According to the Depression and Bipolar Alliance, almost 6 million Americans suffer from manic depression, or bipolar disorder. There is little, if any, discrepancy between men and women, except that men begin the cycle with a manic phase and women tend toward depression initially.
Bipolar disorder is distinguishable from regular highs and lows by the intensity and deepness of the moods, although the depressive phase shares similarities with clinical depression. Several treatment modalities are available.
Hospitalization
The Depression and Bipolar Alliance describes recovery as what happens "when your illness stops getting in the way of your life." As bipolar disorder is a recurrent disease, hospitalization is indicated for observation, therapy and stabilization. Depending on the phase or episode of the disorder, different approaches are used. In most men, mania or depression has a 75 percent chance of recurring.
Medications
One or more medications may be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder in males. Mood stabilizers are the most commonly used, including lithium, a long-time prescribed and effective treatment.
Anti-convulsants such as valproic acid, carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, were originally used for seizures but were found effective in controlling mood as well. Antipsychotics are used primarily in the manic phase.
Drugs such as olanzapine, risperidone and aripiprazole can help slow racing thoughts and hallucinations to a manageable speed.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help put the disorder into perspective. It helps verbalize fears and doubts, which can be challenging for some men. It can assist in seeing the true personality over and above the mood swings and traumatic experiences. This can also help end destructive habits such as alcohol and drug abuse, and coping with crisis.
Technological Options
Technology can offer alternative treatments to men with bipolar disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, has been made easier to tolerate with modern advances, and as of 2010, is being used under general anesthesia for depressive phases.
In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS. A device placed on the scalp shoots pulses of energy into the area of the brain that regulates mood.
Another option is vagus nerve stimulation, VNS. A painless procedure, the vagus nerve, which communicates to the brain from the major body organs, is delivered a small pulse similar to a pacemaker. It affects serotonin and norepinephrine and has been found effective in bipolar disorder.
