Interventions for ADHD: Managing ADHD for Better Social Functioning

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_D_Wilson]Alex D Wilson
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental problem characterized by consistent and abnormal hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive behaviors among children and adults. Less than 20 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD outgrow this condition, but for many it stays. Therefore, interventions for ADHD are extremely important because if left untreated it might lead to learning disabilities in school, difficulty in keeping a job, substance and alcohol abuse and problems with the law later in life.
It is possible for children who have this condition to live normally functioning and happy lives. In fact, some notable people in history have this condition and to name a few they are Mozart, Einstein and Benjamin Franklin. It is normal for many parents to feel distressed that their child has ADHD. The good news is among the long list of mental health disorders, ADHD is the most manageable and treatable disease.
ADHD Background
ADHD is a condition brought about by the mutation of the genes assigned to control the neurotransmitters. Studies have shown that people with the condition have higher levels of neurotransmitters compared to those who are not suffering with ADHD.
This condition affects a person's major executive functions such as planning, organization, memory, regulating speech, flexibility and separating reason from emotion.
Some of the common symptoms are excessive running and climbing even in inappropriate situations; going in and out the classroom, even when the teachers expect the whole class to remain seated, carelessness in answering tests, not listening when spoken to and difficulty in sustaining activities.
Studies have shown that the condition is worsened by family problems, abuse and neglect and deaths or separation in the family. Foods with colorings and additives can also worsen the problem; that is why as part of the interventions for ADHD is providing natural and well-balanced meals.
ADHD Treatment/Management
There are four major approaches used as interventions for ADHD today. They are home interventions, medical, psychotherapy and life style changes.
Under home interventions parents implement structured activities at home, reduce distractions such as computer games and TV viewing, positive reinforcement of good behavior and looking for activities that the child is good at.
For the medical approach, doctors would prescribe psycho stimulants. The medicine works by stimulating and increasing activity in the brain where there is a neurotransmitter imbalance. Drugs that are considered as psycho stimulants are dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate. These drugs can cost from $50 to $200 per month depending on the dosage and brand. However, there are negative side-effects observed when taking the drugs: low appetite, sleep disturbances, lethargy and anxiety are just some of them. Many children adjust and build tolerance to the drugs within few days. Those who are suffering with depression and who also have bipolar disorder are highly vulnerable to the side-effects. Studies have shown that those who are taking the drugs are more functional and are living a better quality of life compared to those who do not.
Taking supplements will also fall under the medical interventions for ADHD, but it will fall under the "natural medicine" category. Studies have shown that fish oil and zinc will greatly improve the symptoms of ADHD among children.
Psychotherapy is one of the most common interventions for ADHD, and it includes ADHD coaching, group support, counseling and family therapy. This type of intervention will help enhance focus, and assist a person with ADHD to cope and function socially.
Lastly, a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) can greatly improve the quality of life and functioning of people with ADHD. Studies have linked ADHD to diet. Hyperactive children are sensitive to sugar and caffeine. Cutting out sugar, chocolate and fried foods, avoiding food colorings and MSG and any kind of processed meat will greatly improve a child's ADHD symptoms. A daily vigorous one hour play outside will also improve a child's mood, concentration and attention level.
Alex D Wilson has studied and written widely on subject of alternative medicine. To discover more about [http://listolreview.org]natural remedies for ADHD visit his website at [http://listolreview.org]http://listolreview.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Interventions-for-ADHD:-Managing-ADHD-for-Better-Social-Functioning&id=6390413] Interventions for ADHD: Managing ADHD for Better Social Functioning

Ideal Diet for ADHD: A Natural and Sustainable Health Solution for Children and Adults

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_D_Wilson]Alex D Wilson
Recent clinical findings have shown that prescription pills for ADHD management can cause a long list of side effects such as stunted growth, hallucinations, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, heart problems and chromosome damage (which opens the door to cancer). Hence, there is a shift to the natural approach to ADHD intervention today, and one of them is changing the diets of people with ADHD. What is the best diet for ADHD?
Diet plays a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms and in the treatment of ADHD; however, there is no single diet that will work for all. This is because ADHD is a spectrum disorder. Every person who has it is biologically unique and needs individualized treatment intervention. Perhaps the right question should be what is the diet that would best suit your loved one who has ADHD?
Children and adults with ADHD are observed to have nutrient deficiencies; they have low levels of zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron and fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) in the body. Certain foods such as sugar, caffeine, carbohydrates, wheat, dairy and food additives are observed to worsen the disorder. It has been found that the most effective diet for ADHD has two components: the supplementation of nutrient deficiencies and the avoidance of foods that exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.
Prior to trying out any kind of diet for ADHD it is advised that one needs to consult a medical doctor first to insure that the diet plan is ideal for one's specific health condition.
Elimination of foods
No food is proven to cause ADHD; however, studies have shown that certain foods can worsen the symptoms of ADHD, for example food additives (artificial coloring, artificial sweetener and artificial preservatives) because they trigger allergies and increase the manifestations of ADHD. Organophosphate, which is commonly found in non-organically grown vegetables and fruits, also causes short-term memory problems, behavioral changes and affects brain development. Hence, people with ADHD are advised to eat organic or home grown vegetables only and resist eating foods that have synthetic ingredients and preservatives.
Elimination diets that are commonly used by people with ADHD are the gluten free diet (no carbohydrates from wheat), Feingold diet (no additives diet) and Casein free diet (no protein from milk products).
Supplementary Diet
An ideal supplementary diet for ADHD is one that is loaded with vegetables, legumes and fruits. This is because these plants are rich in polyphenols. Polyphenol is not only beneficial in fighting and treating cancer, it enhances the brain cognition, memory and over all functioning. The Mediterranean Diet is known to promote longevity, but it is the best brain diet too. It is therefore, an ideal supplementary diet for ADHD. However, children can be picky eaters and people's fast paced lifestyle makes it impossible to prepare home cooked meals all the time. To bridge the gap for dietary deficiency people with ADHD will benefit a lot if they also take homeopathic ADHD supplements. Such supplements are rich in omega 3, iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc. Studies have shown that people with ADHD benefit a lot when they take homeopathic ADHD pills.
Alex Wilson has studied and written widely on subject of alternative medicine. To discover more about [http://listolreview.org]natural remedies for ADHD visit his website at [http://listolreview.org]http://listolreview.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ideal-Diet-for-ADHD:-A-Natural-and-Sustainable-Health-Solution-for-Children-and-Adults&id=6392623] Ideal Diet for ADHD: A Natural and Sustainable Health Solution for Children and Adults

ADHD Remedies: Four Ways to Beat ADHD

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_D_Wilson]Alex D Wilson
ADHD is a chronic and lifelong health situation that requires sustainable, effective and safe management, otherwise this ailment would lead to learning and development disabilities, serious behavioral problems and social malfunctioning later in life. There are four major ADHD remedial procedures that are a presently vailable: prescription drugs, behavioral modification, psychotherapy, and ADHD diet in conjunction with homeopathic supplements.
ADHD Prescription Drugs
Dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate are psycho-stimulants used to stimulate the brain in order to increase brain activities in areas where there is neurotransmitter imbalance. Makers of the drugs claim that 80 percent of the recipients of the drugs are showing positive response. However, there are side effects to the drugs and prolonged use can be dangerous. In fact, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) have put in place a black box warning concerning ADHD drugs today. According to the FDA warning, prolonged use of ADHD drugs will result in the following: serious cardiovascular episodes, psychotic episodes, intolerance and varying degrees of abnormal behaviors and increased risk for suicide. Withdrawal from the drugs can result to depression or over-activity. Prolonged use can also result in drug dependence.
There is much evidence to suggest that the negative effects of psycho-stimulants outweigh their positive effects. Hence parents feel doubtful of this intervention and they would like to find other ADHD remedies.
Behavioral Modification
This type of intervention works well if implemented together with other ADHD remedies. For children and adolescents this has three elements: special education treatment, classroom modification techniques and parents being trained for effective child behavior management.
Children with ADHD will benefit a lot from parents who are predictable, consistent, firm and who are good role models. Positive reinforcement of good behavior, establishing a structured daily routine, giving clear and simple instructions, reducing destructions (TV and video games) and engaging the child in mind-developing and constructive activities will greatly improve a child's behavior.
Psychotherapy
ADHD needs to be dealt with at a holistic level because children are also affected by their environment. Family therapy is an integral part of the psychotherapy program for ADHD patients. Parents and other members of the family need to receive counseling to help them cope and adjust to living life with a child who has been diagnose with ADHD.
Individual counseling, coaching and group support are some of the very essential ADHD remedies available through psychotherapy.
ADHD Diet and Homeopathic Medicines
A number of studies reveal that there is a connection between diet and ADHD. Food additives can worsen the symptoms of ADHD; proper diet is required to balance the vitamin and mineral deficiencies observed in people with ADHD in order to maximize their brain functioning.
One of the best ADHD remedies is to eliminate junk foods and processed foods from the child's diet and to provide instead healthy, home cooked meals consisting of legumes, vegetables, fruits and grains. The diet can also be supplemented with specially formulated ADHD homeopathic supplements that have magnesium, iron, zinc and omega 3 and 6. Proper diet and taking homeopathic ADHD supplements is proving to be a better alternative to taking ADHD prescription drugs; it proven to be safe, effective, affordable and sustainable lifetime treatment plan for ADHD.
Alex Wilson has studied and written widely on subject of alternative medicine. To discover more about [http://listolreview.org]natural remedies for ADHD visit his website at [http://listolreview.org]http://listolreview.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?ADHD-Remedies:-Four-Ways-to-Beat-ADHD&id=6392809] ADHD Remedies: Four Ways to Beat ADHD

Support for ADHD Sufferers and Parents

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_D_Wilson]Alex D Wilson
Support for ADHD sufferers and their parents is extremely important because it is the key to ADHD survival. Coping with ADHD can be equally difficult for both child and parents. For ADHD sufferers the difficulty of coping in school, keeping a stable and successful job, maintaining a happy relationship with a partner and keeping a functional family life can be tremendous. Among parents of children with ADHD, it is common for them to feel isolated, frustrated, stressed and to struggle with guilt. Hence, it is important for all of them to get all the help they could get to survive ADHD.
Online is a goldmine of support for ADHD sufferers and parents. Online organizations provide support, information, advices and share resources and experiences that will help in dealing with ADHD.
HADD
This is a family support group that was organized and established 25 years ago by parents of children suffering with ADHD. The organization is based in Ireland, and the name is an acronym for Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder. The mission of the organization is to provide support to ADHD sufferers and their parents by raising ADHD awareness, providing support to those who have to deal with the disease and sharing experiences and ADHD information. The organization is open for adults with ADHD, parents of children who have ADHD and health professionals. (   rel=nofollow http://www.hadd.ie/ )
Conduct Disorders
This is not an online support group, but it is an online community for all parents who are raising children who are difficult and resistant to traditional or normal parenting approach or style. This organization is not exclusive for parents with children who have ADHD only. Members help one another by coming up with an intervention plan that will possibly work for a specific child. The organization also serves as an online resource that will help parents with children who have ADHD make educated and well-informed decisions about their children's future. (   rel=nofollow http://www.conductdisorders.com/ )
MOMS with ADHD
An important online informal support for ADHD sufferers who are mothers. Mothers can discuss online their parenting ADHD issues and find support through online forums. Also, the website provides helpful and educational articles on how to deal with ADHD and children with ADHD.
Other online support groups worth checking are CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) and the New Zealand ADHD Support Group.
There are many online support organizations and groups for ADHD sufferers and their parents; reach out and maximize the use of help available online to successfully deal with ADHD.
Alex Wilson has studied and written widely on subject of alternative medicine. To discover more about [http://listolreview.org]natural remedies for ADHD visit his website at [http://listolreview.org]http://listolreview.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Support-for-ADHD-Sufferers-and-Parents&id=6392881] Support for ADHD Sufferers and Parents

The Link Between Panic Attacks and Menopause

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Beth_I_Kaminski]Beth I Kaminski
Panic attacks happen to everyone, to teenagers and adult men and women alike. However, not many people are aware of the fact that women who are in the perimenopausal and menopausal stages are also susceptible from panic disorders. When they are in the initial phase of menopause, women may fear that something unfortunate would happen soon. The anxiety leads to such attacks. It has been said by the medical experts that the hormonal changes have psychological and physical effects. They can make women more fidgety for no reason at all. It is imperative that everyone be educated with the link between panic disorders and menopause so that they can be guided accordingly.
The symptoms are just the same. It includes rapid breathing, dizziness, chest pains, hot flashes or sudden chills and even fainting at times. There are different things that can trigger a menopausal panic attack. Most of the time, it is linked with the changes in the hormonal levels as hormonal imbalances can induce more stress. Of course, there are still the frequent problems that can contribute into the occurrence of an attack. Worries about job, family and other things can be the causes. At times, it is not triggered by anything. They can come unannounced.
If left untreated, it can lead to phobia. Frequent panic attacks can worsen your physical and mental health in the long run that is why it is important that it will be dealt with as soon as possible. Do not lose heart though as you are not totally powerless to shield yourself from it. Prevention is better than cure so they say. You can help yourself. Follow the tips below.
� Acceptance is important. If you would admit that you have attacks at some time, the thought will penetrate into your system and it will help you to guide yourself with the symptoms you would experience.
� Identify what makes you feel afraid and what triggers it? Although the attacks may happen anytime and the fear you would feel does not have any connection with your actual situation, there might be a pattern you can find if you will look at what happened previously. Try to find out what can causes your depression and deal with it once you did.
� Keep in your mind that menopause does not and cannot make a person insane. Yes, you might be experiencing fear for no reason at all but that may be caused by the hormonal changes in your body and not your own doing.
� Find something worthwhile you can do. Divert your attention to activities that are beneficial so that your focus will be shifted from what causes your anxieties. Get a hobby.
� Do not blame other people. Remember that it is no one's fault. Treating someone badly and then realizing afterward that you should not have done it will only contribute to your stress that might already be too high. If you will be able to maintain good relationship with key people around you, you will cope up with your panic disorder faster.
� Make it a point that you relax. Take a break from the stressful work. Even mommies can have a day off. Learn relaxation techniques like proper breathing as it will come in handy when you are in the middle of a stressful situation. Doing yoga in a regular basis proves to be beneficial. Find a "safety valve" that will suit you.
� Hormonal replacement therapy and some supplements may help you. This can alleviate menopausal symptoms. If you would stay healthy, physically and mentally during the premenopausal and menopausal stages, there will be lesser chances that you would have episodes of panic attacks.
� Learn breathing techniques. Deep breathing eases the tension in the body and relaxes stiffened muscles. You can seek help from vocal coaches on how you can do it effectively.
Women who are in the menopausal stage and experience panic attacks, should not take it lightly as it can have adverse effects if you will not do anything to cure panic attacks. Aside from the additional discomfort to menopausal symptoms that it can bring about, the attacks can lead to agoraphobia and may interfere with your life. It may ruin your job, your family and everything else that is important to you. At the onset of the warning signs, it will be best to consult your doctor right away.
Article by Beth Kaminski who is an expert in anxiety disorder. For more information on [http://www.anxietydisordercure.com]natural treatments anxiety, visit her site today.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Link-Between-Panic-Attacks-and-Menopause&id=6400860] The Link Between Panic Attacks and Menopause

Remedies for ADHD: Better Alternatives to ADHD Prescription Pills

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_D_Wilson]Alex D Wilson
Studies have shown that prescription drugs for ADHD can do more harm than good. In fact, like cigarettes they come with a black box warning from the FDA that prolonged use can result in heart problems, psychotic episodes and even abuse. Children who are given ADHD drugs have higher chances of developing drug tolerance too. There are alternative remedies for ADHD and they are proven to be effective, safe and affordable. These alternative remedies for ADHD do not only treat the symptoms, they also address the root cause of the problem.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses needles to activate pressure points to restore balance in the body. Children who have received this treatment are reported to have shown better performance in school, less agitated, have increased attention span, sleep well and relaxed. Among the alternative remedies for ADHD this one is gaining so much popularity among medical doctors. In fact, even some medical insurers today already cover this alternative form of treatment.
Biofeedback
Among the alternative remedies for ADHD this one used to be the most controversial because some claimed that its effects are only placebo. However, over the past two decades biofeedback has been very successful in treating ADHD and other forms of mental health disorders. A research study done by the Rationale and Empirical Foundation revealed that 75 percent of children with ADHD had positive response to biofeedback as a treatment. It works by normalizing the abnormal brain rhythms. The patient is made to wear a head gear with sensors while watching a computer screen. The scene on the screen correlates the person's brain activity. The patient moves the characters on the screen using his or her brain activities. This activity teaches the patient to control his/her brain to have better behavior control.
Meditation
A 20 minute mental quietness a day can greatly benefit the nervous system. It changes such body functions as blood circulation, breathing and stress hormone regulation. Meditation can promote connectedness to the frontal areas of the brain that controls executive functions in the body. Children with ADHD who are doing meditation every day at school are observed to have low stress level, improved academic performance and improved memory.
Homeopathic Medicine
ADHD symptoms can be treated naturally using herbs and supplements. Supplements such as iron, zinc and magnesium will help maximize brain functioning. Herbs like gingko biloba, red clover blossom, kava kava, chamomile and goto kola can reduce anxiety and stress, boost memory power and concentration and increase blood flow to improve brain functioning.
ADHD is a difficult and challenging affliction, but it can be managed if one is using the right intervention program. Alternative remedies for ADHD are a largely accepted reality even in conventional medicine. They are effective and safe and are worthy of every consideration.
Alex Wilson has studied and written widely on the subject of alternative medicine. To discover more about [http://listolreview.org]natural remedies for ADHD visit his website at [http://listolreview.org]http://listolreview.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Remedies-for-ADHD:-Better-Alternatives-to-ADHD-Prescription-Pills&id=6403375] Remedies for ADHD: Better Alternatives to ADHD Prescription Pills

ADHD Inattentive: Silent ADHD Subtype - What You Should Know

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_D_Wilson]Alex D Wilson
ADHD inattentive is one of the three sub-types of ADHD. Its manifestations are forgetfulness, procrastination, inattention, low concentration, lethargy and sluggishness. Children who are afflicted with this mental disorder are generally misunderstood by teachers and parents as irresponsible, immature, careless and lazy. This ADHD subtype is more common among girls than boys and usually goes undiagnosed because those who have it are not disruptive in school or at home. As a result, children who have the disorder and remain undiagnosed have higher chances of dropping out of school or failing in their academic endeavors.
Later in life those who have ADHD inattentive will most likely have problems in maintaining personally satisfactory relationships and keeping a good job. Growing-up burdened with negative labeling is likely to have a negative impact on children's self-esteem and could well result in the development of other mental- health disorders such as (but not limited to) promiscuity, anxiety and depression. The good news is people who have this ADHD subtype have lower risks of becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol and having issues with the law compared to the other two ADHD subtypes where high risk and thrill seeking behaviors are very dominant.
ADHD inattentive is genetic and 70 percent of those who have the disease also have blood relatives who have the same condition. This condition is due to the chemical imbalance in the neural networks; hence, it affects the general cognitive abilities and the brain's executive functions. This condition is diagnosed through a standard questionnaire containing symptoms questions for parents and teachers to answer.
The first line of intervention is the use of ADHD prescription drugs. However, the drug will only address the symptoms, but can never actually cure the disease. The effects of the drugs are temporary, and there is also a growing concern about the side-effects brought about by the long-term use of drugs. The disability usually coexists with other conditions such as depression, oppositional and defiant behavior, anxiety and depression and conduct disorder. Those who have coexisting mental issues are highly at risk of psychotic and suicidal episodes if they take ADHD drugs and as a result require constant monitoring. Some parents resort to alternative interventions such as meditation; homeopathic medicine and ADHD diet because they are known to alleviate the symptoms of the disease without any side effects.
Behavioral modification techniques can also help manage ADHD inattentive. Giving the child a daily schedule to follow, being consistent about rules, helping a child staying organized and rewarding good behavior and giving short, simple and easy to under instructions will help a lot. It is also very important that parents should establish good rapport with the teacher to be able to closely monitor the ADHD inattentive child's progress in school and make follow-ups at home
Alex Wilson has studied and written widely on subject of alternative medicine. To discover more about [http://listolreview.org]natural remedies for ADHD visit his website at [http://listolreview.org]http://listolreview.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?ADHD-Inattentive:-Silent-ADHD-Subtype---What-You-Should-Know&id=6406043] ADHD Inattentive: Silent ADHD Subtype - What You Should Know

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell]Andrew Bicknell
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects people during the winter months. It generally begins as the days shorten in September and begins to go away as spring begins in April. Also known as winter depression, seasonal affective disorder is responsible for around 10% of all cases of major depression. Research has also shown that SAD is more prevalent and lasts longer in the higher latitudes. It is not disorder that is found in more tropical latitudes.
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are much the same as major depression and include:
� Sleep disorders - Chronic fatigue, oversleeping but not feeling rested and needing afternoon naps.
� Depression and anxiety - Daily tasks that are normally accomplished easily become frustrating to do.
� Weight gain - Cravings for sugar and carbohydrates leads to weight gain.
� Family and social withdrawal - Sufferer becomes increasingly anti-social and irritable.
� Physical symptoms - Stomach and digestive problems, muscle pain and joint pain and headaches.
As spring approaches some individuals who suffer from seasonal affective disorder may begin to exhibit signs of mania and have boundless energy and creativity. If these seasonal episodes of depression and mania are severe enough the sufferer may diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
The cause of SAD according to most research is a lack of bright light. It is thought that bright light sends signals to the brain suppressing the release of melatonin. Melatonin is released during periods of dim light or darkness and helps the body relax and sleep. Research has also found that while an increase in melatonin exists in the brain chemistry serotonin is not properly being accessed across neurons in the brain. Serotonin is considered the happy hormone and depressed individuals nearly always have low levels of it.
The treatment for seasonal affective disorder is exposure to bright light. During the winter months with cold temperatures and short days those afflicted with this type of depression do not get enough light exposure. Although outdoor light is the best treatment sitting in front of a 2500 to 10,000 lux light for 15 to 45 minutes per day will normally alleviate the symptoms.
Just how bright is 2500 lux light? It's five times brighter then a normally lit office and most living room lights are normally around 100 lux. So simply sitting in your home with all the lights turned on will not be enough to banish the symptoms.
For more severe cases of SAD light therapy may need to be augmented with anti-depressant medications and psychological therapy. It is important that anyone who thinks they may suffer from seasonal affective disorder to seek treatment from their doctor or therapist.
Andrew Bicknell is a writer, Webmaster and the owner of [http://depression.health-choices-net.com]Depression and You. Visit his website for more information about [http://depression.health-choices-net.com]Seasonal Affective Disorder and other depressive disorders.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-(SAD)&id=6408750] What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Treating Bipolar Disorder With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell]Andrew Bicknell
Omega-3 fatty acids, otherwise known as fish oil, have been shown to stabilize the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder. Yes, that's right, fish oil.
Researchers at Harvard University back in 1999 made a very amazing discovery. During a research study involving omega-3s and people with bipolar disorder it was discovered that those taking fatty acid supplements made such striking progress in regards to mood stabilization that the experiment was stopped after 4 months so that the control patients, those taking placebos, could start taking fish oil. All of the people in the study suffered from bipolar disorder.
The study was initially setup with 35 test subjects. During the test they continued to take their normal bipolar medication. Among the 15 that took the fatty acids 11 of them improved after 4 months and 2 of those suffered eventual relapses. The control group of 20 was given olive oil and of those only 6 of the 20 showed any improvement and 11 experienced a relapse. The patients taking the omega-3 fatty acids had longer periods of remission and when their symptoms did reappear they were less severe.
In fact some of the patients were able to stop taking their prescription medications and remain symptom free on the supplements alone. While there were some side affects such as nausea, belching, fishy taste and loose stools, these were minor compared to the side affects of more powerful bipolar drugs and easily controlled.
Because of the relative short amount of time since this study was done the long term benefits or detriments of using fish oil to treat bipolar disorder are not known. What is interesting about this study is it shows that dietary therapy can be as effective for a major illness as prescription drugs.
So how do omega-3 fatty acids help with bipolar disorder? No one really knows. Fish oil is made up of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s tend to concentrate in the eyes and brain, where they are present in cell membranes. It may be that eating fish oil increases the concentration of omega-3s in neuronal membranes, and thereby slows nerve signaling, which in turn may stabilize mood.
There is some evidence that omega-6 fatty acids such as found in vegetable oils, margarine, and mayonnaise may negate the beneficial effects of omega-3s. Accordingly, patients taking fish oil for their bipolar disorder should probably decrease their intake of omega-6s.
Although fish oil has shown great promise in the treatment of bipolar disorder it is important that anyone suffering from this disease not treat themselves and use omega-3s under the care of their doctor or therapist.
Andrew Bicknell is a writer, Webmaster and the owner of [http://depression.health-choices-net.com]Depression and You. Visit his website for more information about [http://depression.health-choices-net.com]depression and other depressive disorders.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Treating-Bipolar-Disorder-With-Omega-3-Fatty-Acids&id=6410707] Treating Bipolar Disorder With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Connecting the Dots From the Gut to the Mind

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tamara_Yapp]Tamara Yapp
Is your gut writing checks your brain can't cash?
It seems like a lifetime ago that I used to eat buckets of red licorice to help me stop fretting over CJ's illness and think nothing of it...I honestly had no idea what harm I was really doing.
If someone would have told me that my gut was truly the one steering my ship and not my brain, I would have laughed. But it's true, you are not in control of your life if your body is filled with bad bacteria. I decided to take control of mine. How about you? I consider this article life changing to learn.
You may take this for granted, and it might sound silly to ask, but do you often feel overwhelmed? Plagued with anxiety and panic attacks to the point that you can't function half as well as you really should? Do you know things just aren't right?
Worse yet, do you have no idea why you feel this way?
Nobody likes to talk about mental illness, and no one wants to believe their stress might be a more serious problem. Unfortunately, mental disease is an often-silent terror that's severely misunderstood, and as a result, isn't dealt with the way it should be. Prescription pills are the common solution, but medication should never be the first option - it only masks the problem, leaving you numb and clueless as to what was going wrong in the first place.
This has to change, and it has to change soon. Thankfully, I discovered that you can combat the scourge of mental illness right from your kitchen.
A new study has just confirmed what my family and I found out some time ago - that your digestive health has a direct and significant impact on your mental health and behavior.
The study was done by McMaster University and found that when gut bacteria are disrupted, the body experiences an increase of brain derived neutrotrophic factor (BDNF) that has been linked to depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, it confirmed that when gut bacteria are restored to their natural, optimal state, brain function returned to normal and the symptoms of depression and anxiety vanished.
This isn't the only way your digestion affects your mental health: bipolar disease, savage road rage, out of control PMS symptoms - all of these extreme emotional implosions and explosions can be caused by a lack of neurotransmitters in our brains and bodies. These neurotransmitters are fueled by amino acids, which can only be delivered to your body through a properly functioning digestive system. As such, if your digestive system is out of whack, you're possibly short on amino acids and therefore your neurotransmitters are likely shot - it's a dangerous situation that can potentially open the door to all kinds of mental health trouble.
If you're confused or frustrated, don't worry. It's really very simple.
What I always say is "be good to your gut, and it will be good to you." Think of it as your body's processing system - it's where your food is digested, and where so many of the nutrients, minerals and amino acids you need are extracted or created before being redistributed around your body, especially to your brain. Specifically, it's the gut bacteria (what I like to call your "gut bugs") that live in your digestive system that are responsible for carrying out this processing work. If your "gut bugs" are depleted - as seen in the study - your body has no way to get what it needs, and regular functions like your mental health may easily deteriorate.
So how are you destroying those helpful "gut bugs"? Antibiotics do it, as can stress and environment, but the sad truth is that the average American diet of processed foods does plenty of damage all on its own, slowly killing your supply of "gut bugs" without replacing them. You can address this by adding more fresh foods and quality probiotics to your diet to replenish your supply of friendly gut bacteria. In turn, this will boost your body full of beneficial amino acids that will set your brain on a path to calm and healing.
The wonders of probiotics are just being discovered by modern medicine, but many ancient cultures understood and harnessed this power through fermented foods, many of which are still with us today. We've developed a series of fermented, probiotic drinks that are a tasty, refreshing addition to your family's diet and can restore the good bacteria in your belly.
May was Mental Health Month, and there sadly wasn't enough discourse to be found about the impact of diet and digestion on mental health. Based on figures reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the year 2020 will see mental disorders surpass physical ones as the leading cause of disability worldwide. As we get closer to that date, we'll hopefully see more studies linking mental health and digestion, but you shouldn't wait until then. By paying closer attention to what you're putting in your body, you can greatly reduce the chances of mental disease in your family, as well as the overwhelming frustration and anxiety hijacking your thoughts and feelings every day. It's not a burden you have to live with.
If you take care of your gut, it will take care of you!
The company's CEO and Founder Tamara Yapp, a mother of seven and wife, is the lively, relatable host of http://www.RealFoodRealLife.tv She created this company and this show to provide information on the newest and most effective ways to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Connecting-the-Dots-From-the-Gut-to-the-Mind&id=6360523] Connecting the Dots From the Gut to the Mind

Supporting a Bipolar Family Member

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lesley_Berk]Lesley Berk
Family members respond differently to bipolar in the family. For some there may be a sense of relief that the extreme mood and behavior has a name and can be treated. Others may find it difficult to accept the diagnosis and attribute the person's behavior to their personality, stress or some outside factor. Commonly, there are times of sadness, anger and grief both for the changes that occur in the person and their relationship. There is also the worry; what effect will the bipolar disorder have on their loved one's future and how will the family cope with a bipolar family member?
It is vital to keep in mind that there are a number of bipolar medical treatments and helpful strategies to deal with bipolar and many people live well despite the illness. However, bipolar disorder can affect people differently. Some people have very frequent episodes. At the other extreme, others seldom become unwell. Many people with bipolar suffer from ongoing mild symptoms. Even mild depressive symptoms can affect their daily functioning. People with bipolar need to be aware of their vulnerability to overstimulation and sleep disruption as these can trigger mania or hypomania. In addition to taking bipolar medication, altering and regulating their lifestyles helps many people keep well. Appropriate support from loved ones can also make things a lot easier.
If you have a bipolar spouse who seldom has a bipolar episode and is mostly symptom free, your relationship may not change much, except when they become ill. Bipolar in the family can mean that you need to take on extra responsibilities at home or financially. Nevertheless, you may enjoy being with the interesting and creative person you married and respect their courage in dealing with bipolar. However, if they are frequently unwell, there may be little time to relax or enjoy usual leisure activities. You may feel very grown up and alone as you try to hold your bipolar family together. Every relationship has its ups and downs and bipolar can make conflict worse. You may wish you could regain some of the more equal and rewarding relationship or family life you once had.
Coping with bipolar family member can be challenging for other types of family members too. It can be very distressing for a parent when their child is ill. Having an adult child with bipolar can make it hard to know when to step in, especially if they are struggling to manage their illness and experiencing some of the more severe bipolar effects (e.g. financial consequences or relationship breakdown). Some adult children with a bipolar parent may feel that they have always had a parental role. Siblings may feel left out, as if the focus is always on their bipolar sister or bipolar brother. They may worry that they will get bipolar too.
Research has shown that bipolar carers or caregivers are at increased risk of developing depression and other health problems. Bipolar family members may neglect their own health (e.g. not exercise, eat unhealthy food, miss necessary medical appointments, even neglect their own hygiene) as they devote themselves to caring for their unwell relative. Don't ignore signs that you are becoming stressed or depressed. There are helpful ways to cope when a loved one has bipolar.
If you are coping with a bipolar family member, for information and bipolar family support see:
  rel=nofollow http://www.bipolarcaregivers.org/taking-care-of-yourself
Lesley Berk is a psychologist with many years of clinical experience and is currently doing a PhD, working on a project to develop a freely accessible information website for close family and friends of people with bipolar disorder, [http://www.bipolarcaregivers.org]http://www.bipolarcaregivers.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Supporting-a-Bipolar-Family-Member&id=6419834] Supporting a Bipolar Family Member

Food, Mood and Time Of Day

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Delia_McCabe]Delia McCabe
What You Eat And At What Time, Can Influence How You Feel During The Different Stages Of The Day
Your body and brain require different nutrients at different times of the day, and when you know what they are, you can maximize your effectiveness.
As the day starts you need specific neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, as well as noradrenaline and nor epinephrine levels to rise. They give you the alertness and focus required to start your day off being wide-awake.
Interestingly, even while you are still sleeping, your levels of cortisol start rising, which is part of the reason that you wake when the sun rises. Your brain has been preparing you to wake up, by releasing hormones that will stimulate you.
Low levels of these hormones, could be due to low levels of their precursors namely amino acids, two being particularly important, namely tyrosine and phenylalanine. Therefore, a breakfast with protein rich foods will ensure your feeling of alertness will extend into the late morning.
Consuming low fructose fruit and nuts, with a whole-grain cereal is a good start, as are some free-range eggs, with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
If you're not a breakfast person, think about a good, nutrient dense green drink, that has lots of natural vitamins and minerals in it, or a simple smoothie, with your choice of milk, a frozen banana, some frozen berries and nuts. It's easy to throw your Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) into this blend, and whiz up a creamy, tasty nutritious breakfast.
Having a mid morning snack, of a carbohydrate and a protein, such as an apple and some almonds, means that your blood glucose will remain stable, and you'll get some good fats and protein to keep your brain - and body, nourished till lunchtime.
As your brain is the most energy hungry organ in your body, you should remember to keep it well nourished, and supplied with the nutrients that will keep you feeling alert, and positive. Its primary source of fuel is carbohydrates, but it requires protein to produce the neurotransmitters that are the communicators between neurons, so if you run short on them, your neurons will battle to talk to each other, so you could end up being irritable, unable to focus, or learn, and of course your memory will suffer too.
Acetylcholine, is another important neurotransmitter, which is intimately involved in forming memories, and it is made up of choline, which is found in eggs and lecithin, a derivative of soya beans, as well as peanuts, brussels sprouts, wild salmon, cauliflower and almonds, beef, and liver, although liver isn't recommended, as the liver is the detoxifying organ of the body, and would therefore be full of toxic compounds from the animal.
Choose organic animal products, for health reasons.
Lunch should comprise of unrefined carbohydrates, whether you choose a salad, or whole grain sandwich, just ensure you also have some good protein with them.
Choose either a vegetarian source of protein, such as legumes, or nuts, or an organic animal source. This is also a great time to add your EFA's as they will keep your blood sugar even until your afternoon snack, which should once again be a combination of unrefined, unprocessed carbohydrate and protein.
You may choose to snack on come sun dried tomatoes and macadamia nuts, or celery sticks and natural, uncolored hard cheese, but ensure you eat something nutritious before the afternoon slump hits you, and you reach for a junky chocolate instead.
If you choose to consume refined carbohydrates, you will end up having a glucose high, and a false sense of energy, followed soon after by an energy slump, when your blood glucose dips again, and you'll end up feeling fidgety, irritable, as well as tired, and unfocused.
This is when you end up reading a page, and wondering what you've just read, only to start at the beginning again. This is because your brain has run out of energy, due to your poor food choices.
Dinner should once again be a balanced meal, with wholesome, unrefined carbohydrates, good, clean protein, and should be consumed before 7pm.
When your stomach is full, trying to digest its contents, your sleep will not be restorative and rejuvenating.
Serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for helping you feel calm and relaxed is released when you consume foods that contain tryptophan. However, the other amino acids in these protein rich foods compete with the uptake of tryptophan into the brain, so you may not get enough of the tryptophan into your brain to get converted into serotonin. Tryptophan containing foods are avocadoes, cottage cheese, almonds, eggs and turkey. Remember, organic is always best.
Therefore, a carbohydrate rich evening meal, if you've had a good balanced protein at lunch time, may allow the tryptophan to be taken up by the brain, to be converted into serotonin, then into melatonin, the hormone that helps you to go to sleep when your eyes see darkness, as night falls.
If you are a vegetarian, you must remember to eat both legumes and whole grains to give your body a full complement of the amino acids. As animal protein contains all the amino acids, you don't have to be so careful if you are not a vegetarian.
If you choose to exercise in the evening, try to do so before 7pm too, as your body will create a number of chemicals, which could interfere with solid sleep later.
Endorphins are produced when you exercise, which are tiny chemicals that give you a feeling of well-being and satisfaction, even euphoria, increasing your self esteem and help you feel positive and happy.
Unfortunately, they are not the only compounds released, as cortisol is released too, and it can interfere with your ability to wind down, and reach a state of calmness and quiet, which is required for sound, good sleep.
Endorphins are also produced when you consume various foods, such as chocolate, cheese and even wheat, some researchers believe. Which may explain why these foods can be addictive. So, if you find yourself reaching for a snack, and it contains one of these substances, maybe a vigorous walk around the block would be a better choice, as it will leave you feeling happy and positive too, besides all the other benefits that exercise bestows, versus the 'addictive' snack, that will only leave you wanting more of the same.
Fortunately, if you are consuming the right kinds of EFA's, your synapses will be capable of releasing neurotransmitters effectively, so your neurons will be able to communicate well. EFA's also contribute to a stable mood and the lifting of mild depression.
Coffee also has the ability to give you a surge of energy, and although its most peoples choice of early morning, mid-morning and mid-afternoon 'pick-me-up' it may simply be giving you a surge of energy due to its ability to release adrenalin, so it may be doing you more harm than good in the long term. Herbal teas, as well as plain, filtered water, offer more benefits, with no down sides.
People have become very good at self-medication, as experience has taught us that we can regulate our moods with what we consume. Your food can be your best medicine, helping you to avoid artificial stimulants like sugar and caffeine, as well as sleeping tablets and anxiolytics, to calm you down.
Once you understand that what you eat does influence your state of mind, you can become more productive, happier and less prone to mood swings.
Delia McCabe is a Nutritional Neuroscience Researcher. She has a Masters degree in Psychology and has been doing research for over ten years. Her specific area of interest is [http://www.deliahealth.com/sp/udos-direct-sales-page/]Essential Fatty Acids and how they effect brain and general health. She has discovered that many chronic illnesses and mental health problems can be traced back to a lack of Essential Fats. Find out if you are deficient by doing the quick assessment at [http://www.deliahealth.com]http://www.deliahealth.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Food,-Mood-and-Time-Of-Day&id=6450700] Food, Mood and Time Of Day

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Adults

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dan_Radu]Dan Radu
Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that causes a major shift in moods, thinking, and change in a person's behavior. Behavior change usually ranges from low depression moods to extreme severe mania. Cycles of bipolar disorder differ from one person to the other, and can last for days, weeks and months because it is divided into bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. However, one can differentiate bipolar mood swings from ordinary mood swings because manic swings are intense and can hinder a person's normal functioning. For instance, in a manic episode, a person may feel quite restless even after long hours of good sleep. A person may also quit his or her job with no valid reason or impulsively. The causes of bipolar disorder are not clear; however, it runs in families and often occurs at teenage and early adulthood. There are various symptoms of bipolar disorder but with proper diagnosis and right treatment, a person can live a happy fulfilling life.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Adults can occur together with symptoms of depression and in such a situation, it is often referred to as mixed episode. Patients will experience poor judgment and low self esteem. As a result, one may feel sensitive over a particular issue and even cry. Euphoria and extreme optimism are also evident in patients suffering from the disorder. The patient will have racing thoughts and an aggressive behavior. When disturbed, a patient may be violent. He or she will often feel agitated over petty issues which never irritated him in the past. You will also notice increased physical activity where the patient may get involved in weird activities which requires lots of energy, or exercises such as weight lifting.
Similarly, many people with bipolar disorder will engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking and risky sexual behaviors. They will often make poor financial choices and engage in drinking or spending sprees such as unplanned shopping among other poor financial decisions. Increased sex drive and increased desire to achieve certain goals are evident in a person who could be suffering from the disorder. Some people also have a hard time concentrating, decreased need for sleep, absenteeism from school or at work, psychosis and poor or dropping performances at school. These symptoms are very evident with mixed maniac while depressive stage of bipolar disorder also presents itself with different symptoms.
A person will often feel sad, abandoned and with sleep problems. They may also experience a loss of interest in many activities at work or school, fatigue, low or increased appetite, and a chronic pain where the cause cannot be established. Many people under depressive phase will have suicidal thoughts, Irritability, anxiety and feel guilty over some issues.
Bipolar disorder symptoms can also be seasonal where a person experiences drastic mood swings during certain seasons of the year. Psychosis may also occur. It is a phase where a person is detached from reality and it is characterized with delusions and hallucinations. A psychotic break is often the first sign of a bipolar disorder in many people. A person with these symptoms requires a lot of support from family members and proper treatment from a psychiatrist.
For more info about   symptoms of bipolar disorder in adults visit: http://www.symptomsofbipolardisorderinadults.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Symptoms-of-Bipolar-Disorder-in-Adults&id=6438719] Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Adults

Bipolar II Disorder and Teenagers

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patrice_Wolters,_Ph.D.]Patrice Wolters, Ph.D.
Wendy's Changing Behavior
Wendy was a charismatic, high-school junior with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. She was an athletic young woman who loved sports, drama and music. Her friends described her as a person with high energy, drive and a wide circle of friends. Her friend Alicia said "Wow, she has the energy of two people." However, Wendy seemed to be changing, and her friends were beginning to find her annoying. They thought she seemed depressed, and they wondered if she had family problems. Alicia remarked, "I don't get it, one week she's so revved, and a week later she's as slow as a turtle."
Wendy had been staying up late for two weeks, whizzing through various projects and spending time on Facebook and YouTube. She had a variety of hobbies that included fashion design and baking. She loved designing new apparel and writing articles about her recipes for the school newspaper. She felt positive and abundantly energetic, and her projects kept her busy into the wee hours of the morning. She usually went to bed around 3 a.m. and would wake up at 7 a.m. feeling energized for her day at school.
Sometimes Wendy felt like chatting in the middle of the night and would call her best friend, Phillip, at 2 a.m. This behavior seemed rude and intrusive to him, but when he tried to talk to her about the problem, she was hard to interrupt, and didn't seem to be listening. Wendy was experiencing racing thoughts and some mood swings, and her friends couldn't understand what was going on.She was not particularly aware of these changes, but she loved her extra energy. There was another subtle change that annoyed her friends -- Wendy became boastful, thinking she had skills beyond her abilities.
She told Phillip that she was going to bring fame to her hometown by winning at the state tennis match being held in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Tennis had been part of Wendy's life since she was in elementary school, and now she was a top player on the Minneapolis Mavericks. Her net game had improved, but hard work was necessary to excel in her overall game.Wendy had a good serve and felt that her backhand stroke was strong, and she was in the best aerobic condition ever because she lifted weights, ran on her mother's treadmill and took Zumba classes. She was superconfident that she would win against the top-seeded player, and she came across as boastful when she said, "I'll show her tennis she hasn't seen before -- I'm going to blow her out of the water."Although Wendy had always been good at winning matches against local teams, she had never played at the state level, yet she reveled in her self-confidence.
A History of Anxiety and Depression
Wendy had not always felt self-confident. When she was about 12 years old, she started struggling with anxiety and depression. She had some sleep problems, and she occasionally felt down, restless and agitated. For some people, feeling agitated can be a way to mask an inner emptiness. Sometimes Wendy had bad dreams in which she was being chased by someone scary or searching for something she couldn't find.
After Wendy turned 13, she began to have days when she felt sluggish and didn't have her normal interest in her many activities. Although she had a lot of energy, Wendy had down days when she didn't feel like doing much. Sometimes, while she was working on a project, she would suddenly space out and vaguely sense that inner emptiness again. Her mother said it seemed like Wendy was "somewhere else."
Problems sleeping, agitation, lethargy, down days and a feeling of emptiness are a few of the behavior patterns that are common among teenagers with both bipolar II and/or depressive conditions. At this point it was unclear what condition Wendy had -- her symptoms could be red flags for an emerging bipolar II condition or a more serious depression, and either can exist simultaneously with an anxiety disorder. A complete assessment is necessary to accurately target what disorder may be emerging. The emptiness and sluggish days can be part of the depressive side of bipolar; it is common for teenagers with bipolar to start out with depressive symptoms although some teens start out by experiencing the elevated energy that is the high side of bipolar.
When she was about 14, Wendy was getting worse and finally talked to her mother about her behaviors and feelings. Her mother was worried and took her to see a relationship therapist who had a good reputation with teens. With some professional help, Wendy was able to learn positive coping skills and manage her symptoms well, as many can. She learned to regularly relax and take necessary quiet time. She continued to exercise daily, which greatly helped with her depression and helped manage her agitation. Additionally, she was in a support group where she made friends with others who had mental health challenges. Wendy made it a habit to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning to help regulate her sleep. She also made sure to get eight hours of sleep. She still had sleep issues but felt generally rested during the day.
When she was a high-school freshman, Wendy started seeing a psychiatrist, Dr. Smith, for depression. He had prescribed a low dose of an antidepressant that had helped her, and she generally saw him once every three months. During the period before the state tennis finals, Wendy's behavior became erratic, and she stopped her relaxation routine, cut back on her exercise and quit the support group. What was really going on? Fortunately, Wendy's mother made an appointment for Wendy to see Dr. Smith within a few days.
When she went to see Dr. Smith, Wendy learned that she was exhibiting the symptoms of bipolar II. When teenagers have bipolar disorder, it can be difficult for them to maintain good habits because of the depression and the mood swings into "hypomania" (the highs of bipolar II). Wendy was surprised because she had been feeling at the top of her mental game, primarily because of her exercise, support group and wins on the tennis court. However, the emerging mood swings were making it difficult for Wendy to maintain her healthy habits, and she needed an updated treatment plan based on her new diagnosis. She was especially concerned that her agitated behavior would push away her friends and that depression would affect her tennis game.
The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is multidimensional in nature, and because of this, experts are now considering bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia and bipolar NOS as the "bipolar spectrum." Here are the different types:
Bipolar I is identified by episodes alternating between manic periods of abnormal euphoria, optimism, and energy and depressive periods of sadness, helplessness, guilt and sometimes suicidal feelings. People with bipolar I can experience hallucinations and delusions while those with bipolar II do not.
Bipolar II is marked by major depressive episodes alternating with episodes of hypomania, a milder form of mania. People with bipolar II depression often have extremely low energy, slowed mental and physical processes, and profound fatigue. People with bipolar II struggle more with chronic depression while people with bipolar I struggle much more with mania.
Cyclothymia is a chronic mood disturbance lasting for at least two years (one year in adolescents) involving numerous hypomanic episodes and numerous periods of depressed mood that aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for a major depressive or a manic episode.
Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) describes a disorder with manic or hypomanic features that does not meet the criteria for any specific bipolar disorder.
Much research has been done on bipolar I, but less attention has been focused on bipolar II and bipolar NOS. People with bipolar II don't have the psychotic features or extreme elevated moods of bipolar I, and hypomania usually doesn't cause significant distress or greatly impair one's daily life. However, some research indicates that bipolar II can be severe because of the chronic and deep depressions that these people struggle with. Nevertheless, with advances in education, more people are getting diagnosed, new medications and treatment strategies are being developed, and further research continues.
It is especially important to diagnose and treat teenagers with bipolar disorder because the condition can interfere with healthy growth and development: mood shifts can cause a decline in school performance and a loss of friends, and excessive sleep can waste valuable life opportunities. Bipolar also causes unnecessary pain and suffering, which can lead to substance abuse and sometimes suicide in untreated young people.
If your teen talks about suicide, it is crucial to take it seriously. Call your doctor, or if the doctor isn't available, contact 911 or your nearest hotline. Make every effort to get your teen in a support group for teens with mental health challenges, and, if you are a parent, try your best to get your teen to a therapist.
Diagnosing Bipolar II
Dr. Smith had been treating Wendy for several years, but this was the first time he had assessed her for bipolar II. In order to meet the criteria for this condition, a history of depression and at least one episode of hypomania are necessary. Bipolar II often goes undetected because of problems with a clear definition and a lack of understanding of hypomania. Bipolar II is often misdiagnosed because of the overlap with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, oppositional disorder and ADHD.
While most of Wendy's friends were bothered by her constant talking and boastful attitude, they admired her confidence, endless energy, and various talents. These characteristics can make bipolar II even more challenging to diagnose because the hypomania may appear to be a period of successful high productivity and happiness. Because hypomania can cause a person to feel good, it is reported less frequently than a painful depression.
Dr. Smith believed Wendy was experiencing hypomania based on her grandiosity about winning the state championships, her need for little sleep and her rapid talking. Upon questioning from the doctor, Wendy shared that she had been experiencing an increase in her sex drive but figured it was normal for her age. This cluster of symptoms confirmed a bipolar II diagnosis and the need for an adjustment in her medication. Dr. Smith explained bipolar II to Wendy, but she denied that she had it, explaining that she was just buzzed about the upcoming championships.
People with bipolar II typically don't have the severe mood swings of bipolar I patients, but they may be prone to longer depressive episodes. Teenagers with bipolar II disorder may often start out with the depressive side of bipolar, and helping professionals may believe that the patient has unipolar depression. If a person has a history of substance abuse, eating disorders, schizophrenia and/or major mood disorders, it's important to realize that these are red flags for bipolar; however, not all people with this background get this disorder.
Of course, there are a percentage of cases where hypomania causes significant distress, and it's important to detect hypomania early on. Some research indicates that teens are more prone to auto accidents and may suffer a decline in grades because of the distractibility caused by racing thoughts.There are many faces of hypomania that can help you differentiate the disorder; however, remember that any one person has a cluster of symptoms and not all of them.
Wendy didn't like the term "hypomania" for the wonderful feelings she was experiencing, and she didn't want to take any additional medication. Dr. Smith was concerned when Wendy refused to take the recommended medication because ignoring hypomania can make bipolar II worse and possibly lead to the more severe bipolar I. People with bipolar I can lose touch with reality, so it is crucial to stop the progression of low-end bipolar conditions.
Fortunately, with education, Dr. Smith was able to convince Wendy to take a mood stabilizer to regulate her mood and keep treating her depression. He also referred Wendy to me because I have a specialty with bipolar II in teenagers. I taught Wendy a variety of coping skills that will be discussed in the section on treatment interventions.
Bipolar II and Hypomania
Most people with bipolar II experience a cluster of hypomania symptoms, but not all of them.The majority of the highs of bipolar II include the following symptoms:
grandiosity
a decreased need for sleep
distractibility
racing thoughts
rapid speech, interrupting while others are speaking
excess energy
hypersexuality
a tendency to engage in reckless behavior
irritability
silly behavior
*See below for detailed information about these symptoms.
Grandiosity: Grandiosity is an exaggerated sense of one's importance, knowledge, power, or identity. A person with grandiosity may seem outrageously boastful, pompous, or pretentious.
Hypersexuality: Hypersexual behavior is an excessive interest in, or preoccupation with, sex and a markedly increased need for sexual gratification. A person experiencing hypersexuality may appear to be obsessed with sex. In bipolar disorder, hypersexuality is often seen along with a distinct change in a person's behavior and personality.
Many people with bipolar II do not experience hypersexuality, but it was becoming a problem for Wendy. When she was hypersexual, she would masturbate three times a day and spend time buying sexy clothes, which she didn't wear when she was in a stabilized mood. Usually, she was somewhat shy around guys, but during a period of hypomania, she would become provocative and seductive. When she recovered from a hypersexual episode, she said she felt guilty because sleeping with a boy she hardly knew was completely out of character for her. Fortunately, the right medication (a mood stabilizer) helped her gain control of her urges before she could be hurt or become pregnant at an early age. Hypersexuality is an aspect of bipolar that is reportedly seldom investigated, and education is greatly needed about this symptom.
Silly behavior: Another symptom of hypomania is silly and goofy behavior. Sometimes Wendy became silly around her friends and roared at her own jokes and goofy behavior. For example, she would make a steady stream of puns throughout the day, and although her friends thought she was funny, they turned away when she wouldn't stop.
The Depression of Bipolar
Bipolar I is considered the more severe disorder because of the accompanying psychotic behavior, but people with bipolar II generally have more chronic depression than those with bipolar I. Wendy had been diagnosed with depression when she was a freshman in high school. She would get periodic episodes where she just wanted to sleep, felt pessimistic and dwelled on negative thoughts. Wendy told me that she tried to think of something positive when she was depressed, but she couldn't even get a picture in her mind.
Life seemed to have no meaning for Wendy, and she lost interest in her usual activities. I worked with her to develop a road map to help her get moving because "action, action, action" is essential to treating depression. Accomplishing tasks slowly and successively along with therapy and a support group can help a teen gradually pull out of a depression.
Based on my extensive experience with teenagers and young adults with depression, I wrote a poem that describes the lethargy of depression, and reading it has helped many teens in my practice to open up. Encourage your child, teen or patient to find ways to express their pain because expressing pain can help release it. Here is a verse from that poem:
Toes cold, same socks mold for days in a row.
Energy compressed, can't do my best
Feeling stuck behind a barbed wire fence.
�2006 Patrice Wolters
In therapy, I helped Wendy find words to express her feelings. Here is a verse from her poem:
I don't want to walk and I don't want to talk
I'm feeling so low; leave a message on the phone
No, I don't feel like eating, my energy is depleting
They call it depression, down days in succession
Focus on helping your teen or patient create some sort of mental health poetry to help them overcome their unique issues. Remember that people think in distorted ways when they are depressed, which only makes them more depressed. Educate teens in the cultivation of empowering thoughts and help them to make it a daily habit. Teach them to use negative thoughts as a trigger for repeating their empowering mantras.
Bipolar and Drug Abuse
A percentage of people with undetected bipolar II conditions may abuse drugs such as methamphetamine, which helps people escape the chronic lows of bipolar II. Methamphetamine can energize depressed people and get them up and out, getting things done. However, they subsequently crash, become more depressed, and end up in a dangerous cycle. They gradually need more of the drug, and it kills off important brain cells. The possibility of drug abuse is another argument for early identification of bipolar conditions. Alcohol abuse is also common because it self-medicates the pain and chronic irritability of bipolar II depression.
Research indicates that college students abuse prescription drugs, and I expect that the rate is particularly high among students with depression and an undetected bipolar condition. The demand for counselors in colleges has greatly increased, but many colleges don't have the necessary services to meet students' needs. Bipolar appears most frequently after kids have left home and are in their early twenties.
If you have a patient or teenager who you believe is using drugs, make every effort to get him or her to a drug specialist who has knowledge of mood disorders. Involvement in a Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous program has also been successful and often provides a good support group for people trying to quit addictive behavior.
Drugs are a dead-end street, and most people with bipolar conditions need to get on the right medication. A fairly small percentage of people with bipolar disorder are able to manage without medication and lead successful lives. A healthy lifestyle and a variety of cultivated mood management skills can enable these people to live fulfilling lives. If your patient or teen doesn't want to take medication, make sure they eat well, sleep well and stay involved in activities they enjoy. Of course, help them use the positive coping skills discussed in this article.
The Bright Side of Bipolar
Important research has been done regarding the special gifts of people with bipolar conditions. Research by Dr. Kay Jamison indicates that many of our talented poets, actors, politicians, and painters had bipolar conditions. Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Catherine Zeta Jones and Robin Williams are a few of those with bipolar who have had remarkable success. There are many people, in a range of professions, who are making significant contributions when they are effectively treated for bipolar. In my practice, I have found that many teenagers with bipolar are highly talented and want to make significant contributions with their talents. It's important to realize that the high energy, creativity and goal-oriented behavior patterns of bipolar II can enable people to make major contributions to society and/or be highly successful.
One area that needs research is the creative management of hypomanic symptoms for success in life. For example, racing thoughts can be used for brainstorming, journaling and creative writing. For a person who commits to the practice, meditation or a martial art can calm thoughts down and help to open new vistas. Writing about symptoms can enable a teen to work through issues, solve problems and move toward positive goals. The chronic irritability and hypersexuality of bipolar II can motivate people to begin a daily fitness program and stay fit for life. People with bipolar II can also learn to channel their irritability into assertiveness and get a lot accomplished.
Working through a depression requires teens to develop resiliency (the ability to master the biological and psychological challenges of life) and take responsibility for their moods and behaviors. Additionally, cultivating discipline and a support network helps bipolar teens cope with their symptoms and develop success skills. Teens can become compassionate and sensitive to the pain of others when they deal with the depressive side of bipolar, and this can motivate them to become involved in important social causes.
Overcoming a depression is a struggle that allows young people to develop a variety of strengths and capacities such as willpower, ego strength, flexibility, patience, persistence and, most importantly, responsibility. Bipolar conditions provide an ongoing challenge for teens to find their outer limits in life and become multidimensional people. I like to call this "the bipolar challenge."
Positive Coping Skills
We have come a long way in terms of treatment for bipolar conditions, and many people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. Nevertheless, more research is needed in determining how people can manage this challenging illness. There are several important skills that can help teenagers, and adults, with bipolar disorder.
Determination: One of the most important things to develop is a determination to make positive coping skills lifelong friends and to turn symptoms into assets. Here is a verse to give your teens if they struggle with lethargy and lack of persistence. Positive thinking in a rhyme format will help teens remember important mental maps that can help them get up and get going. Adults can also help teens write their own rhymes based on inspiring words that motivate them. Do whatever works!
 Persistence
I can pull myself up against my own resistance
To get a job done that I don't want to do
And I can do it over and over for as long as it takes
To alter my existence, based on my insistence
That I can create the world that I want.
�2006 by Patrice Wolters
Focus on health and strength: Teenagers with bipolar disorder generally need a variety of outlets for their energy and good strategies to pull out of a depression. They often require some form of medication, the benefit of a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene. Since bipolar teens may feel bad about themselves, it's essential to help guide them to think realistically and optimistically about their condition and to help cultivate their strengths.
Teach your teens and patients to write their strengths on an index card and have them post it where they can see it regularly to remind them of their strengths. People with bipolar disorder, and depression, need to find positive thoughts to replace the chronic negative ones. Remind your teens that they are brilliant, talented and resourceful (or whatever words might inspire them).
Postponement: Hypersexual behavior had a compulsive quality for Wendy, but the medication decreased the intensity of her urges and helped her settle down. Still, she needed some strategies to control her urges, so I taught Wendy to use postponement to manage her sexual urges. When she felt hypersexual, Wendy learned to take charge of her thinking by saying to herself "I can postpone this urge and get something physical done instead." She would often lift weights, run or work on an unfinished project. With practice, Wendy learned to develop the habit of postponing her desires to masturbate, go to parties, and buy sexy clothes. Wendy gradually learned to be more in charge of her hypomania and developed some self-esteem as a result. She sometimes reflected, "I can do anything I set my mind to."
Wendy also made use of a thinking tool I developed called "Take charge, channel and change." When she felt a sexual urge, she would talk to herself in a proactive and realistic manner by saying something like "Okay, I'm starting to feel hypersexual, and this is a signal that I need to get moving with my projects. I am 'in charge' of my moods. Right now, I'm going to postpone acting on these urges and 'channel' my energy to get a project done. It's dangerous to act on these urges, and I will not. I am in charge of me, and I can 'change' some each day." These realistic thinking patterns helped Wendy take charge of her sexual urges. Learning to postpone any behavior that feels excessive or intense can be challenging at first, but it can do wonders for self-esteem and a sense of empowerment.
Wendy made up a list of the following projects to get involved in when she felt either hypomanic or depressed. The projects required a push with the persistence rhyme, but they were easy physical tasks that gave her a sense of accomplishment and got her moving through the challenging symptoms.
Clean room
Organize closet
Wash clothes
Iron clothes
Clean bathroom
Run, practice tennis or weight train
Vacuum room
These were all things that she could do at home, and they provided a focus for her excessive energy. When broken down into mini-steps, the projects also provided a focus for when she was depressed, and they facilitated "change." Wendy was artistic, so she created a picture with the tasks drawn in cartoons that helped her get going when she felt down.
Of course, Wendy would still get some urges while involved in her projects, but she practiced bringing her mind back to the task at hand. The statement"I am in charge, I can channel and I can change" became her mantra to get started, follow through and complete daily living tasks. The completion of tasks reinforces positive thinking, which eventually became a mind-set for Wendy.
Get up and going -- 1-2-3-4: When Wendy was depressed, her biggest challenge was to get out of bed. Together, Wendy and I laid out an initial 1-2-3-4 routine that would get her up and going on the weekends. This routine has helped many teenagers with bipolar depression beat the bipolar blues. It has also helped those with unipolar depression.
Lie in bed and set a priority for the day. When Wendy was depressed, her priority was often to get out and practice some tennis because she knew it helped her mood. Most any athletic activity is an effective treatment for depression.
Shout, "Two, I can bust my mood!" and jump out of bed. Just getting up is a big achievement when a person is depressed, and shouting gets the energy going.
Make the bed. This gives a beginning sense of accomplishment and makes it harder to get back in bed.
Get a cup of coffee or tea, and eat some breakfast to provide nutrients for the day and get some energy flowing.
At this point, it was time to perform the next four steps and to continue this process throughout the day. Built into this behavioral pattern was breaking Wendy's day into small tasks that helped her build some momentum. While people vary on their steps, the next four for Wendy consisted of the following:
Put on makeup.
Brush teeth and floss.
Get dressed.
Get out the door.
Once she was out in the fresh air and on her way to the tennis court, the probability of her going back to bed was low. Encourage your teen or patient to create a routine and make it a habit. Using numbers or some type of sequence can facilitate breaking steps down to help teens get moving and begin to beat the blues. Talking or singing to themselves can be helpful because action is the name of the game. Teens who are not in treatment for bipolar disorder can get help from healthy friends, community groups, or trusted ministers.
Learn to master procrastination: Many depressed people procrastinate because their motivation and energy are low, but they can move toward creating positive energy by getting things done that they don't want to do. The trick is to set aside some time for the completion of unpleasant tasks. Wendy didn't like her history teacher, and she often arrived late to class. It was her first class of the day, so it was easy to sleep in longer. She would imagine how boring the class would be and think, "Well, I'll be on time tomorrow," but her tomorrows became a string of yesterdays, and she had a D average by the middle of the semester.
So, Wendy was to start her day by imagining how good she would feel with a B in the class. She was to schedule "History at 9 a.m." on her iPod and get to class regardless of her mood. If she was depressed, tired, anxious or unmotivated, she was to get up and go anyway. Taking charge of this problem and other aversive tasks gave Wendy positive energy and a sense of empowerment because she was taking care of business. Learning to push through lethargy is a habit that can gradually transform your world.
Bipolar II is a challenging condition, but it is treatable. Knowing the early symptoms of this condition can increase the probability of an accurate diagnosis in your teen, your patient or yourself. You can do something about bipolar, and you can get well. Remember, you are not your illness, you have an illness, and I encourage you to form mood management habits for a fulfilling life. Although social stigma may still cause considerable shame about coming forward with bipolar symptoms, you can be one of the people who seek help, and help can make all the difference in the world. Remember there is hope, there is help and it can be just a phone call away.
Patrice Wolters, Ph.D., has been studying ways to improve relationship therapy, child and adolescent therapy, and the treatment and diagnosis of bipolar II disorder for over 22 years as a licensed psychologist. She has helped many couples revitalize their marriages, improve family functioning and create healthy environments for children and teens. She is particularly interested in the early diagnosis and treatment of challenges in young people so they can go on to have amazing relationships, resiliency and a joyous life. Her trademark "Go from a Maze to Amazing" represents her model of therapy, which is based in the emerging area of positive psychology. For more information on positive change, visit [http://www.patricewolters.com]http://www.patricewolters.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bipolar-II-Disorder-and-Teenagers&id=6455178] Bipolar II Disorder and Teenagers

My Wife Is Bipolar

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kurt_M_Aungst]Kurt M Aungst
When you say to yourself "my wife is bipolar" what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Possibly this is nothing new, possibly your wife was diagnosed years ago. Maybe your wife was diagnosed just last week, or even earlier today. So what are the thoughts that go through your head? Are you angry, scared, frustrated, sad, relieved, or possibly a mix of these emotions and a thousand others? Sometimes it is a lot to swallow, being the husband of a bipolar wife. Bipolar disorder is so complex and has so many levels. If you have known about your wife's illness for a while I'm sure you are very aware of what a roller coaster Bipolar disorder can be, not just for her, but for everyone involved. If you have just received the news that your wife is Bipolar this can be a very scary time as well. We will visit both Husbands looking for new coping mechanism and Husbands that are new to the diagnosis and seeking help.
We are going to learn about Bipolar disorder, and then take active participation in coping skills for yourself, to help YOU. When your wife, best friend, lover, mother... the list goes on and on is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she no longer is the only person who needs help.
The First step is to learn about your wife's disorder. I am going to briefly explain a few different types of Bipolar disorder and there common traits. I am going to review these as a refresher for husbands who have already studied the disorder of their wife, and as a great introduction to the disorder itself for the husbands that are new to the disorder. I am not going to go into great detail about bipolar disorder there is tons and tons of information regarding bipolar disorder if you would like to research it more. I am here to show YOU coping and hoping strategies to help YOU the husband.
First and foremost I strongly hope that your wife has been diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist, who has the skills and are qualified to diagnose and treat the disorder. If this has not yet been done I encourage you to help your wife be properly diagnosed. This is the first step in any situation of getting treatment.
Chapter One Section One: THE DIFFERENT FORMS AND SEVERITY OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
BIPOLAR DISORDER I
Approximately 1% of the general population has Bipolar 1. Bipolar 1 patients usually experience severe depression, and long full-blown manic episodes. Bipolar 1 patients are often also know as having episodes without any obvious mood problems, this can last for months on end of feeling like your wife is totally fine, fixed so to speak, and or normal. Physicians will call these long-lasting episodes of normalcy Euthymia.
BIPOLAR DISORDER II
This is the most common type of Bipolar Disorder. Recent research has shown that 4 to 5 percent of the general population has Bipolar II. People who suffer with bipolar II have a tendency to have very majorly depressive episodes. In fact a lot of bipolar patients are misdiagnosed as being depressed for many years before being properly evaluated as Bipolar II. Another diagnosis tool that differentiates from Bipolar I is that most Bipolar II patients do not ever have full-blown mania episodes. Physicians usually call Bipolar II mania episodes as Hypomania. Hypomania does not have the same intensity as full-blown mania. There is usually periods of time with increased energy, a decreased need for sleep without any fatigue, and a slight euphoric sensation. A lot of patients when in this Phase of Bipolar II can be extremely productive. Extreme caution must be taken when in hypomania state. Your wife can easily start abusing substances and have spending issues. More times than not the patient does not realize something is wrong, in fact sometimes welcoming the feeling after a long depression. Most hypomania episodes do not last longer than a week or two.
CYCLOTHYMIA
Cyclothymiacs are a mild form of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) in which a person has mood swings over a period of years that go from mild depression to euphoria and excitement. It has been recently discovered that patients with cyclothymia will usually evolve into Bipolar 1 or Bipolar II throughout their lifetime.
As you can see a lot of the Bipolar Symptoms can and are very similar sometimes more often than not overlapping and fitting the criteria of not only one but both forms of Bipolar disorder. Often that is why it is not usually heard of as Bipolar 1 or Bipolar II outside of the professional medical field. In standard terms we simply use Bipolar Disorder. Now that we have learned a very brief description and knowledge for bipolar we must start getting more specific in accessing your partners specific bipolar symptoms.
Author: Kurt Aungst
Website: [http://bipolar-spouse.com/]bipolar-spouse.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?My-Wife-Is-Bipolar&id=6457930] My Wife Is Bipolar

How Can You Overcome Fear?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nina_Bagnall]Nina Bagnall
Fear was taken from the Greek φόβος, ph�bos, meaning 'fear'. Although classed as one of the negative emotions, it can have some positive value. After all because we are human, it is necessary to have both positive and negative emotion, to enable us to feel.
Fear is distressing, a sensation induced by a perceived threat to one's wellbeing. It is a survival mechanism for the onset of danger.
In controlled amounts, fear protects us, from both physical and psychological danger. Too much however, can literally paralyse us, or distort our perception of reality.
It is up to us therefore to capture what is the positive value within fear, without succumbing to it's excesses.
Some of us have what is referred to as "Irrational fears", because they have no chance of happening.
For more rational fears, our emotional intelligence clicks in and evaluates options available to us. During those times of negative fear it is useful, if possible to ask ourselves. "What are we afraid of?"
To identify, is the first step to addressing the feeling of action, logic or both.
In moderation our fears help us live a better life, in the extreme it is of course unhealthy.
Fear of being alone - Helps us reach compromises with others.
Fear of failure - Helps us accomplish our goals. Helps motivate us to prepare, organize, and persist.
Fear of the unknown - Helps us take reasonable precautions and prevents us from unreasonable risk.
Fear of losing control - Helps us take the steps necessary to regain a sense of control over our lives.
Fear of dependence - Helps us develop our own resources and become self-reliant.
Emotions are played out in our daily lives. Fear is one such emotion that is pre-programmed into all animals and people. It is an 'Instinctive response to potential danger.
When an individual experiences fear, certain areas in the brain, such as the amygdale and the hypothalamus are immediately activated. Chemicals such as adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol are released into the blood stream causing certain physical reactions such as:

Rapid heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Tightening of muscles
Sharpened or redirected senses
Dilation of the pupils (to let in more light)
Increased sweating
As with many human emotions, Fear is extremely powerful and can affect us both mentally and physically,
Fear on all levels can destroy lives. If we allow fear to govern our actions, it will remove the ability to live in loved based existence.
Because fear is self perpetuating, the more we respond, the more we have allowed it to perpetuate, allowing it to take control.
Next time you have the emotion of fear try to respond with love. In my opinion there is no other way.
Nonetheless, fear is a creation made by ourselves and made stronger by the amount we have fed fear.
Fear does not exist, unless we as individuals give fear life.
If you would like more information please contact by visiting "Life is a Journey" register to contact me and I will send you a FREE health report on fear together with a FREE MP3 on the liberation of fear.
  rel=nofollow http://theninabagnall.com
Nina Bagnall is the author of Looking Good Feeling Great Ladies 50 and over. Nina also writes ebooks pertaining to health and wellbeing. Her website "Life is a Journey" was created to help, encourage, persuade and enlighten all who visit. The website has a Remedy Store, ebook store together with other pages, make sure you visit soon.
Follow Nina on Twitter and click the like button on her Facebook fan page. Born and raised in Staffordshire England, educated at a private convent school. Nina is married with two daughters. http://theninabagnall.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Can-You-Overcome-Fear?&id=6465481] How Can You Overcome Fear?

Am I Bipolar?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lanette_Neal]Lanette Neal
Is this a question you have been asking yourself? It must be or you wouldn't be here. Right? Maybe you took a bipolar test online, and the results have you wondering. Maybe you have just learned about some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and you are thinking that "this could be me" Maybe you have been labeled as "bipolar" by someone other than a professional and it has you wondering. Or maybe you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a psychiatrist or another expert in this field.
Sometimes we find ourselves identifying with one of the many famous people we hear about who have bipolar disorder and this once again has us asking ourselves "am I bipolar"? If you are seeing a professional and have been given another diagnosis such as borderline personality disorder or any one of the other psychiatric disorders and you find that your medication is not working, this may also have you asking yourself, "am I bipolar."
Whatever the reason you are asking yourself this question, you obviously want answers and that is the best place to be. People who are in denial and don't want to know the truth are the ones who suffer needlessly. Consider yourself ahead of the crowd, because you are making your mental health a priority. If you have for instance taken an online bipolar checklist test, it is just that, a checklist. It is just a guideline.
At this point you need to start a journal and record the symptoms you have noticed and that match the symptoms available online. This is a list you need to take with you when you speak to a professional, a skilled clinician who has plenty of experience with these disorders. You want the best help you can find. An expert who has spent time treating other clients with these disorders and who can help you sift through all of the feelings and symptoms you have noticed. But being honest with the professional is essential.
If possible take along another person who knows you, and who has spent a lot of time with you who might be helpful both in helping you remember things about you or your history and also who can be an extra set of ears when the Dr. or therapist provides answers or suggestions to you. I know from experience that anytime a person goes to a Dr. or another important appointment, when you get home and attempt to relay the information that was shared with you, it is sometimes hard to remember all that you were told.
This is where it is helpful to have another set of ears that can help you sort the information out once your appointment is over. In order to have a reliable diagnosis, you must share a number of things which include your feelings, your thoughts and any bipolar behavior you have experienced. This helps to avoid misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis sometimes happens because bipolar behavior can also resemble other mental health disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, ADHD bipolar disorder connection or bipolar depression symptoms.
One final thought on the question "am I bipolar"? Always remember that it is your mental health at stake here, you must do due diligence and educate yourself as much as possible. No one cares about your health more than you.
For more information about Bipolar Disorder, I invite you to visit us here http://www.am-i-bipolar.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Am-I-Bipolar?&id=6478687] Am I Bipolar?

How to Stop Panic Attacks and Anxiety Without Medication

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Cielo]John Cielo
There's a great deal of interest in how to stop panic attacks and anxiety without medication nowadays. In the main, sufferers just don't want to be dependent on mind-numbing drugs such as antidepressants and tranquilizers for long periods of their lives. They would much prefer to handle things totally naturally. Here you'll learn of one such natural approach to eliminating your anxiety and panic attacks...
FOREWORD ON STOPPING PANIC ATTACKS AND ANXIETY WITHOUT MEDICATION
When considering how to stop panic attacks and anxiety without medication, there are several important things you should bear in mind...
(1). The first thing is that we aren't dealing with a mental condition, rather we're dealing with a behavioural one. You are not going mad. And, because it's behavioural, it can be corrected with the proper guidance and information.
(2). Another consideration is that an attack cannot cause you any harm, you are perfectly safe. You may feel as though you are about to, but you won't die. Your body is quite capable of handling the terrifying symptoms of an attack. In fact, it's your body's fight or flight response that triggers your attacks in the first place!
(3). Although you may think you lack courage, you certainly don't. Remember that, on a daily basis, you face a range of challenges that the average person very rarely has to.
(4). Because of point (1) above, you don't have to worry about being stuck with your anxiety problem for the rest of your life. It can be cured, with the correct approach.
These are very important points to understand because they are all positive ones and so form a solid starting point for your cure.
MAINSTREAM TREATMENT FOR PANIC ATTACKS AND ANXIETY
You have no doubt visited your doctor and been diagnosed with general anxiety and panic attacks. And, as in most cases, you've been prescribed drugs, usually antidepressants, tranquilizers and even beta blockers. You may also have been referred to a therapist.
The problem here is that neither of these address a fundamental aspect of your ongoing problem, and that is that they don't address your fear of having another panic attack.
FEAR OF PANIC ATTACKS AND YOUR ANXIETY CYCLE
You see, your unconscious or conscious fear of your next attack can actually trigger such an attack. But where does this fear come from? It's so simple really. The experience of your first attack was so terrifying that you live (consciously or subconsciously) in dread of another. This is understandable. The problem is that as long as this persists it only adds to your already high anxiety levels.
So the key is to break out of this cycle of anxiety by getting rid of your fear of another panic attack. If you can do this then you are able to address your underlying general anxiety much more effectively and so eliminate it. But if mainstream treatment cannot do this effectively what other options are there?
HOW TO STOP PANIC ATTACKS AND ANXIETY WITHOUT MEDICATION
One serious option is to get rid of your fear of panic attacks by taking a counter-intuitive approach. By that I mean, instead of running away or hiding from your next panic attack, i.e. never putting yourself in a position where one might occur, you actually tackle your fear head-on. For example, try to make yourself have an attack right this second. I know that, try as hard as you might, you cannot. You've faced up to it. You met the challenge head on.
And so the next time you feel an attack about to come on, recognize it for what it is. You now know what causes it. Know that it cannot harm you and will end shortly. Even repeat to yourself that you know what it is and that you aren't in danger. And focus outwards on things around you, not inwards on your symptoms. I've actually, in my head, told an attack when it began to 'do its worst.' In other words meet the attack head on and wrestle back control.
There is no doubt that you can eliminate panic attacks and anxiety using totally natural techniques. And by now understanding that these attacks cannot cause harm and that your fear of them is what is actually holding you back, you are better positioned to go on and get your freedom back. So, no more fear of going out because of the fear of an attack, no more putting off holiday plans or business travel, no more fear of getting stuck in traffic or on trains, etc., and no more living a very trapped existence
So next, to get the facts on a life changing technique that could [http://www.thepanicattacksite.info]stop a panic attack in as little as 21 seconds and lower anxiety in as little as 7 minutes please now go to [http://www.thepanicattacksite.info]http://www.thepanicattacksite.info.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Stop-Panic-Attacks-and-Anxiety-Without-Medication&id=6490144] How to Stop Panic Attacks and Anxiety Without Medication