Is bipolar disorder treament possible using no drugs?

Question

Honestly, I am unsure if my diagnosis is correct. I do not have a lot of faith in my psychiatrist for my own reasons. In one 20 minute meeting he diagnosed me with biploar disorder, dissociative disorder and borderline personlaity disorder followed my a heavy regime of drugs. This was 2 years ago. I have sinse left his practice and only stayed on one medication that my general doctor perscribed (Risperdal). I am unsure as to my true disgnosis or if I am truely ill or not? I am staying on the Risperdal because I feel like it does help stabilize my mood, however, this could all be in my head too. I would like to discontinue the Risperdal because of the joint and muscle aches that I get from it. I have also gained 25 lbs on this drug. Any suggestion on that I should do? Do I look for another psychiatrist? Should I attempt a "talk therapist," should I discontinue the drug on my own? I'm open to opinions. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would recommend finding a new psychiatrist and therapist as well. The benefit of weekly therapy is that the therapist can really get to know you and help to diagnose you. Hopefully you can find a good treatment team (a therapist who will work closely with your psychiatrist)... Best of luck. You deserve way more support around this than you're getting! :)

Answer 2

I do not believe that bipolar disorder treatment should be done without medication;even if it is a small dosage. This doesn't mean that you cant manage your symptoms and eventually get off medication. The problem that happens is that while you are in a euphoric(manic) place...everything feels possible and your feel like you are sitting on top of the world and when the pendulum swings the other direction you are in the pits of despair and hopelssness (at least that what people with bipolar do). Both are not good places to be. If you try this without medication you will need to learn how to cope with and manage your symptoms. You will have to manage impulsive behavior, states of depression, irratability, anxiety, bouts of mania etc. It is not nor will it be an easy task. You will also have to consider those with whom you live. Your mood swings will affect them as well. I would suggest that you go to your local community mentalhealth agency and seek treatment there. The people there usually work as a team. This means that your therapist would work closely with your psychiatrist and who ever else is on the team. It is important that you use the littlest amount o fmedication as possible to remain stable. If one is not working, then youshould ask for something else. Do research onwhat works andwhat doesn't. Your medical doctor is not a specialist in psychiatric issues. He really should not be giving "scripts for medication of which he has no understanding. It is also important that as you speak with a therapist, that you be open and honest.

I have included some web pages which might be useful to you.
Good luck

Answer 3

If anyone seems to, then that's not the bipolar disorder I've had for over 30 years. I also haven't seen that in people I've seen as patients, clients or acquaintances. Bipolar disorder can be erroneously diagnosed, especially in people whose abnormal moods are due to substance abuse. If those people become clean and sober, their "bipolar disorder" can disappear. The time will come when there are biological markers for bipolar disorder, both in genes related to the disease and neurochemical markers. It's likely that there are many people who have the genes or other markers for bipolar disorder, but never develop enough symptoms to deserve the label of bipolar disorder. Maybe they aren't stressed in the right way to develop the disorder. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem that people go back to normal once they meet today's criteria for bipolar disorder, unless the mental health professional makes a mistake in the diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is an episodic condition, at least early on, so that may seem like a cure without meds, but that natural course of the disease is to come back. The best thing is to stay on a mood stabilizer. If many years pass uneventfully, I'm sure many patients will stop taking the drug. Then if they need it the episodes will return.

Answer 4

I am bipolar and I lived unmedicated for two year before I was diagnosed. Once I started medication my moods stabalized. I am on Wellbutrin and Depakote. I still have episodes of mania when I am under a massive amount of stress. For you though, you need to find out if you are type one or type two. I am type two which is rapid cycling. I go through mood changes about every third day. Type one is your typical mania episode every four or five months. Find out what you are and talk to a shrink. Therapists are not going to help you with your meds. Do not go off your meds on your own. You have to slowly wean down. If you do it all at once you could become suicidal or very sick. I know this from experience. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Hi, Well honestly you should always take your psychiatrists opinion on board because they generally do give good advice. I have suffered from severe anxiety, extreme sweating etc and depression.....I dont take any so called drugs at the moment but it has been a battle.....i have learned that not all drugs work so many have to take various meds until they get the right one for them. They are alternatives like herbal meds but honestly i find they are not good enough to deal with my problem. I suggest that you ask another psychiatrist about your issues...even try a focus group maybe or depression aware group......the more u know the better......and then go from there.....u'll be fine....best of luck with all that and well u arenot alone......good luck
Dermot

Answer 6

I recommend you find yourself another psychiatrist. In my own experience, I have found two women psychiatrists who were far better than the male doctors I had in the past. Yes, it is possible that you were improperly diagnosed. It is always a good idea to seek a second opinion when in doubt, especially.

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 7

Yes, the treatment of ADD, ADHD, and Manic Drepression/Biopolar disorder and other personality disorders ARE treatable by diet, and life style changes, and also by non medical treatment (talking to the Psychologist). It is a long and hard road though, there are alot of changes to be had so this method is not for everyone. You should talk to your doctor about it, in the long run it is more benifical to you.

Answer 8

I absolutely believe that depression, anxiety, panic attacks can be treated and overcome without prescription medications. Sometimes drugs are beneficial to relieve symptoms, but they don't promise to cure anything (leaving a person without hope in the long term.) The solution requires time, but it basically depends on Biblical principles for "renewing your mind (thinking)". Call it "cognitive therapy" if you prefer. Our emotions are the result of our thinking. I "feel" depressed when I'm thinking depressing thoughts. I "feel" anxious when I'm worrying about the future, or regretting the past. Of course the one main requirement is adherence to Biblical Christianity -- getting involved in a Bible teaching church, etc..

Check "nouthetic counseling" or Bob George's material on overcoming depression.

Answer 9

I am bipolar too. I don't think there is a way to treat it without medication. If I were you, I would see another psychiatrist.

Answer 10

I would talk to a good friend..and see if Risperdal really stabilizes you..Just to make sure its not in your head..But i would talk to another psychiatrist..But not just..a random one..ask around..see if any one would reccamend one..One that you know..is trusted by others..Because in a 20 min meeting..him giving you a crap load of meds..doesnt sound right at all..i mean.i dont know if..i dont know if your crazy..but you want to help yourself..so i dont think all of those are right..at all really...