| Research and Science | |
These are features about the causes and complications of, and treatments for, bipolar disorder / manic depression.
St. John's Wort and BP - Unsafe
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Tamoxifen: Serendipity for Bipolar Disorder?
The "Kindling" Model in Bipolar Disorder
Self-Medication: When the Cure IS the Disease
Messengers of the Brain
Mood Disorders and Sleep
Nutritional Supplements: Amino Acids
The "Kindling Model" Revisited
The "Kindling Model" is the theory that "the first episode of bipolar disorder, whether manic or depressive, is more likely to be associated with major psychological stressors than are episodes occurring later in the course of the illness." However, a recent study published in "The Journal of Abnormal Psychology" suggests that this model does not fully explain bipolar disorder.
Although the popular herbal supplement St. John's Wort appears to be fairly safe and effective in the treatment of mild depression, there is a growing body of evidence that many people - including those with bipolar disorder - should not take it.
Everyone who is bipolar or cares for someone with manic depression has asked this question at least once. Here is a look at what present-day researchers believe to be the answer to this important question.
Tamoxifen has been used for years in the treatment of breast cancer, but now researchers are testing it for use in controlling bipolar mania. Kim Bailey tells about the encouraging discovery that one drug may help two very dissimilar illnesses.
The theory of "kindling" was first developed for epilepsy, and later applied to manic depression. What is it, and what does it mean for people who have bipolar disorder?
It is generally believed that 30% to 60% of those with bipolar disorder also struggle with alcoholism or substance abuse. Researchers, as well as many of those caught in the cycle of addiction, believe the use of these substances is an attempt to alleviate symptoms or to "self-medicate."
Containing the illustrated story "GABAs in the 'Hood," this article explains how neurotransmitters work in easy-to-understand terms. These brain chemicals determine how you think, move and feel, and if they aren't working right, a lot else can go wrong.
Mood and sleep disorders go hand-in-hand. But did you know that changing the way you sleep might help control depression and/or mania?
Information about amino acids, the building blocks of protein, as they relate to Bipolar Disorder.
