Myths and facts about bipolar disorder
Learn more about common myths and the facts about bipolar disorder.
1. Bipolar disorder is a character weakness. You can get over it by adopting a positive attitude. Myth or Fact?
Myth. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that needs bipolar medical and psychological treatment to help stabilize and prevent symptoms of mania and depression.
2. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Myth or Fact?
Fact. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you are not alone. About 5.7 million Americans also have the disease.
3. Most people who have the disease are accurately diagnosed. Myth or Fact?
Myth. Although millions of Americans are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it still is likely to be under recognized and undertreated. That's because bipolar disorder often exists along with other conditions such as substance abuse or anxiety disorder. Individuals also may be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. In some cases, it takes years before individuals receive an accurate diagnosis and begin to receive the best treatment.
4. Bipolar disorder is incurable. Myth or Fact?
Fact. There currently is no cure for bipolar disorder. But don't be discouraged; there is hope. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness, but it can be treated. There are also many resources available to help individuals manage bipolar disorder.
5. A few sessions of psychotherapy will cure bipolar disorder. Myth or Fact?
Myth. In conjunction with medication, psychotherapy can help manage bipolar symptoms and reduce reoccurrences. Since bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, however, it is best managed by a team of experienced medical and mental health professionals who will work with patients over time.
6. Medications might not work for everyone. Myth or Fact?
Fact. Treatment guidelines anticipate that not all medications work for everyone. That's why doctors work with their patients to find the combination of medications that work best for them. Doctors are alert to changes in symptoms that could mean a change in medications would be beneficial. STAVZOR is valproic acid medication, one of the most trusted and effective medications available to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. In fact, valproic acid is recommended as a first-line therapy by the American Psychiatric Association.
7. Even when individuals with bipolar disorder feel better, they shouldn't stop their medications. Myth or Fact?
Fact. Bipolar disorder needs to be treated throughout life. Stopping medications when feeling better can lead to more frequent and severe episodes.
8. Bipolar disorder is one of those "new" mental illnesses that have just been discovered. Myth or Fact?
Myth. Bipolar disorder has been recognized as an illness for almost 2,000 years. In 1875, a French physician first gave the disease a name: "manic-depressive psychosis."
9. Most people with manic or depressive symptoms contact a doctor for advice. Myth or Fact?
Myth. Only about 35 percent of individuals would consult a mental health professional for themselves –– or for someone else experiencing symptoms of manic-depression. And often, individuals with bipolar disorder who are experiencing the manic stage may not want to see a doctor because they enjoy the symptoms of feeling exceedingly happy.
The best thing to do is to consult a doctor if you think you or a loved one may have bipolar disorder. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you could feel well.
10. Medications for bipolar disorder are large pills that can be hard to swallow. Myth or Fact?
Myth. Some medications for bipolar disorder are large and may be difficult for some people to swallow. STAVZOR 500 mg dosage formulation, however, is up to 40% smaller than other forms of the mood stabilizer medication valproic acid. It's a form of valproic acid that comes in a small, easy-to-swallow, soft gel capsule, preferred by patients. The unique formulation is intended to help individuals start — and stay — on therapy.
