About.com Bipolar Disorder

Can Those with Mental Illnesses Serve in the U.S. Military?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:08:48 +0000

I don't think anyone should be surprised the answer is no. As per the United States Army's regulation 40-501, the Standards of Medical Fitness, mental illnesses are disqualifying. Section 2-27 Learning, Psychiatric and Behavior Disorders provides an extensive list of specific disorders and conditions. In example, here are the specific rulings regarding mood disorders such as bipolar disorder:

d. Current mood disorders including, but not limited to, major depression (296.2-3), bipolar (296.4-7), affective psychoses (296.8-9), depressive not otherwise specified (311), are disqualifying.

(1) History of mood disorders requiring outpatient care for longer than 6 months by a physician or other mental health professional (V65.40), or inpatient treatment in a hospital or residential facility is disqualifying.

(2) History of symptoms consistent with a mood disorder of a repeated nature that impairs school, social, or work efficiency is disqualifying.

And yet there are any number of individuals with mental illness who are serving in the military. Scan any discussion board on this topic and you will find scads of advice about how to circumvent the regulations most in the vein of don't ask, don't tell. I even read one woman's story about how her recruiter counseled her to stop her meds and not include her psychiatric history in her medical write-up. Needless to say she washed out of boot camp.

In light of yesterday's tragic event at Foot Hood and given the reported lack of mental stability of the perpetrator, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, we are going to see a lot of discussion over the next few weeks regarding mental health of those serving in our armed forces. What is your take on this? ~Kimberly

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Can Those with Mental Illnesses Serve in the U.S. Military? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 10:08:48.

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Bipolar Disorder and Post-Partum Disorders

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:51:57 +0000

"Women with bipolar disorder have dramatically elevated rates of postpartum psychosis as well as an increased risk of postpartum depression," says Susan Hatters Friedman, M.D., in an editorial published in this month's edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry. And a study published in the same edition notes that "Research on postpartum mood disorders has ... largely ignored or neglected bipolar II disorder." As a result, say the researchers, women with bipolar postpartum depression are often treated inappropriately with antidepressants alone.

This made me wonder about the women in our community who have had children. Did you experience postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis? If so, how was it treated - and do you think it was the right treatment?
~Marcia

Sources:
Sharma, V, et al. Bipolar II Postpartum Depression: Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment. American Journal of Psychiatry 166.11 (2009): 1271. Web. 2 Nov 2009.
Friedman, S.H. Postpartum Mood Disorders: Genetic Progress and Treatment Paradigms. American Journal of Psychiatry 166.11 (2009): 1201. Web. 2 Nov 2009.

Bipolar Disorder and Post-Partum Disorders originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 00:51:57.

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Stephen Fry "Quits" Twitter, Then Returns: "A mood thing"

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:38:00 +0000

A few days ago, acclaimed British actor and writer Stephen Fry, upset about Twitter posts directed to him, first posted this tweet in reply to someone who called his tweets "boring": "You've convinced me. I'm obviously not good enough. I retire from Twitter henceforward. Bye everyone."

Just a few minutes later, Fry posted, "Think I may have to give up on Twitter. Too much aggression and unkindness around. Pity. Well, it's been fun." His next tweet, after supporters began to rally round him: "Well maybe I'll see how I feel in a few days. Very low and depressed at the moment and any drop of meanness makes it so much worse. Sorry."

And that evening, he tweeted: "Arrived in LA feeling very foolish. Wasn't the fault of the fellow who called me 'boring,' BTW. A mood thing. Sunshine will help. So sorry."

Fry, who has been candid about his struggle with bipolar disorder and has campaigned to raise money for mental health charities, later said he felt "sheepish" about the exchange. There was an avalanche of supportive messages in response to his "I'm leaving" message, and he urged people to "be nice" to the person who said he was boring.

Do you Twitter about bipolar disorder? Do you mention it on Facebook or MySpace? If so, what sorts of responses do you get? I have many Facebook friends through games who don't know me at all, but when I post about my bipolar ups and downs, those who respond are always kind and encouraging. Is that your experience, too - or do you get nasty remarks?
~Marcia

Image: Tim Whitby / Getty Images

Sources:
"Sheepish" Stephen Fry Returns To Twitter
Stephen Fry on Twitter

Stephen Fry "Quits" Twitter, Then Returns: "A mood thing" originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 19:38:00.

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Kids Are Gaining Weight on Medications Too

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:42:15 +0000

We have long discussed the infuriating reality that many of the medications that really seem to work for us cause huge weight gains. In Seroquel and Weight Gain, hundreds of you have shared comments like ... from a size 2 to a size 8 in the first two weeks ... gained 100lbs ... gone from 130 to 195 ... gained over 20 lbs ... And to confound all the frustration, far too often our doctors ignore or minimize the impact weight gain has on our lives.

So I was quite interested to read Lindsey Tanner's review, Alarming Weight Gain Seen in Kids on Psych Drugs. This study tackles two issues - medication weight gain and research of side effects in children.

During the study period of eleven weeks, the kids - each just starting treatment with an antipsychotic medication - gained 10 to 20 pounds. From what I've gathered, all 205 of the kids gained weight - 100% of them. Ouch!

Why the weight gain with these meds? Researchers are not exactly sure, but believe it is probably related to increased appetite, changes in how the body metabolizes sugar and decreases in activity due to sedation.

Tanner reports, "The study authors said their results show that children on the drugs should be closely monitored for weight gain and other side effects, and that when possible, other medicines should be tried first."

My son took Abilify for several years. He also gained weight quickly and kept it on the entire time he took the medication. His psychiatrist was very diligent in monitoring his lipid panel and weight reducing the dosage to a minimum whenever his symptoms allowed. How do you and your doctor work on the weight issue? ~Kimberly

Kids Are Gaining Weight on Medications Too originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 21:42:15.

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Stigma � A Toxic, Deadly Hazard to Be Eliminated

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:07:56 +0000

"Stigma is a toxic, deadly hazard, which must be eliminated," proclaims Brigadier General Loree Sutton in a public service announcement created for BringChange2Mind. And this is the battle that Glenn Close and her family have taken on.

BringChange2Mind is a nonprofit organization founded by Glenn Close, an Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony award winner and Oscar nominee currently starring in the series "Damages." Glenn's sister, Jessie Close, has bipolar disorder, and Jessie's son, Calen Pick, has schizo-affective disorder reports Katie Escherich with ABC News in Glenn Close and Family Tackle Stigma of Mental Illness.

"Mental illness is just part of the human condition," the actress said today on "Good Morning America," adding that her family hopes that the sisters' campaign will help foster a dialogue about a condition that we should "talk about as openly as cancer or diabetes."

Stigma � A Toxic, Deadly Hazard to Be Eliminated originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 11:07:56.

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Bipolar Disorder Derails Blue October�s Suicide Prevention Tour

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:19:25 +0000

Blue October announced today that The Pick Up The Phone Tour 2009 - a benefit tour for suicide prevention - has been canceled due to the hospitalization of Justin Furstenfeld, lead singer of the tour's headlining band Blue October. Justin is being treated for suffering from an extreme mental anxiety attack.

"Mental health diseases are unpredictable," says Furstenfeld in the press release. "And on the eve of this tour in support of a cause that means the world to me, I am in need of time to heal from a setback in my own personal life, which is severe enough for me to seek hospitalization. I hope that my action to seek the strength and safety of treatment will inspire others that are suffering to do the same."

Justin openly discusses his struggles with mental illness and his experiences with bipolar disorder. It has always been clear that he understands the battle those with bipolar disorder fight. His music touches; it strikes a chord that we understand. I am sure there are many disappointed fans and there will probably be some not-so-happy press coverage, but I think this is something our community understands intimately. Join me in wishing Justin a quick return to stability. ~Kimberly

Bipolar Disorder Derails Blue October�s Suicide Prevention Tour originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 21:19:25.

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What Is Dystonia?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:26:34 +0000

Dystonia is a rare neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, which force certain parts of the body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements or postures. It can be inherited due to genetic abnormalities as seen in multiple sclerosis. It can also be caused by brain injuries, toxins and some medications.

Antipsychotic medication, often prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder, is one class of drugs that can cause dystonia, which is one of several extrapyramidal side effects. Generally it is the first generation antipsychotics also known as typical antipyschotics that can cause these side effects.

There is no cure for dystonia. However, there are a few options for treating the symptoms of the disorder. One of the most common treatments is Botox. Benzodiazepines and drugs with anticholinergic effects may also be used. Physical therapy is another option.

In the last few days, dystonia has been making headlines because of news reports and video footage of Desiree Jennings who developed dystonia 10 days after receiving a seasonal flu vaccine. There is now speculation this may be a reaction to the vaccine. ~Kimberly

What Is Dystonia? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 20:26:34.

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Mental Illness = Poorer Medical Care

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:46:59 +0000

That's the conclusion of a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry this past June. Researchers led by Dr. Alex Mitchell of the University of Leicester examined 31 existing studies that looked at medical care for people with and without mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. In about two-thirds of the studies, people with current or prior diagnoses of mental illness/substance abuse received poorer medical care than those without such diagnoses.

It didn't matter whether the patients were currently exhibiting psychiatric symptoms - what mattered was that the psychiatric diagnosis existed. In many cases, these patients were seeing their doctors more frequently, yet the quality of care received was inferior.

"We found that despite similar or actually more frequent medical contacts, there are often disparities in the physical healthcare delivered to those with psychiatric illness with frankly poorer care offered to (or accepted by) those with pre-existing mental health problems," said Dr. Mitchell. He went on to say, "Often there is a temptation for clinicians to attribute any physical symptom to the psychiatric diagnosis without necessarily assessing the person thoroughly."

What's your experience? Does your medical doctor ever put your physical symptoms down to mental illness?

Source: New study shows people with mental health problems receive inadequate medical care

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Mental Illness = Poorer Medical Care originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 01:46:59.

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Why Did Manic Depression Become Bipolar Disorder?

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:25:18 +0000

Manic depression is a term commonly used for bipolar disorder. It is actually the earliest name of this disorder used as an official diagnosis. However, bipolar disorder is now the official diagnostic title for this disorder. Why did manic depression become bipolar disorder? ~Kimberly

Why Did Manic Depression Become Bipolar Disorder? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 20:25:18.

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Using Social Networking to Gauge Suicidal Thoughts

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:40:03 +0000

Nancy Schimelpfening, the About.com Guide to Depression, posted an interesting blog this week about research into suicide. "By analyzing posts made on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, it may be possible to help prevent suicide, according to Victoria University researchers Dr. Tiong-Thye Goh and Yen-Pei Huang." The researchers are scanning posts with a goal of identifying phrases that may indicate a person in trouble. Nancy asks, "What do you think about this idea? Would it help people at risk? Or would it prevent users from speaking freely about how they are feeling?"

Suicide is a very real issue for those with bipolar disorder. Some estimates put the rate high as twenty percent of those with bipolar disorder who will kill themselves. That's one out of every five! And as many as thirty percent of all people with this disorder may attempt suicide at least once in their lives. So, the subject of suicide is not something we can ignore. Each of us needs to know the warnings signs, the red flags, of suicide so we may be prepared to help a friend in crisis, prepared to see the cry for help from a loved one, prepared to seek help when our own resources for coping have worn thin. ~Kimberly

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Using Social Networking to Gauge Suicidal Thoughts originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Sunday, October 18th, 2009 at 18:40:03.

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Fears & Questions about the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:44:02 +0000

Have you been watching or reading about all the controversy surrounding the H1N1 vaccines? How could you miss is it, right? I've been reading and catching snags of news reports, but hadn't really put a lot of thought into it until this past week. In the next weeks the schools in my area will begin administering H1N1 vaccines to students (with parental permission, of course). So now I've been doing some reading as a mom rather than just a journalist.

The first thing I checked was regarding any possible drug interactions with the vaccine, something I thought many of you may also be wondering about. The FDA approved package insert distributed with the vaccines does not list any drug interactions.

Here are a few additional resources I found helpful:

~Kimberly

Fears & Questions about the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Sunday, October 18th, 2009 at 15:44:02.

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What Is Wrong with Me?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:00:55 +0000

What is wrong with me? In May 2007, Marcia blogged a poem entitled "What Is Wrong with Me?" This simple but poignant post struck a chord, receiving hundreds of comments from people who Googled this phrase.

We've all asked ourselves this at one time or another. In this age of information at our finger tips, we take our questions to the internet so it should be no surprise that people experiencing emotional upheaval or mental difficulties would also use this tool to try to figure out what is going on with them.

Have you ever typed this phrase or something similar into a search engine such as Google? Why did you search for this? ~Kimberly

What Is Wrong with Me? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 06:00:55.

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Brittle Bipolar Disorder

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:21:51 +0000

I recently read a post where a woman noted she had been diagnosed with "brittle" bipolar disorder. When we talk about a diagnosis of bipolar disorder there are many descriptors medical professionals and patients use to further define the illness. However, brittle is not included in the formal DSM-IV classification system nor is it a diagnostic specifier.

I did some research and found that the term brittle may be used when there is a history of easy relapse or when symptoms associated with the illness fluctuate unpredictably. When applied to bipolar disorder, brittle usually denotes that your mood swings are easily triggered and quickly switch between the poles of depression and mania.

What terms has your doctor used to describe your diagnosis? ~Kimberly

Brittle Bipolar Disorder originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 14:21:51.

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Trouble Taking Pills?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:26:40 +0000

Almost two years ago I blogged about the problems I had taking a six-pointed pill in Lamictal Tastes Terrible. Sixty comments later, Nicholas posted a trick that I have found extremely useful. He wrote:

"I have an update on my personal use of the stuff. I think maybe people don't know how to properly swallow pills - at least to my knowledge, I was never really 'taught' how to do so. I had a huge problem with the things sticking in my throat and making me gag, but I never do anymore. You just need to get plenty of water in your mouth and tilt your head back. I think you will no longer have any trouble taking the stuff or any other pill if you do so. Simply tilting my head all the way back so it goes straight down my throat has allowed me to not only have it go down smooth, but I can now take 6 or 7 of my medication pills in a single swallow with this method."

I've tried it, and it works for me. For example, I take four huge fish oil capsules a day. Since they're slick, sometimes I don't have a problem, but some days they do make me gag. The method of swallowing pills Nicholas gave works every time with these monster capsules. I just have to make sure I'm not about to cough to avoid the danger of inhaling liquid (or pills). (I haven't tried multiple pills at one time because too many of my pills are very large.)

Do you have tricks that help you get your meds down? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

~Marcia

Trouble Taking Pills? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 03:26:40.

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Wishful Drinking - Starring Carrie Fisher

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:02:38 +0000

Wishful Drinking, the bold memoir of Carrie Fisher, is now a one woman show featuring Carrie Fisher herself. Her "sensationally bizarre life story" opened on Broadway at Studio54 last night in which she "divulges all the highs and lows of life as a Hollywood princess, including her battles with depression, mental illness and any number of addictions, affairs and breakdowns...and whatever else she can still remember."

In Just Me and My Celebrity Shadows, Ben Brantley with The New York Times reviews the show, "Barefoot in pajamas and a robe, lounging in a kitsch-filled sanctum-in-outer-space designed by Alexander V. Nichols, Ms. Fisher makes you feel you've arrived for a slumber party to swap confidences ... Ms. Fisher knows herself - or the work of fiction she admits she partly is - and the myriad ways she might be perceived. This is essential if you are going to be turned into a sex doll, a Pez dispenser and an illustration in a book of abnormal psychology."

Carrie Fisher, the child of two Hollywood stars - Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher - started out with a lot going for her and something against her, too - manic depression, which her mother says is genetic. Carrie was onstage as part of her mother's night club act at age 12, and in her young teens was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At 19 she had her first movie role, in Shampoo. In 1977, she starred in Star Wars, her most memorable role as Princess Leia. ~Kimberly

Wishful Drinking - Starring Carrie Fisher originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, October 5th, 2009 at 08:02:38.

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Chronotherapy to Entrepreneurialism � Coping Strategies for Living with Bipolar Disorder

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:12:37 +0000

For those with life-long illnesses such as bipolar disorder, coping strategies are vital for achieving and maintaining stability. However, Dr. Charles Raison, a Psychiatrist at Emory University Medical School, hits the nail on the head when he comments that "bipolar disorder is too difficult to succumb to any single type of 'magic bullet.'" And this is why we see coping strategies as varied and different as the individuals who have this disorder.

Dr. Raison discusses the pros and difficulties of keeping a routine to help control bipolar symptoms. "I have personally had great luck with using routines (or more formally chronotherapy) to help people with bipolar disorder. One of the sickest patients I ever cared for was able to completely turn her life around by committing deeply to establishing very strict routines that helped stabilize her sleep."

Margaux Salcedo, with Sunday Inquirer Magazine, reports that Jetro, owner of the Van Gogh is Bipolar restaurant in Quezon City in the Philippines, has found his solution in food. "Diagnosed as being bipolar since he was young and having experienced medication that made him feel worse, he began experimenting with his diet, cooking with ingredients that made him happy and avoiding food that would lead him to spiral into depression." He has taken his coping strategy and turned it into his business.

His menu is comprised of cuisine named after celebrities who have bipolar disorder. There is an Axl Rose Egg Shot, a Sting Hot Cherry Potato and Larry Flynt's Cabbage Experience. And of course, Van Gogh rice.

Do you have any solid or unique coping strategies for living with bipolar disorder? ~Kimberly

Chronotherapy to Entrepreneurialism � Coping Strategies for Living with Bipolar Disorder originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 18:12:37.

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National Depression Screening Day

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:42:16 +0000

"Did you know that more than 15 million American adults suffer from some type of depression?" asked Dr. Anil Gandhi. "That's about 10 percent of the adult population. Unfortunately, with the economic recession and subsequent loss of jobs, the number of Americans with depression is growing." This makes the upcoming National Depression Screening Day that much more vital.

National Depression Screening Day is next Thursday, October 8. Since 1991 this event, sponsored by Screening for Mental Health, is held every year on the Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week. It has now grown into a program that includes screening for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide prevention.

Screening for Mental Health works with local organizations throughout the United States as well as some Canadian centers to provide both in-person screening events and online screening tools to help patients identify the services they need and promote positive mental health.

Why should you consider screening? Nancy Schimelpfening, the About.com Guide to Depression, shares, "Screenings are free and completely confidential. The screening is an opportunity to learn more about anxiety and mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional. If appropriate, you may be referred for a complete evaluation."

Have you participated in a National Screening Day event? What was your experience? ~Kimberly

National Depression Screening Day originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 at 13:42:16.

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Bipolar Disorder and Bad Judgment

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:15:17 +0000

For an illustration of how bipolar disorder can disrupt a live because of bad judgment, we only need to look at the story of NBA player Delonte West. Last year, as Bill Livingston reports in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, West left his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, for several weeks of treatment after "an explosive outburst at a referee" during training camp. But the problems didn't end there. In spite of having a stellar season, West continued to exhibit serious behavior problems and mood swings.

Now West has been arrested and charged after he was found to be carrying concealed firearms - two handguns and a shotgun. News reports note that he is likely to face a relatively short suspension from play, but the Cavaliers have some decisions to make as well. West has an illness, as Livingston points out. That doesn't mean ignoring his bad behavior, but it does help explain it.

At the Cavaliers' media day, West told reporters he was "off his routine" and is now back on his medications, but declined to answer any other questions about his arrest. One big question is, will he stay on his meds now?

As we noted in 5 Bad Reasons Not to Take Meds, too often people with bipolar disorder stop taking medications because they "feel fine now," because of side effects, or for other reasons.

Delonte West's bipolar disorder is affecting more than his game. Fortunately for him, carrying a concealed weapon is a misdemeanor in his state, not a felony, but the incident shows very bad judgment on his part and could be a predictor of future behavior if he doesn't stick with his treatment.

What about you? Has bad judgment because of your bipolar disorder caused major problems in your life? Share your story - it could be a cautionary tale that helps someone in the future.

Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Bipolar Disorder and Bad Judgment originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 19:15:17.

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Children With Bipolar Often Receive Diagnosis Late

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:36:35 +0000

That's the conclusion of a new study that examined age at diagnosis versus age when symptoms first appeared. The study, conducted in Spain, found that only about 25% of children with bipolar disorder were diagnosed within 7 months of symptom onset. For another 50%, it took a year and a half to about three and a half years to be diagnosed correctly. The final 25% took even longer.

Almost all of the children in the study had multiple disorders; the most common comorbid illness was ADHD. Many of them were first diagnosed either with one or more of those accompanying disorders or one or more (up to four) disorders later ruled out.

A 2005 study by the same researcher found that pediatric bipolar disorder was diagnosed far less in Europe than in the United States. Whether that tendency influenced the late diagnosis of the children in the study is yet to be determined.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children isn't the easiest thing in the world. The symptoms in children are not the same as in adults. In the United States, psychiatrists use specific standards from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to arrive at a diagnosis of any mental illness. The criteria used to diagnose a child are still being studied as our knowledge about pediatric bipolar disorder increases.

If you have a bipolar child, how long was it after his or her symptoms appeared that you finally got the diagnosis of bipolar disorder? Share your experience by leaving a comment below.

Source:
ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 24, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com�/releases/2009/09/090922100043.htm

Children With Bipolar Often Receive Diagnosis Late originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Thursday, September 24th, 2009 at 17:36:35.

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Medical Alert IDs for Bipolar Disorder

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:51:33 +0000

Do you wear a medical alert ID? Dharmakaya recently asked about this in our forums. �I suffer from bipolar, acute anxiety and social phobia. I thought about a medical alert bracelet for bipolar or at least a card in my wallet. Is there anywhere to print out or design a card to carry with me?� Previously Rachel also asked about this and other members responded with their thoughts and suggestions.

Most people are familiar with medical alert jewelry for those "hidden" medical conditions - diabetes, heart problems, drug and food allergies, etc. - that may cause life-threatening emergencies. However, those with mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorders as well as those who take medications on a regular basis may also want to consider using this a medical ID. It is an invaluable resource that may just save your life. And it doesn�t have to cost you any more than a printout.

Why should I consider a medical ID? What types of medical IDs are available? What information should I include on my medical ID? What if I can't afford a medical ID? Here are a few points to consider. ~Kimberly

Medical Alert IDs for Bipolar Disorder originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at 20:51:33.

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The Informant! - Whitacre Feels It's an Accurate Portrayal of His Bipolar Disorder

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:51:16 +0000

The movie The Informant! starring Matt Damon is based on the real-life story of Mark Whitacre, the 1990�s whistleblower in the infamous Archer Daniels Midland price-fixing conspiracy. What you may not know is that Mark Whitacre, the FBI�s key informant in the case, has bipolar disorder.

Rebecca Murray, About.com�s Guide to Movies, summarizes the plot, �What was Mark Whitacre thinking? A rising star at agri-industry giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Whitacre suddenly turns whistleblower. Even as he exposes his company's multi-national price-fixing conspiracy to the FBI, Whitacre envisions himself being hailed as a hero of the common man and handed a promotion.�

�The movie shows how, after Whitacre informed the FBI of the company�s dealings, bipolar disorder got the better of him, causing him to spin increasingly elaborate lies. Whitacre was convicted of fraud and tax evasion and spent more than eight years in prison,� reports Eric Robinette, staff writer with Dayton Daily News.

Whitacre told Robinette that he feels the dark comedy of the movie was the best way to handle the story and he is quite happy with Matt Damon�s portrayal. He shares, �The movie�s a lot about the mental illness. Bipolar disorder gets worse when you�re under pressure ... I did a lot of crazy stuff, and they�re showing that bizarre stuff.�

I haven�t seen the movie yet myself, but it is definitely on my list. I am particularly curious about how his family stuck with him through this. He and his wife are still married today. Have you seen the movie? What did you think? ~Kimberly

The Informant! - Whitacre Feels It's an Accurate Portrayal of His Bipolar Disorder originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 13:51:16.

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Do We Have to Live with the Angst of Trying to Lose Weight?

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:46:31 +0000

Concerns over weight are quite common to those with bipolar disorder. Weight gain is a common side effect of many medications used to treat this disorder. Bouts of depression can also increase the pounds. In a blog regarding medication weight gain, Charisse shared, �I started on a medication last year and weighed 130 pounds or so. Now I am 220 pounds! I was eating like crazy.�

Christine responded, �I have gained almost 50 pounds on medications, and been through the one week it fits, tomorrow it doesn�t. I went from 146 to 193 in a matter of 3 months! Changing meds will not help ... I decided that I�ll just live with the weight gain but I�ll maintain a healthy lifestyle.�

I think Christine hit the nail on the head. The key is a healthy lifestyle. It is a matter of changing our focus and our perspective.

Paige Waehner, the About.com Guide to Exercise, has some good news. Giving up on weight loss may be the best way to lose weight. She asks, �What would happen if you gave up on weight loss as an end result? What would happen if you freed your mind from the pursuit of an ideal you haven't been able to reach? What would happen if you forgot about results and focused on what you're getting out of your workouts right now? Are you willing to find out?�

Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch recommend this same approach of re-evaluating our motivations for dieting in Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works. �It�s tough for a nation of people obsessed with their bodies to believe that even �sensible dieting� is futile.� Why? �In our society the pursuit of thinness (whether for health or physique) has become the battle cry of seemingly every American. Eating a single morsel of any high-fat or non-nutritionally-redeeming food is punishable by a life sentence of �guilt� by association.� This obsession with food and dieting creates counter-productive thoughts and behaviors. �Intuitive eating focuses on nurturing your body rather than starving it, encourages natural weight loss, and helps you find the weight you were meant to be.� ~Kimberly

Do We Have to Live with the Angst of Trying to Lose Weight? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 10:46:31.

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The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Sex

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:42:09 +0000

The impact of bipolar disorder on sex can be frustrating or even devastating to self-esteem and relationships.

Sex is an important part of our lives � a very important and yet complicated part of our lives. The very fact that every aspect of our culture is steeped in sexual messages and references attests to this, from the subtle ad campaigns implying we will be more desirable with whiter teeth or if we drink mojitos, to the neon-pink erotic caf� billboards along the highway screaming �We bare all!�

Our complete immersion, willing or not, in competing sexual themes amplifies the sexual frustration and tension that is actually quite normal for everyone. For those with bipolar disorder, the mood swings and the complications of treatment far too often push these normal tensions to extreme behavior and dysfunction. Mania often leads to hypersexuality and, for some, sex addictions. Depression and medication side effects can kill libido bringing sex to a grinding halt.

How Has Bipolar Disorder Affected Your Sexuality? ~Kimberly

The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Sex originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at 08:42:09.

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Will My Child Inherit My Bipolar Disorder?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:48:27 +0000
Sometime ago in the forums, Faithstar voiced a common fear of couples considering the joys of parenting, �My husband and I talked about having children - and the risks they face of being bipolar or schizophrenic, both of which run in my family - for a long time before deciding to take the chance.�
Are you thinking about having a baby, but you�re also worried about your child inheriting bipolar disorder? After all, you've probably heard that bipolar disorder can be inherited and genetic studies have borne this out. Marcia outlined a few points to consider.
What are the deciding factors for you? ~Kimberly
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Will My Child Inherit My Bipolar Disorder? originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at 22:48:27.
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Bipolar Disorder on 90210

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:43:07 +0000
The fall television premieres are underway. In the lineup last week was 90210, a reincarnation of the 90�s hit series following a group of teens growing up in Beverly Hills. 90210 kicked off its second season of �ordinary teenage struggles and triumphs - crushes, sexual discovery, academic pressure, evolving friendships, shunning and isolation, love and relationships, family issues, SATs, STDs, a desire to fit in, a desire to stand out, fear and humiliation, joy and exultation� � and bipolar disorder. (See Rachel Thomas' synopsis and character profiles for more information.)
Silver, played by Jessica Stroup, is the �outspoken free spirit who marches to the beat of her own drum machine.� She is a teen who has bipolar disorder. In an interview with the Associated Press, Jessica shared that she�s done a lot of research about bipolar disorder and �she appreciates the challenge of playing someone with a mental disorder.�
It�s been a few years since I was into the teen television scene. So fans of 90210 what do you think? Jessica feels that portrayals of bipolar disorder are important because "it's something that touches so many people but isn't really explored." She is being careful not to play Silver's mood swings too over the top. Does Jessica Stroup bring empathy and reality to Silver? Is Silver a character that you can relate to? ~Kimberly
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Bipolar Disorder on 90210 originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Monday, September 14th, 2009 at 07:43:07.
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