Psychiatrists don't know for sure what triggers mania.
Many individuals report that their mania just "comes-out-of-the-blue" without anything triggering it.
Research has shown that certain physical factors can trigger mania in some individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
Stimulant Drugs
Many stimulant drugs (cocaine, crystal meth, ecstasy), and even some cold remedies, can trigger mania. Pot (cannabis) and alcohol abuse often play a major role.
Starting antidepressant medication
Some individuals only experience mania when they are started on antidepressant medication. A significant number of individuals with bipolar disorder likewise quickly go manic when started on antidepressant medication.
Suddenly stopping mood-stabilizing medication
Many fully recovered individuals with bipolar disorder go manic within 2-3 weeks of their suddenly stopping their mood-stabilizing medication.
Noncompliance With Medication
Half of individuals with bipolar disorder do not faithfully take their prescribed medication. Research has shown that, following hospital discharge, there is a 95% chance of having a relapse in 5 years if an individual with bipolar I disorder is off their medication.
The following questionnaire explores the physical factors that may trigger the return of your mania.
Here is the first question.
Has anything clearly triggered your mania?
(Once you answer, you will be shown how our other members have answered.)
(Our next topic is "#3 What Psychological Factors Trigger Your Mania?")
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of our community.
Questionnaire Findings
Of our Bipolar Support Community members completing this questionnaire, more than 50% answered "Yes" to the following:
Something clearly triggered my mania.
A particular season clearly triggered my mania.
Stopping my anti-manic medication clearly triggered the return my mania.
This questionnaire is based on the research of Mark S. Bauer and Linda McBride who are pioneers in the group therapy of Bipolar Disorder. They have written an excellent book on this topic:
Structured Group Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder: The Life Goals Program. Second Edition. 2003
Before going to the next topic, it would be very helpful to our other members if you could now describe what physical factors triggered the return of your mania.
#2 What Physical Factors Trigger Your Mania?
Posted - 04/11/2008 : 21:54:29
