Does medicine clear up bi-polar completely?

Question

or do bi-polar people still have symptoms?

If they do, then what should I expect if my boyfriend is bi-polar and on meds?

Answer 1

Bi-polar is a major psychiatric disorder. Medication can get things on an even keel, but symptoms can still persist. It can get to a point where your psyciatrist may diagnose it to be "in remission", but that just means that there are no acute symptoms at present. However, there is always a possibility that it could flare up again. You could have another episode possibly requiring hospitalization, depending on how severe the episode is. This usually would not happen if you have maintained a stable medicine regimen though. Not all bi-polars have psychosis, but for those who do, they can have serious repeat episodes down the road (once again, especially if they go off their meds). You will most likely be told that you need to remain on medication for the rest of your life in order to keep it under control.

In 2000, I read up on an organization called "True Hope" which claimed it could cure bi-polar disease completely with the use of vitamin/mineral combinations. The story is that a farmer in Western Canada lost his wife to bi-polar illness through suicide. They had 7 children together. He grew concerned for one daughter, Autumn, who had similar mood swings as the mom; as well as his son, Joseph, 13 at the time, who was a large boy for his age, and was becoming extremely and uncontrollably aggressive. The farmer did not want his children to go the same way as his wife.

The farmer kept pigs, and noticed aggressive behaviour and vicious conflict among them. He had a scientist friend, and the two of them created a concoction which subdued the pigs. The farmer decided to try the remedy on his 2 children. His claim was that it cured the two children. He marketed it as a CURE for manic-depression.

There was much debate on this product (which cost $250 per month CDN) and was not passed by the CMA so if you wanted to try it, it would be out of pocket. So anything that is not approved as a legitimate medicine is usually considered "quackery" or a quick money grab, which this was (considered to be).

I was first drawn to it, because the medicines I had tried up to that point (and the ones I am on currently) are very hard on internal organs, and I figured, I may as well be taking poison, for what it's worth with the medicine I was getting from the pharmacy. There are so many side-effects with psychotropic drugs, it kind of discourages you from wanting to take them. It's a trade-off. Either you stay off meds, and maybe get really sick: acutely or even become chronically ill (in la-la land) or; you take these drugs that may actually shorten your lifespan.

Well, my diagnosis changed again since then, and as well, I was warned by different nurses that this whole vitamin/mineral fad is very widespread and dangerous, and that my best bet is to stick with conventional methods. The doctors told me that each time you have an episode or nervous breakdown, your brain is damaged. I can't afford to stay off the meds as I have had too many episodes in my life and I have gotten VERY sick to the point of danger.

If you are interested, you can check out the site for True Hope: http://www.truehope.com/
I haven't read up on where they currently are at in U.S. or Canada scene lately. It does give you hope though, to learn that there might be an alternative that is safer for your body. But then again, is it safe for your mind?
Lord Bless.
PS. I didn't notice that you were talking about your boyfriend and what to expect, rather than yourself. Oh well, I hope what I've shared can help.

Answer 2

No, medication may help lessen the symptoms but being bi-polar is really a long term disease. Sometimes the meds will stop working over time and your boyfriend will have to try different kind of meds. Just be patient and realize that your boyfriend needs your love and support.

Answer 3

Medicine does not clear up any mental condition completely. I spent years trying to find the right medication. What I really needed was medication and a therapist. I am also doing a DBT class now. I am functioning much better and am ready to start weaning off medication. I find that meds mask a lot of symptoms. It is not easy. Finding the right doc and therapist can take time. I know that I will still have bipolar symptoms, but I KNOW how to handle them now.

Answer 4

From the perspective of the psychiatrist and all of your friends and family that you have been driving wacky...YES, it does "clear up" bi-polar completely.

So imagine their surprise when they find you dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, because you couldn't face a lifetime feeling so empty and devoid of emotions and inspiration?

MORALE: Get into therapy too. Med's alone are just a way of bringing you down to earth so that you can then do the hard work of therapy and learn how to take responsibility for your actions during your mood swings.

Even then, there is no "cure', though I would also ask your primary care provider about a nutritional consult with a homeopathic physician or naturopath (sp?)

Sometimes a daily walk does more to help than all the pills in the world.

Also, mean people will keep you from making progress, so clean out your relationship drawer and surround yourself with caring, understanding yet "tough loving" friends.

G.E.T.
Registered Nurse (retired)
Former Psych Nurse
Vietnam Vet with genetic Bipolar tendencies and PTSD from combat.

Answer 5

Well it would depend on the medication you are taking and how well it works, usually they find a medication that will keep you stable, and you can live a normal life if you take the medication, as you are suppose to .

Answer 6

You can still have some symptoms, but not so severe, mild where you can handle them, Check with your doctor.

Answer 7

No, and yes they can still have symptoms.

Answer 8

still have symptoms