Replies to '08/01 Extreme Highs and Lows'

Hi, I don't know what your first message said.  But as far as Electro convulsive therapy, it is a legitimate form of treatment for those who are medication resistant in the treatment of severe depression and even bipolar disorder.  They have used ECT for decades and there is so much knowledge about it today and it is much more controlled now with the use of  anesthia and muscle relaxants. My grandmother had ect back in the 70's and it is less "barbaric" now than it was thought of years ago.  It's also suppossed to be a very successful form of treatment when all else fails.  My doctor wanted me to have ECT because my illness was treatment resistant with drugs.   

You might want to research it more on your own, but I have known people who have had this treatment and they've had positive results. The one draw back is that there is short term memory loss and some people may require more sessions than others.    Good luck..... 

I know that when my dad was diagnosed about 30 years ago they used it and we were just talking to friend a few weeks ago and he was getting shock thereapy so it is used I just don't know how effective it is as the brain in a bipolar person is missing certain chemicals that is what the issue is I know that meds are what can help that and the right meds there are combinations that worked. so I hope that this answers your question

I was just sort of nervous about posting this url, because I had already pointed someone toward this site [though not this page of it] and I didn't want people to think that I was spamming.
But... this is some people who talk about ECT and there are some discussions about its validity and basic info.
Also info on neuro feedback and light boxes and maybe Vagal Nerve Stimulation. But i am not sure if that is there or somewhere else...
anyway. I thought it might be helpful, but I don't personally know enough info on it.

http://www.crazyboards.org/index.php?showforum=89

I am not a doctor and even close, but in some cases when nothing else works they may use electric treatments.  My sister, and my mother both have bipolar disorder, and it has been a consideration.   I found this on a website linked to my health insurance.    Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: 

Medications

The following medications may be used to treat bipolar disorder (many patients are treated with a combination of two or more of these medications):  

• Lithium – a mood stabilizer, often used as initial treatment (helps prevent manic and depressive episodes from returning)
• Valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine, topiramate, gabapentin (zonisamide, felbarnate) – anti-seizure medications, also used as mood stabilizers instead or in combination with lithium
• Benzodiazepines – clonazepam (Klonopin) or lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat agitation or insomnia
• Zolpidem (Ambien) – used to treat insomnia
• Antidepressants – serotonin reuptake inhibitors or bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used to treat depression
• Antipsychotic medications – used if patient exhibits psychotic behavior at extremes of mood; “classic” anti-psychotic medications [e.g., haloperidol (Haldol)] are not often used because of risks of tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements); “atypical” antipsychotic medications [e.g., risperidone (Risperdal)] are more effective with less risk of tardive dyskinesia

Treatment may need to be continued for prolonged periods or indefinitely, depending on the pattern of the illness, to prevent significant mood swings. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy may include:  

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Interpersonal therapy

  

Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy may be effective for both mania and depression when medications fail.  

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing bipolar disorder. 

RESOURCES:

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
http://www.bpkids.org 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org/ 

REFERENCES:

Belmaker R. Medical progress: bipolar disorder. N Eng J Med. 2004;351:476-486.  

Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm. Accessed November 10, 2005.  

Last reviewed November 2005 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH  

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. 

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

There was an article in the Boston Globe science/ health section this week on mood disorder medications. They briefly did a time line and mentioned the use of electric shock therapy for depression back in the 40s/50s. They mentioned how it was used innapropriately to control unruely hospital patients, and so fell out of favor. However, apparently there has been a resurgence of the therapy for use with depression. It did not mention anything about bi-polar. But I think it's smart of you to ask and you should definatley look into it more- internet's invaluable! But make sure they're reliable sources.