In addition, some psychiatrists report that, in people who suffered recurrences of illness after discontinuing lithium, the drug was no longer as effective for them as it had once been. Non compliance with medication orders is a common trait among bipolars. Once an episode is over and they are feeling well they no longer see the need for taking medicine. Even when they recognize the need for it some people simply don't like taking medication and will discontinue it. Bipolars need to realize that taking medication for maintenance purposes is similar to that of a diabetic taking insulin to maintain health.
Self medicating with alcohol or other drugs is common in bipolars and leads to mood instability.
It makes long-term treatment of bipolar affective disorder difficult, if not impossible to achieve. There are many vegetative or bodily symptoms associated with Bipolar Affective Disorder. In addition, physical illness may mimic the symptoms of bipolar disorder. A physician will be able to assess these symptoms, make a diagnoses and prescribe treatment when required. The illness is a biochemical one requiring the use of medication to stabilize the basic mood disorder.