Mental Health

[ce1987]

I have had a pre diagnoses from my G.P as been Bi-polar. I am now waiting for my appointment at the local mental health hospital. I have researched this illness and treatment seems to be meds, which I do not particullarly want to take, as they make you gain weight.....does anyone know of any therapy which has a high success rate for treating the illness??

[Buenchico]

You'll almost certainly need some drugs but CBT and a proper exercise programme may well help.

See here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/Treatment.aspx
and here:
http://www.nhs.uk/con...ges/Introduction.aspx

Chris

[ummmm]

Are you serious?

Yes, these meds can make you 'hungry' but would you really risk your mental health for a few lb's...

It's a no contest situation. Take your meds and deal with the weight issue after.

[ummmm]

Chris....there are times when google just isn't enough.!

[237SJ]

My friend`s mum`s been on lithium for years. She`s in her late sixties and still as glamorous as ever. She hasn`t put on weight. I would wait and see what you are prescribed and worry about any other issues afterwards.

[wolf63]

I have had a couple of sessions with a psychologist but other than that I just keep taking the tablets.

Every person who is bipolar suffers in a different way - some become much higher than others and many people, like myself, suffer badly from depression. I had to give up work - partly due to my brain fogging up but also due to the fact that my behaviour was more than a little unpredictable.

Have you visited this website? http://www.mdf.org.uk/?o=56851

[scotman]

As several others have said, it depends how extreme your range is. Stephen Fry did a prog recently about his condition and apparently has decided to do without medication. For some reason exercise does seem to alleviate the symptoms.

[ladyalex]

Wait until you see the consultant before making any decisions.

Diagnosis is a serious business and, although your GP may be correct, a consultant psychiatrist is the expert.
If it turns out that the consultant agrees with your GP, the treatment options will be explained to you and discussed with you then.
Try not to jump the gun.
Good luck.