Preventative Care

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Nothing is known to prevent bipolar disorder. It is best to avoid drugs that may trigger the disease (such as cocaine or methamphetamine).

Relapses can be prevented or made less severe by following the treatment recommendations of your health care providers (see below). This includes taking medication as directed and attending counseling sessions.

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide

Patients with Bipolar often become suicidal. Suicidal symtoms include:

• talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
• feeling hopeless, that nothing will ever change or get better
• feeling helpless, that nothing one does makes any difference
• feeling like a burden to family and friends
• abusing alcohol or drugs
• putting affairs in order (e.g., organizing finances or giving away possessions to prepare for one's death)
• writing a suicide note
• putting oneself in harm's way, or in situations where there is a danger of being killed

If you are feeling suicidal or know someone who is:

• call a doctor, emergency room, or the emergency telephone number right away to get immediate help
• make sure you, or the suicidal person, are not left alone
• make sure that access is prevented to large amounts of medication, weapons, or other items that could be used for self-harm

Causes of Relapse of Bipolar Symptoms and Behaviors to Avoid

A combination of medication and therapy is often used to somewhat suppress the symptoms of Bipolar disorder. Even when on medication, some people might still experience weaker episodes or have a complete manic or depressive episode. There are several factors that could cause someone to relapse into mania or depression:

• Failure to continue taking the appropriate dose of medication
• Under or over medicated or on the wrong medication. Generally, taking a lower dosage of a mood stabilizer will cause the patient to relapse into mania. Taking a lower dosage of an antidepressant can cause the patient to relapse into depression, while overdosing can cause the patient to experience mania. Overdosing on either medication can cause serious liver problems and possibly other health problems. During treatment, blood levels are often checked to ensure the appropriate concentrations of the drug(s).
• Taking other medications that affect brain activity, or using recreational drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. For Bipolar patients, mind-altering drugs can cause severe damage.
• Not getting enough sleep can cause the patient to relapse into mania. It is also important that patients follow a consistent sleep schedule that includes 7-8 hours each night.
• Avoid caffiene. Excessive amounts can cause relapses into mania.
• Stress must also be managed appropriately. When not on medication, excessive stress can cause the patient to relapse into mania or depression. Medication raises the stress threshold somewhat, but too much stress can still cause relapses.

What Helps?

A major key to establishing good sleep hygiene is going to bed and waking up at a regular hour. For those who continue to experience difficulties, talking therapy can help, as well as sleeping pills and wakefulness agents.

Diet is crucial to good mood. When choosing a healthy diet, there are no right or wrong choices, though in general high fat, high sugar, and high carb diets should be avoided, and junk foods, caffeine and alcohol restricted.

Attending a support group, whether online or in person, has been shown to have positive benefits; reducing depression and stress. In lieu of a support group, family support and support from trusted friends is crucial.

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Reviewed: 03/2006