2007-08-15 05:23:09 · 27 answers · asked by Raven 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
If you have been officially diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having BPD and its disrupting your life then the answer to your question is NO.
2007-08-15 05:39:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I actually have bipolar tendencies, and don't take medication. I think that it really depends on the severity of the disease. At one point in college, I know that medication would have been helpful. But on the other hand, because I have never actually took medication, I know how to control myself. When I feel like I'm talking way too much and getting hyper- I slow down. Or when I feel like I'm just hanging out in my room doing nothing- I make myself go out. But a lot of people have it worse- to the point where they're offering you gifts one minute and the the next they are screaming and crying. If a person is jumping from love to hate in a second and making people around them uncomfortable- they should at least check out what their options are.
2007-08-15 05:35:36 · answer #2 · answered by Katharine A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My husband and my mother tried to control it without medication, as have many people I have known. my mother ended up divorced and having her family not speak to her. My husband ended up in the hospital with a restraining order. One friend (who did the same) lost her law license, and another got a divorce and was arrested.
ALL bipolars think they get by without their medication. Some do for a long, long while, but it is like playing Russian Roulette. No one knows when the cycle is going to come with a bullet in the chamber. If the person spins the barrel long enough or there is enough stress, the gun goes off.
Usually the family gets hit (and severely damaged) long, long before the bipolar "gets" that he or she really needs to get the right medication.
Bipolar and manic depression are NOT the same things as depression and the person needs to be evaluated by a psychiatrist, not himself or herself or folk wisdom.
2007-08-15 05:31:35 · answer #3 · answered by Buffy Summers 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Although there is no known cure for bipolar disorder, it is among the most treatable of mental illnesses. There is no known way to prevent bipolar disorder itself, but individual episodes may be prevented with the use of medications. Hospitalization may be necessary during severe episodes.
Medications are generally the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. They are used to quickly control and eliminate dangerous or disabling symptoms and prevent further episodes. If thyroid dysfunction is present, it must be treated before symptoms of bipolar disorder can be addressed.
Many people to experience symptomatic relief with alternative treatments. Read more about them below:
http://emotional.health.ivillage.com/depressionbipolar/bipolardisorder7.cfm
2007-08-15 05:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a close relative that is Bipolar and she didn't like taking her medicines. When she didn't, all kind of craziness was going on. She had to be hospitalized and forced to take the medication. As long as he takes it she maintains herself well and lives a pretty normal life. For some people, there may be other alternative but I know for her there is not.
2007-08-15 05:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by kimberly M 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
no because it's a chemical imbalance in your brain. The meds are the only thing that can help! My friends ex husband was bipolar and the was fine if he had his meds but if not he was a completely different person (not good!!)
If you don't like the meds your doctor gave then maybe talk about other medications availible. Good Luck
2007-08-15 05:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by Heather 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I struggled with this for a while early on in college, and found medicine to be pretty unhelpful as far as a long-term solution goes. I started exercising more and trying to spend more time outdoors -- during manic (or at least 'feeling good') phases, it helps keep you calmed and in a positive mindset for when you start turning depressive...
When you're feeling depressed, exercising really helps boost the happy chemicals in your brain, and also gives your something to feel good about in general. After my freshman year, I dropped my pills and just started trying to spend more time in the sun and doing physical activities. Now I'm entering grad school and haven't had a real depressive episode in at least a year or two.
2007-08-15 05:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by BZR 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Generally. No... The levels of ceratonen and norepinephrine in your system need to be changed. If you wanted a less harsh approach instead of something like Tegretol or Lithane, you might want to see a naturopath and maybe look into CAM. It's something that's a lot harder to beat then just depression.
2007-08-15 05:32:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is obvious that a person with such a condition should be under expert medical care, which certainly will include medication. It is vital for the person to follow the specific directions of the physician.
2007-08-15 05:28:29 · answer #9 · answered by Zombie Birdhouse 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Bipolar disorder needs to be treated and not ignored, that said, there are homeopathic treatments that can be used instead of traditional medication. You can find a homeopath or homeopathic doctor in your area through the international directory of homeopathy: http://www.hpathy.com/dirhomeopath/index.asp
2007-08-15 05:34:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋