Psychology
Bipolar disorder: highs, lows and staying well
Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression and of mania or hypomania. With the right medicine, a steady routine and a relapse plan, most people live full lives.
27 Sept 20269 min read
Mood stabiliser
Also known as Mood stabilizer, Mood stabilisers
Medicines taken long term to prevent the extreme highs (mania) and lows of bipolar disorder and keep mood steadier. Lithium and sodium valproate are the best known.
In Psychology
Mood stabilisers are the long-term treatment for , reducing how often and how severely episodes of and depression return. The main ones are lithium, sodium valproate, lamotrigine and carbamazepine — the last three are also epilepsy medicines — and some are used in the same way. They can take weeks or months to work fully and are usually continued for years, even when you feel well.
Safety points
- Lithium needs regular blood tests of the lithium level, kidneys and . and painkillers such as ibuprofen () can push levels dangerously high
- Valproate taken in pregnancy can cause birth defects and lifelong learning difficulties in the baby; it is not recommended for women and girls who could become pregnant unless there is no alternative and pregnancy prevention is in place
- Do not stop suddenly — relapse becomes more likely
Where this comes up
Psychology
Borderline personality disorder (emotionally unstable personality disorder)
BPD causes intense, fast-changing emotions, fear of abandonment and self-harm. It is treatable with specialist therapy, and most people improve over time.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Related terms
- Bipolar disorderBipolar affective disorder, Manic depressionA long-term condition with episodes of depression and episodes of abnormally high or irritable mood (mania or hypomania), usually lasting days to weeks, with more stable periods in between.
- ManiaManic episode, ManicA period of abnormally high or irritable mood with greatly increased energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts and risky behaviour, lasting a week or more. It defines bipolar I disorder.
- AntipsychoticAntipsychotics, NeurolepticMedicines that reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, mainly by blocking dopamine. They treat schizophrenia and mania, and are sometimes used for other conditions.
- DehydrationFluid depletion, Paani ki kamiDehydration is a shortage of water and salts in the body, from losing more than is taken in through diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, heat or simply not drinking. In children and older people it becomes dangerous quickly and is the main cause of death from ordinary diarrhoea.