Medications include mood stabilizers, especially lithium, flaxseed oil, phospholipids, lecithin, antioxidants, folate, amino acids, multivitamins and minerals (Kidd 2004). Psychosocial measures include a change of lifestyle, a change in diet, the inclusion of dietary supplements, cognitive behavior therapy and therapeutic parenting (Kidd). A plan that can be devised in treating or managing bipolar disorder can include traditional medications for symptoms, the new electroconvulsant therapy resistant cases, and preventive measures (Kidd 2004). The family must be educated on possible relapses through informational pamphlets, videos or their involvement in advocacy groups. Family physicians, psychiatrists and mental health professionals should be involved in the plan. Family members should be informed about and trained to recognize the warning signs of suicide. They should also be taught how to distinguish between the signs of mania and those of depression. Substance abuse should be discouraged or stopped. Even seemingly modest or "innocent" social drinking should be discouraged as well. Guns should be confiscated or removed from the house. The person afflicted with bipolar disorder and his or her family members should be tested for sexually transmitted disease. Spouses should be informed about their legal rights and where they can take refuge in case of violence. If the person with the disorder shows signs of overspending, help should be solicited from the social services entities and banks to prevent undue withdrawals (Kidd).

Overall, the family physician should manage the disorder in cooperation with psychiatrists (Grisworld and...

Together, they should examine the patient's life and those of other family members (Kidd 2004). They should address other risk factors with appropriate approaches, such as cognitive psychotherapy and support from the family and the community. Mood stabilizers, single nutrient and multi-nutrient supplements have been shown to be helpful and should form part of the plan. Vitamins, minerals, ortho-molecules, herbals and the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have proved especially effective even as a single therapy. Tests showed that the molecular action of mood stabilizers converge with the nutrients at the cell membrane level. This new combination promises specifically potent management of bipolar disorder (Kidd).
On the whole, the plan should not only control symptoms but also measure and reduce these symptoms (Spearing 2002). It should endeavor to raise or improve the patient's quality of life, ability to work and social functioning. It will likewise be cost-effective and make or lead the patient to maintain his or her treatment plan (Spearing). #

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grisworld, K. S and Pessar, L. (2000). Management of Bipolar Disorder. 7 pages. American Family Physician: American Academy of Family Physicians

Kidd, P.M. (2004). Bipolar Disorder as Cell Membrane Dysfunction. 3 pages. Alternative Medicine Review: Thorne Research, Inc.

NWHRC Health Center (2005). Bipolar Disorder. 3 pages. National Women's Health

Resource Center: Gale Group

Spearing, M. (2002). Bipolar Disorder. 28 pages. National Institute of Mental Health: U.S.

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