Bipolar Disorder
It is usually during the manic phase of this illness that an individual has an acute need for treatment, and initially anti-psychotic drugs will be prescribed which often reduce the mania within twenty four hours. Then maintenance therapy with lithium is gradually instituted as the standard treatment for Bipolar Disorder. This is a metallic element, usually given by mouth as lithium carbonate or citrate salts. Following the achievement of a satisfactory level of lithium in the bloodstream (measured chemically in blood samples taken at regular intervals), the anti-psychotic therapy, not the lithium, can be discontinued. Tricyclic anti-depressants may also be needed for the severe depression. Interestingly, in Bipolar Disorder, there is evidence of a link with some types of colour blindness. Research has also shown a strong hereditary factor which can be localised to a particular gene on the 11th chromosome.
Hypno-Psychotherapy can help with Bipolar Disorder, however, the client will most certainly need to be on some form of medication. As Hypnosis will not be able to alter the chemical imbalance in the brain associated with this disorder. But the psychotherapeutic element of hypo-psychotherapy could assist in the client being able to better cope with their condition and thereby making a positive impact on their well-being. This is an arena where a hypnotherapist would not be the appropriate professional to consult.
