BPD Cycles

[MrJim]

My Mother-in-law is bipolar. She can't seem to get past 2 years before she is back in treatment. She is in now (ECT-she is due out Friday) and my wife wanted me to ask about these cycles. Is the 2 year cycle typical?

 

[s_gunter]

I don't know if 2 years is typical, but cycling is. Everyone with bipolar cycles differently. With some, it's rapid cycling (dramatic mood swings within a short period of time, sometimes several times a day), some cycling within months and years. It all depends on the person.

Also, psychiatry is not a perfect science. Most of it is guessing, and even when the doc finds the right meds and the patient is stablized, the patient may later develop a tolerance for the drug, causing it not to work anymore. Also, it does take time to get the correct dosage of the right drug.

Furthermore, life events can trigger an "unexpected" cycle. This is the nature of bipolar. I don't believe there is a cure; the meds only stablize a person unfortunate enough to have bipolar. It is the nature of bipolar to constantly be in and out of treatment. For a person with bipolar, this is normal.

But I have to say though, I'm jealous of you mother in law's 2 year cycle. Does this mean no hospitalizations in 2 years? That would mean no drastic med adjustments. Most of the time, a hospitalization is used to quickly adjust medication. Let me explain. The last time I was hospitalized, I was put on a high dosage of my meds. If I had done this outpatient, they would have had to put me on a smaller dosage and build it up very slowly to the point I needed to be. In the meantime, I was a danger of hurting myself or others until the drug kicked in. But since I was in the hospital, they could put me on a higher dosage, see how I reacted to it, and keep me safe. It takes less time to get to the dosage you need to be on in a safer environment if you are in the hospital. Most of the hospitalization is for observation.

 

[MrJim]

Yeah, no hospital in those 2 year gaps. But when she goes in she gets ECT 2 or 3 times. Seems to do the trick (?) but WebMD says ECT is usually a last resort.

 

[robert adams]

I am trying to understand BPD. What is ECT?

 

[MrJim]

I am trying to understand BPD. What is ECT?

ECT-that's the ambiguous initials used instead of saying "shock therapy"

 

[rushingwind62]

My Mother-in-law is bipolar. She can't seem to get past 2 years before she is back in treatment. She is in now (ECT-she is due out Friday) and my wife wanted me to ask about these cycles. Is the 2 year cycle typical?

menno,
No two year cycles are not typical....to be honest there is nothing typical with bpd, it affects each one of us differently.....in the first year I had four episodes and have only had one since in three years.
One thing that does affect bpd cycles is stress levels and the security/insecurity of the people who have it. Many times people with bpd look for quick answers and do not pursue counselling as they should....I was in counselling for two years to learn how to deal with bpd and look for new ways to help me cope. And to be honest now that I am facing new issues in my life I am going back to counselling to help me adapt.....Rob

 

[MrJim]

Well she came home today and seems pretty good. Three electric shock therapy sessions and she's good as new.

(?)

 

[Alive again]

HI, I have had ect (electroconvulsive therapy). Yes, some peopel due get what is referred to as maintenace ect.

Cycles can be as individual as the house we live in. Frankly, 2 years between cycles seems to be a very long time to me. Many people I know cycle 2 or more times a year. I am thankful that ect works for her.

The basic theory behind ect is that it restarts the brain (neurochemicals) much like shocking the heart, restarts a heart (this is just the easiest way to explain it). Many people who have ect once then go on meds during this window of improvement and the meds work better and then are able to maintain their stabilization. For others, repeat ect is what works, thus the concept of maintenance ect. Hope this helps!!

Blessings.

 

[MrJim]

Interesting-hadn't heard of the maintenance aspect.

She had another on Monday and will have another next Monday for a total of 5 all together. Seems to be doing pretty well.

Thanks all