What happens if bipolar is left untreated?

What happens if bipolar is left untreated?

When left untreated, the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder will often increase in severity and may lead to suicide; there is a high suicide rate for people with the disorder. When treated, it’s possible to control the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and enjoy a more stable and fulfilling life.

What happens if someone with bipolar takes antidepressants?

Antidepressants can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If antidepressants are used at all, they should be combined with a mood stabilizer such as lithium or valproic acid. Taking an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer is likely to trigger a manic episode. Antidepressants can increase mood cycling.

Is Zoloft good for bipolar?

With bipolar disorder, Zoloft is usually used only for acute bipolar depression. Medications such as Zoloft may trigger bipolar mania or hypomania, so careful monitoring by a physician is needed.

What is a good antidepressant for bipolar?

For bipolar depression, the recommended first-line treatments are fluoxetine with olanzapine, or monotherapy with another atypical antipsychotic, quetiapine. Olanzapine or lamotrigine monotherapy can also be considered, says NICE.

How do I deal with bipolar without medication?

People use a wide range of strategies to manage their mood; the people we interviewed talked about more than 50 different approaches ranging from simple things like doing exercise, pampering themselves, talking to (or avoiding) specific friends or family members, to taking time off work, using techniques they had …

How long can you stay on lithium?

If you are just starting lithium treatment, is it recommended that you stay on it for at least 6–12 months. This is to help find out whether it will be an effective treatment for you. If you’ve been completely free of relapses after taking lithium for 3–5 years, you may be able to see if you can manage without it.