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Incidence; Causes & Development Manic-depressive illness affects slightly less than 2% of the population to some degree. In the most severe form of the illness, called Bipolar I Disorder, depression alternates with intense mania. Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder often change with the seasons, for example depression in the fall and winter, and brief excitement in the spring or summer. Having a Cyclothymic Disorder may contribute to a person's success in business, leadership, achievement, and artistic creativity. Those with rapid cycles may go through four or more episodes of mania and depression per year; those with ultra-rapid cycles have episodes shorter than a week, with distinct and dramatic moods shifts within a 24-hour period. In some cases, alternative methods may work in a complementary way to the use of conventional medications, helping them to work better or, in some cases, to lower necessary dosages. In other cases, alternative treatments may be effective on their own, allowing a reduction in existing medications or lessening mood swings to the point where patients can lead more normal and satisfying lives. |
| Conventional Drug Use EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) Lecithin / Choline |