How is Lithium Carbonate Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness with two main types. Bipolar I is characterized by episodes of mania, or abnormally elevated moods, which may or may not alternate with episodes of depression. Bipolar II, in contrast, includes cycles of mania and depression, with the depression state being lengthier and more severe, and the mania not as extreme. Lithium and Mania Lithium carbonate is the most common treatment for bipolar disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, lithium is one of the most effective psychiatric medications, beneficial in 70 to 80 percent of bipolar cases. It is especially effective at treating the manic swings. Mania includes symptoms of hyperactivity, an unrealistically inflated self-image, excessive talkativeness, and sometimes an unusually high sex drive. Manic episodes cause the person to behave irrationally and with poor judgment, such as buying a business with which he has no experience. In severe manic episodes, t
