Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder go through many highs and lows. The mania makes them feel on top of the world and able to do anything they want. However, this high comes with a low that drives many people with bipolar disorder to suicide. Many people who take antidepressants to help the depression that comes with the mania-depression cycle of bipolar disorder find that they enhance their feelings of suicide. For these people, there may be a new set of drugs that can help curtail suicidal ideation and attempts – anti epileptic drugs.
In a recent study appearing in the Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers found that some people treated with anti epileptic drugs were less likely to attempt suicide. This was seen in cases of sufferers with severe forms of bipolar disorder and have had suicide attempts in the past.
What This Information Means for You
If you suffer from bipolar disorder and don’t believe your medication is helping you and/or you are having suicidal thoughts or has an attempt, you may want to discuss trying an anti epileptic drug with your psychiatrist. Of course, your psychiatrist and you are the best people to decide if this course of treatment is best for you. Consider the risks and benefits of all treatment regimens when you make a switch and continue close monitoring from a professional.
Photo Courtesy of: ohadweb on flickr
Thu, Dec 17, 2009
Health