Bipolar Depression Associated with Suicidal Ideation
Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes notable changes in a person’s mood, energy and at times his or her ability to think clearly. People suffering with bipolar disorder experience high and low moods—known as mania (highs) and depression (lows). These changes are generally and notably different then the mood changes most experience. Bipolar depression (lows) is a common symptom of this mental illness. It is estimated that, more than half of individuals with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide or have serious suicidal thoughts over their lifetime, these tend to occur mostly during the depressive phases.
Currently, the only FDA approved treatment for patients with Bipolar Depression and Acute Suicidal Ideation and Behavior (ASIB) is electroshock therapy, a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure.
