Comments: More From the STEP-BD Study
nice post. The good news is we have the study. My question is why did it take so long? And the answer is, it doesn't matter. The scientists are interpreting the data. Let's hope they discover something, find a treatment that works and not a half ass treatment. And let's hope it doesn't take 20 years. In the meantime patients need to step up. In a big way. Take control. I have. It's my body, my life, my money, my brain, my everything. I'm one of the lucky ones. I have a warm bed and a cat who loves me most days. I have a family trying to understand...I am educating them. I found a creative outlet... my work. I'm able to get up and go to work. I'm not spinning out of control anymore. It took a long time to get here and I lost many years to the illness. Although the struggles made me stronger and I have no regrets, I wish better for our future generations. I also know until we have a treatment that works- the dark place is right around the corner.
We need to ask the questions that need to be asked. Be bold with the docs. And eventually someday question the pharma companies, insurance companies, etc. It's our responsibility. Right now we are letting them get by with meds that work 50% of the time. And yes, the side effects. A huge problem. 40 pound weight gain on Seroquel- sleeping through the alarm- living life in a constant fog. What kind of life is that? It's depressing. The side effects lead to depression. And me going for a swim with dolphins will not cure that. Getting married isn't going to cure it. Getting rich ain't gonna do it either. Exercise and diet will help- but no, it will not make it go away. Until the patients demand more, step up and say- no, this isn't good enough- this is the research we will continue to see. And these are the solutions society will toss our way.
Posted by kim at February 7, 2006 09:27 AM
I totally support guide-lined based treatment. It sounds like a very productive idea, and they are very courageous in taking a stab in the dark pertaining to BiPolar Illness.
It is one of my most complicated psychological conditions and needs the utmost attentivness. Regarding both to the medication aspect and the mental recovery aspect.
I didnt agree with a few items such as,
"Over 90 percent of patients with bipolar disorder experience recurrences during their lifetimes."
That is not true at all. If they mean by recurrence just naturally happens. That is not the case. A recurrence is occured when something triggers it,
1. Lack of medication.
2. A stimulant of some kind can cause it
3. Alcohol abuse or drug abuse.
4. Being sleep deprived can cause it.
5. And something a little big more natural, even stress can cause it.
So if they mean by recurrence that falls under any of these triggers, then yes I would agree to that quote. But I dont beileve that 90 percent will have a recurrence again. My grandpa has been on meds for about 50 years and never had any recurrences.
"That is the wall patients are up against. You get better, you get worse, you get better, you get worse all over again--and that's just the way it is. Researchers are often deeply dishonest about this fact."
I totally agree people who do not have the illness, havent experienced it, can never truly know what it feels like to be the sad and happy clown.
I hope this project goes well! It seems more and more this illness is becoming more well known, which I am eternally grateful for.
Posted by Josh R at February 7, 2006 12:19 PM
As someone's who has suffered from depressive episodes (post-natal etc.), I just want to give my two cents worth about the importance of B vitamins, fish oil, standardized St. John's Wort extract, and regular exercise. WBR LeoP
Posted by Health man at March 9, 2007 04:13 PM