Symptoms, Diagnosis and Medication
for Bipolar Depression

Natural Treatments for Bipolar Depression

By Tess Thompson

Depression can be segmented into three general categories - mild, major, and severe. A depression case is classified as severe if the symptoms hamper normal functioning.

Typical symptoms of depression include prolonged feelings of intense sorrow and aversion to pleasurable activities. These symptoms are accompanied by sleeplessness or oversleeping, low self-esteem, excessive pessimism and guilt sentiments, among others. Clinical depression can destroy the life of the patient and the family members as well.  It ruins intellect by affecting the foundations of rationality.

Bipolar depression is a severe condition of depression that has manic undertones. The bipolar disease has cyclical episodes of depression and mania. Due to this cyclical nature, it is commonly known as manic depression.  Manic episodes can actually be violent and can also give rise to suicidal tendencies. In the bipolar II disorder, the manic phase that follows depression is much less severe in nature.
 
Like most other cases of depression, bipolar disorder is usually not recognized and accepted as a disease in its early stages. Many people who suffer from this condition do not even realize that they need some kind of treatment. Add the fear of social rejection, and we have a condition that remains untreated for a long time. But the fact remains that bipolar disorder is not likely to go away on its own. Unless some kind of a treatment regime is followed, the condition is only likely to get more severe with time.

Many times, patients suffering from bipolar disorders do not recognize their abnormal behavior or take initiatives for treating depression. In most cases, it is a family member that realizes the deviations in behavior and makes it apparent to the family. Often, the task of ensuring good medical care rests on the family members of the patient.

Physiological tests, like blood tests and brain scanning are unable to detect mental illnesses. All mental disorders, including bipolar disorder, are diagnosed by analyzing behavior patterns and performing psychological tests. Input from family and friends is extremely important in correct diagnosis.

Medication for bipolar disorder includes mood stabilizers, antidepressants and soporific drugs. As manic and depressive symptoms alternate based on the cyclic phase, the medication is given only after a keen understanding of the current phase. This requires a constant monitoring of symptoms so that the correct combination and dosage can be prescribed.

Bipolar disorder can last a lifetime. Though there is no known cure for the condition, a patient needs to be on medication at all times to ensure normal functioning.

Natural remedies for depression and psychosocial treatments prescribed by counselors or psychologists can help in a limited manner.

Diet management can significantly impact the proper functioning of the nervous system.  Foods rich in proteins, folic acid, B-vitamins and minerals have a positive effect on overall mental health. Treating depression naturally by using nutritional supplements like St. John’s Wort and fish oil can help intelligently manage mild cases of bipolar disorder.

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