From the 9 Myths of Bipolar Disorder article. This point is of particular relevance to the topic...
Quote:
4. I’ll have to be on medications for the rest of my life.
While the default assumption by most mental health professionals is that most people with bipolar disorder will need to be on medications for the rest of your life, nobody can predict how exactly you, as an individual, will react to such medications or what the future holds for your specific needs. So it is a myth to say that all people with bipolar disorder will absolutely be on medications for the rest of their lives. As many people age with this disorder, they find their swings between mania and depression lessen significantly, and the need for medication may decrease, and may even be discontinued without any harmful repercussions.
|
In terms of the larger medical question it is probably most accurate to say you may find it beneficial to be on medications for an as yet undetermined period of time. What those medications are will vary according to your unique biochemistry profile, whether or not you find them helpful, what symptoms (and side effects) you are experiencing, availability in your area, and what kind or degree of medical coverage you have.
You may find that learning additional coping skills and making lifestyle changes can help you to reduce your use of prescription medications or possibly, come off them entirely at some point without detriment to your quality of life and function.
The medication question is a complex one and the answer for each individual will be unique unto them.
__________________
~ Kindness is cheap. It's unkindness that always demands the highest price.
Last edited by spiritual_emergency; Dec 15, 2009 at 03:02 PM.
|