Special advice for women with bipolar disorder from The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide (11 Photos)
David J. Miklowitz on Mar 2, 2011 at 2:59PM
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Edited with permission from The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, by David J. Miklowitz, PhD:
Bipolar disorder can present unique challenges for women, particularly around menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause—times when the disorder may change course and require modifications in treatment. The good news is that we now know more than ever about the effects of mood-stabilizing medications on the menstrual cycle and which drugs are safest during pregnancy, as well as the risks associated with stopping them altogether. We’ve learned how crucial family and marital relationships are to mood stability, and that various forms of couple- and family-oriented therapy can help prevent recurrences and reduce symptoms of depression. Click through to discover more about how bipolar disorder affects women, and ways in which it can best be managed throughout the life cycle.
