctor
Most people experience many moods in a single day. But if behavior is entirely unpredictable, people should consider seeing a doctor. For example, someone struggling with a mood disorder may experience episodes of being so excitable that impulse control is lacking. In these periods, a person may spend money uncontrollably, confront others, or engage in risky behavior. At other times, the same person may feel unable to get out of bed, go to work, or socialize.
Mania: Features Types Causes & Symptoms
Mania is a mental illness characterized by an abnormally elevated emotional state , commonly described as an overly increased mental activity or responses to stimuli.
Symptoms of Mania
- A need for constant stimulation.
- Increased reliance on other people.
- An inflated view of ones intelligence and the world around you.
- An exaggerated view of time and effort.
- Excessive use of energy and physical movement.
- An increased risk of dangerous behavior and substance abuse.
- An increased risk of violence.
- A constant state of emotional highs or lows.
Types of Mania
The condition is divided into two main categories:
- Hypomania
- Hyperthermia
Causes of Mania
Mania can be caused by acute bipolar disorder or by non-bipolar disease. It is marked by sudden, persistent hyperactivity, increased impulsivity, and overly emotional feelings, among many other symptoms. Manic episodes are characterized by high energy, euphoria, and other mood changes. In contrast, depressive episodes are marked by low energy, sadness, and different feelings of worthlessness.
Because of its nature, mania can have various causes. Common causes include:
- Thyroid imbalance.
- Nutritional deficiencies .
- Altered sleep habits .
- Alcohol abuse.
- Drug abuse.
Because of the complexities involved in the causes and the variations in the symptom presentations, it is often difficult to accurately determine what mania is and depression.
Do Mood Stabilisers Affect Other Medication
You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication before starting or stopping mood stabilisers. This includes herbal or complementary medication, such as St Johns Wort.
There are also some common over-the-counter medications which can cause effects, some severe, when taken with mood stabilisers. These include:
- codeine,
Your doctor can give you advice on whether your mood stabiliser will affect any other medication.
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Depression: Definition & Cause
Before searching for an answer to what is the best mood stabilizer you have to find out what depression is. Various people question what depression is to identify what to anticipate if and when it arrives at them. Depression is a problematic subconscious sickness that influences multiple portions of the body, not just the brain. Depression is different for everyone, usually brought on by something stressful or just a general feeling of being unhappy. If you are sad all the time and it affects your entire life, you might have clinical depression, which is more severe. If you have any of these symptoms, dont be ashamed: these symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression, alcoholism, or even seasonal affective disorder. Usually, these types of diseases need to be treated with medication and psychotherapy. However, if you have normal sadness that is not related to any other medical problem, you are likely depressed. If your sad mood lasts for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor to determine if it is caused by a physical problem or an emotional problem.
Symptoms of Depression
- Sleeping more or not sleeping at all,
- Feeling hungry more or less,
- Change of weight, and
- The idea of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
Which Mood Stabiliser Is Right For Me
Different mood stabilisers can be offered to treat different types of mental health problem:
- lithium is most likely to be offered as a long-term treatment for bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes also used as a short-term treatment for mania.
- valproate may be prescribed to treat mania if you haven’t responded well to lithium. But you should not be prescribed it if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. See our page on taking mood stabilisers during pregnancy or breastfeeding to find out more.
- carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat episodes of mania and mixed states.
- lamotrigine has antidepressant effects and is licensed to treat severe depression in bipolar disorder.
- the antipsychotic drugs haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone may be offered as mood stabilisers, as part of the treatment of bipolar disorder. The antipsychotic asenapine is also offered as a mood stabiliser, to treat mania.
“I have a form of bipolar which cycles very quickly, but I’m not psychotic. I was prescribed valproate in a controlled release tablet It’s changed my life.”
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Treatment Considerations For Comorbid Bd And Ptsd
Patients with comorbid BD and PTSD have a higher risk of psychosis upon hospitalization , personality disorder diagnosis , and suicide attempts ., Poorer quality of life, accelerated illness progression, and high rates of functional impairment also characterize patients with this comorbidity, with a higher symptom burden compared to either illness alone.,,
Non-adherence to treatment in BD increases the risk of rapid cycling, suicide attempts, current anxiety, and alcohol use disorder. Non-adherence at 3 month follow-up is predictive of less improvement in bipolar symptoms than non-adherence at 12 month follow-up. Patients with non-adherence to treatment for comorbid BD and PTSD may have childhood or other trauma that created a negative or distrustful impression of physicians, health care providers, and medication treatment. Traumatic outcomes resulting from dangerous behaviors that occur during a manic episode may trigger the reemergence of PTSD symptoms. Posttraumatic stress disorder nightmares could impact the sleep-wake cycle, leading to decreased sleep and a greater risk for a manic episode.
Final Thoughts About Marijuana And Mood Disorders:
Although some research shows the effectiveness of cannabis on the symptoms associated with mood disorders, none of what is written in this article should be taken as medical advice. You should always consult with a licensed professional before making any decisions regarding individualized treatment.
Only you and your physician can decide what is right for you. It is important to remember that the consumption of marijuana is the sole responsibility of the user, and discretion should always be taken.
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Medical Marijuana And Mood Disorders:
The trend among cannabis and medical conditions tends to be that marijuana assists with some of the symptoms from the ailment. However, with mood disorders, cannabis often takes a step further with its ability to generate a lasting impact.
Depression specifically, and the depressive side to bipolar, seem to be quite responsive to the consumption of certain marijuana strains.
Although cannabis can also assist in lessening the impact of some symptoms of mood disorders , it also acts to relieve the depression itself.
Therefore, many patients are turning towards cannabis as an alternative to conventional medications and therapies. Additionally, the use of medical cannabis for depression relief, combined with regular talk therapy, acts as a sturdy combination for some individuals with depression.
Olanzapine As Mood Stabilizer
Olanzapine is known to be one of the most famous antipsychotic as well as a mood stabilizer.
As long as it came out as antipsychotic by the FDA, psychiatrists started trying to figure its effects for mood stabilizing properties.
Now the FDA has also approved it as a mood stabilizer. It means that you can take this antipsychotic without any symptoms of psychosis at all.
The main reason to offer antipsychotic for mood stabilization is the fact that it has been found extremely effective in reducing the effects and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
It even may help antidepressants work in people who dont clearly have bipolar disorder.
Olanzapine for anxiety is unbelievably effective, and has rather fewer side effects than any other medicines.
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Natural Mood Stabilizers: What Are Some Healthy Ways To Enhance Your Mood
Some people who suffer from depression prefer to look to natural mood stabilizers like St. Johns Wort or Rhodiola to help them manage symptoms. But before you try one yourself what should you know about these natural remedies? Which ones have been shown to help and which ones lack evidence of effectiveness? Can some of them have harmful side effects?
Natural remedies that can help improve your mood
St. Johns Wort. A 2008 Cochrane review of this herb found that it can work as effectively as some prescription antidepressants but with fewer side effects. However the review mentioned that there are a few factors to consider including varying levels of quality and strength as well as potential interactions with other drugs.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids like eicosapentaenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have been shown to reduce inflammation. Since inflammation is considered to be a partial underlying cause of depression and bipolar disorder these acids could be beneficial to many. Taking a fish oil supplement or eating fish thats high in Omega-3 like salmon can help increase fatty acid levels in the body.
SAMe. SAMe also known as S-Adenosyl-L-methionine has been studied scientifically as a treatment for depression. Several well-designed trials have shown that SAMe often works better than placebo or prescription antidepressants. It was also shown to help people who experienced depression but were resistant to typical antidepressants.
A Simple Way To Look At It:
Low Serotonin Levels: Life sucks, overwhelmed feeling, insomnia, poor cognition.
Good Serotonin Levels: Life is good, everything feels in order.
Low Epinephrine Levels: Depressing thoughts, aggravated.
Good Epinephrine Levels: Calmness, feeling well.
Low Serotonin and High Epinephrine Levels: Manic thoughts, bipolar symptoms.
Low Serotonin and Low Epinephrine Levels: Depressive thoughts, life isnt good.
Convinced that Natural Mood Stabilizers are for you?Heres our favorite Natural Mood Stabilizer on the market today.
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What Mood Disorders Are Mood Stabilizers Used To Treat
In the vast majority of cases, mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, more than most of the other mood disorders out there, is defined by extreme fluctuations in mood . According to some statistics, bipolar disorder affects around 4% of the population in the United States.
Mood stabilizers can also be used to help treat other mood disorders as well, in addition to generalized mood instability. Common mood disorders treated by mood stabilizers include:
- Cyclothymia – A milder mood disorder defined by less intense mood fluctuations.
- Borderline Personality Disorder – A personality disorder defined by mood instability.
- Schizophrenia – A prominent mood disorder where the way the person interprets reality is skewed.
However, mood stabilizers are not commonly used to treat mild depression and anxiety. In a lot of situations, the potential side effects outweigh the advantages of treatment. Other medications, as well as holistic approaches and therapy, are preferred.
Anxiety And Seizures: Whats The Link
Can anxiety cause seizures? Possibly, in some cases. And seizures may lead to anxiety too. Well explore why and what you can do to manage both. Anxiety is a human response to stress, anticipation, or trauma. For some people, anxiety becomes overwhelming and disruptive in everyday life. Anxiety disorders…
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Ranking The Best Medication For Anxiety Of 2021
Medication for anxiety can relieve anxious feelings, reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks, and produce a sense of calm where there was agitation.
Millions of Americans use these medications on a daily basis to deal with general anxiety, panic attacks, various phobias, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.
If you believe anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day life, consult your doctor or mental health professional to find out if anxiety medication is right for you.
Below are the best medications for anxiety of 2021.
Types Of Mood Stabilizing Medication
The oldest and most studied of mood stabilizers is lithium. However, many drugs that were first developed as anticonvulsants to treat epilepsy also act as mood stabilizers. These include carbamazepine, divalproex and lamotrigine. Gabapentin and topiramate are also anticonvulsants that may act as mood stabilizers, but they are usually given in addition to other medications.
Lithium
Lithium is found in nature in some mineral waters and is also present in small amounts in the human body.
Lithium is used to treat mania and to prevent further episodes of mania and depression.
Common side-effects of lithium include increased thirst and urination, nausea, weight gain and a fine trembling of the hands. Less common side-effects can include tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea, blurred vision, impaired memory, difficulty concentrating, skin changes and slight muscle weakness. These effects are generally mild and fade as treatment continues. If, however, any of these effects are severe, they should be reported to your doctor immediately. Thyroid and kidney function can be affected by lithium in some people and must be monitored regularly by your doctor.
Changing the amount of salt you use can also affect lithium levels: avoid switching to low- or no-salt diets.
Signs that the amount of lithium in the body is higher than it should be include severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, shaking and twitching, loss of balance, slurred speech, double vision and weakness.
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine
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Is Bipolar Disorder Ever Considered Cured
This is not clear at this time. Although the condition responds to treatment in most cases, bipolar disorder is generally seen as a chronic disease that may come and go for many years.
Your child will need to follow the treatment plan outlined by her care team, and any changes should be carefully discussed among all members of her treatment team.
Are Natural Mood Stabilizers Safe
As with all treatments for mood disorders, it is recommended that patients speak with their doctors before altering their treatment regimen. Natural does not always mean safe and not all treatments are suited for all patients. Even two individuals suffering from the same mood disorder may not react the same way to any given mood stabilizer natural or not. However, in comparison to prescription drugs, most natural mood stabilizers are safe. The majority of supplements listed in this article are safe for consumption, but its important to do your own research about which one is best for you.
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Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Medication For Bipolar Disorder
Avoid antidepressants. The treatment for bipolar depression is different than for regular depression. In fact, antidepressants can actually make bipolar disorder worse or trigger a manic episode. Try mood stabilizers first and never take antidepressants without them.
Take advantage of natural mood stabilizers. Your lifestyle can have a huge impact on your symptoms. If you make healthy daily choices, you may be able to reduce the amount of medication you need. Mood stabilizers that dont require a prescription include keeping a strict sleep schedule, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and developing a solid support system.
Add therapy to your treatment plan. Research shows that people who take medication for bipolar disorder tend to recover much faster and control their moods better if they also get therapy. Therapy gives you the tools to cope with lifes difficulties, monitor your progress, and deal with the problems bipolar disorder is causing in your personal and professional life.
Continue taking medication, even after you feel better. The likelihood of having a relapse is very high if you stop taking your bipolar medication. Suddenly stopping medication is especially dangerous. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes, even if you believe you no longer need medication. Your doctor can help you make any adjustments safely.