Bipolar Disorder
Epilepsy Drugs for Bipolar DisorderStudy Contradicts FDA, Finds Treatment Doesn't Raise Bipolar Suicide RiskBy Daniel J. DeNoon Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Dec. 8, 2009 -- Last January, the FDA warned of increased suicide risk among patients treated with epilepsy drugs. But a new study finds fewer suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder. Even though an outside panel of experts confirmed the link between suicide and treatment of bipolar disorder with antiseizure drugs, the panel voted against putting a strong "black box" warning on the drugs' labels. Now an analysis of new data by University of Chicago researcher Robert D. Gibbons, PhD, and colleagues suggests that epilepsy drugs actually decrease the risk of suicide in patients with bipolar disorder. Top Searched Bipolar Disorder Terms
symptoms, cause, diagnosis, treatment, medications, lithium, schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder OverviewBipolar disorder (BD) is a type of mood disorder. Bipolar disorder was called manic depression in the past, and that term is still used by some people. It is a psychiatric illness that causes major disruptions in lifestyle and health.
Most people start showing signs of bipolar disorder in their late teens (the average age of onset is 21 years). These signs may be dismissed as "growing pains" or normal teenage behavior. On occasion, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, but the condition can often be misdiagnosed at this age and improperly labeled as a behavioral problem. Bipolar disorder may not be properly diagnosed until the sufferer is 25-40 years old, at which time the pattern of symptoms may become clearer. Bipolar disorder occurs in both men and women. About 5.7 million people in the United States have the disorder. There is no racial group that is more afflicted by this disease. Because of the extreme and risky behavior that goes with bipolar disorder, it is very important that the disorder be identified. With proper and early diagnosis, this mental condition can be treated. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that will require proper management for the duration of a person's life. Next: Bipolar Disorder Causes » Viewer Comments & ReviewsBipolar Disorder (Mania) - Effective TreatmentsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
What kinds of treatments have been effective for your bipolar disorder (mania)? |
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Postpartum Depression Overview
You've just had a baby, one of the most important and happiest events in your life. "What could make a woman happier than a new baby?" you wonder. So why are you so sad?
We don't know for sure, but you are not alone. As many as 80% of women experience some mood disturbances after pregnancy ("postpartum"). They feel upset, alone, afraid, or unloving toward their baby, and guilt for having these feelings.
For most women, the symptoms are mild and go away on their own. But 10-20% of women develop a more disabling form of mood disorder called postpartum depression.
- The "baby blues" are a passing state of heightened emotions that occurs in about half of women who have recently given birth.
- This state peaks 3-5 days after delivery and lasts from several days to 2 weeks.
- A woman with the blues may cry more easily than usual and may have trouble sleeping or feel irritable, sad, and "on edg...
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Bipolar Affective Disorder »
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness (MDI), is one of the most common, severe, and persistent mental illnesses.
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