Bipolar disorder (depressed)

Alternative names:

depressed phase of manic-depressive disorder

Treatment:

Hospitalization may be required during an acute phase to control the symptoms. Antidepressant drugs may be given. Lithium carbonate may be used as maintenance therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent the onset of mood swings. Anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine, Valproic acid, Depakote) may also be used.In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat persistent depression. ECT is a psychiatric treatment that causes a central nervous system seizure by means of an electrical current.Psychotherapy may also be needed for emotional support during the depressive phase.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

Expectations (prognosis):

For some people, lithium therapy has prevented recurrence of symptoms. In others, poor compliance with lithium therapy or unwanted side effects have made it less effective.

Complications:

• suicide potential during sustained depression.
• alcohol abuse and/or substance abuse

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you feel hopeless and helpless, you are not eating, eating irregularly, or losing weight, or you are eating all the time.