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Ultra Low Dose Enzyme Activated
Immunotherapy (LDA)
Ultra Low Dose Enzyme Activated
Immunotherapy (LDA)
Post Traumatic Environmental Stress Disorder
Peace of
Mind: Holistic Approaches to Anxiety and ADD
(on "New Life
Journal" Website)
Bipolar Disorder Can Be Treated With Medication
and Naturally
ALLERGY REDUCTION:
Improving Mood and Energy
Hidden Factors Behind Your
Persistent Illness
Adult
ADD:
To Medicate or Go Natural
Cancer
–
Finding Your Best Advisor
Overweight - The Risk and the Remedy
Loss
of Sexual Interest
Approaches in Helping Bipolar Sufferers
Help
for Panic and Anxiety Sufferer
Seasonal
Affective Disorder: The Winter Blues
Depression Relief Speeds Health
Recovery
Amino Acids
& Other Considerations in Depression Evaluation
Integrative
Medicine & Psychiatry
Blood
Pressure -
A Wake up Call
Addictions
- Breaking the Cycle
Spirituality:
The Core of
Healing in Integrative Psychiatry
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Approaches in
Helping Bipolar Sufferers
More than 2.2 million people
in the United States have bipolar illness. It's time to pay
attention and take action when the normal ups and downs of
everyday life begin to get more dramatic or extreme. If you,
a family member or friend show unusual shifts in mood, energy
or the ability to function, it may be an early sign of BPD
(bipolar disorder) also known as manic-depressive illness. If
BPD is not identified early and approached with comprehensive
care, the illness can have devastating effects on
relationships, careers and health.
Although the disorder can
begin in adolescence, early adulthood or as late as in the
50s, its early appearance is often not recognized by
significant others or by health-care providers. A key feature
that separates BPD from recurring periods of depression is the
occurrence of a "manic" period of elevated, expansive or
irritable moods that last for at least one week, or the
appearance of a "hypomanic" episode, which might be present
for only a few days. This consists of mild elevation of mood,
sharpened and overly active thinking and increased energy and
activity.
Research has suggested the
disorder is an inherited one, related to instability in brain
nerve impulse transmission. This leads to greater
vulnerability to emotional or physical stress, upsetting life
experiences, drug or alcohol use, lack of rest and sleep or
other forms of chronic over-stimulation. The brain is not
able to calm itself and restore its usual healthy balance.
Evaluation by a trained
professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist should be
considered when changes in moods are noticed. Appropriate use
of mood stabilizing medications may be necessary when
significant symptoms are present, which can be critical to a
successful treatment program. Those with BPD not treated with
Lithium or an appropriate mood-stabilizing agent, when needed,
have been reported to have at least a six to eight-fold
increase in suicide risk. More than 50 percent of people will
abuse drugs or alcohol if BPD is not recognized or treated.
Early recognition and an
integrative approach to treatment, including natural
approaches, can help bipolar sufferers improve the chances of
having successful relationships, meaningful work and a more
normal productive life. Some of the natural approaches would
be improving lifestyle, nutrition, environmental factors,
stress management, sleep habits, avoidance of alcohol and
substance abuse, education, behavioral, supportive and family
therapy programs.
Use of fish oil, rich in EPA
and DHA, has been shown to complement other treatments of
BPD. Specially designed light boxes, if carefully used under
the guidance of an experienced health-care provider, are
sometimes useful (especially if there is a seasonal component)
in addition to other treatments, to help depressed moods.
Nutritious, balanced, more natural, chemical-free diets,
relaxation training, yoga, Oriental Medicine, meditation
practices, religious and spiritual practices, regular exercise
and sleep are important considerations. Assessment and
correction needs to be done for any nutritional, metabolic,
hormonal (as thyroid deficiencies), allergic or environmental
problems.
Effectiveness of treatment is
reflected in the number of very well-known, creative and
accomplished people with BPD.
For more information, visit
www.dbsalliance.org
www.psychguides.com, or call the
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association, (800)
826-3632, or the National Mental Health Association, (800)
969-6642.
Ronald R. Parks, M.D.
practices integrative medicine and psychiatry in Asheville and
is director of macrohealthmedicine.com. Shan Parks assists
Dr. Parks.
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