Why Is Bipolar Treatment Important?

Answer 1

In the days of Sylvia Plath's "Bell Jar", a Bipolar diagnosis would net patients a lengthy stay in the mental hospital, drug cocktails to fight psychosis and depression, and possibly even electroshock therapy. Today, most people view Bipolar disorder too lightly. Some even feel that it requires no treatment at all, seeing it merely as a sign of one gifted with an extremely creative mind. While it is true that some of our best and brightest artists, musicians and movie stars do suffer with Bipolar disorder, they do still need treatment to keep their symptoms manageable.

Persons with untreated Bipolar disorder can experience a variety of symptoms that range from the slightly bizarre to the completely debilitating. Failure to seek treatment for Bipolar disorder can lead to worsening of symptoms and increased duration of symptoms. Untreated, symptoms of a manic or depressive cycle may persist for up to six months. While having a full blown manic or depressive episode, patients may behave in ways that they later regret. They may engage in promiscuous behavior or self medicate with alcohol or other drugs. They may run up massive credit card bills they will later be unable to pay or make poor choices regarding payment of existing bills. Those that suffer from Bipolar disorder are also at an increased risk of suicide, the ultimate price for not seeking treatment.

Because symptoms may come and go with long periods of normal behavior in between episodes, family and friends will have to watch their loved ones with Bipolar disorder to ensure that they continue prescribed treatments during times when they may feel normal. It is not uncommon for those that have been diagnosed as Bipolar to doubt their diagnosis and cease treatment when they feel normal. Patients that cease their prescribed Bipolar treatment are more likely to succumb to suicide. Persons who receive regular Bipolar treatment may eventually experience complete relief from the symptoms of their disorder.