is there a cure for Bipolar Disorder

Hi Wolfcub1962

Sean is going to probably get upset with me as I basically just posted this to someone else's question.  However, I will delete the parts that are irrelevant.  And add some more?

My answer is no.  Not yet? And if we get there...not for a very long time.

There is no definitive scientific answer per se regarding biological/genetic connections re: Bipolar (and Schizophrenia also where a lot of work has been done.)  However, statistics do exist.  Although, you can only take statistics so far.  I will concede to that as well.  Yet again, you also can not ignore them.

I can also not ignore that my mother is completely Bipolar as all get out and my genetic history is a disaster! Purely anecdotal evidence but I factor that into my life!

Nonetheless, "cures" are only found through scientific research.  Think about it.  No, I am asking you to ponder history, I am not trying to sound condescending.  How have "cures" been found?

Thus, the scientific research needs to continue.

People are generally prescribed meds but they may go off them.  That is purely their choice but I have seen disastrous results and extreme regret.  Also, the meds may not work as well when they choose to return to them.  I have seen some people go off them and be fine.

I would be a disaster. 

So at this point, that is all we have to work with.  Medication.  And choice? You don't have to take your pills.  However, if you go completely bonkers and wake up who knows where and having done who knows what, you may want to reconsider taking your meds.

As far as other things on the scientific side? One thing in its infancy is Neuroplasticity that I find fascinating! The chance and opportunity for the brain to be altered via neuronal change! I actually keep hoping that, should it play out, should it be a winner for Bipolar (and my other comorbidities) let it happen while I'm still alive!

I will also say that we are all different.  Each and every one of us, our brains, neurochemistry, or genetic heritage.  That is why this is such a puzzle that people are trying to figure out! That is why I try to take a balanced approach.  You can not base your own neurochemistry, diagnoses etc... simply upon someone else's.  I wish we all could to find some sort of way to just wipe it all out but I find that rather unrealistic. 

Perhaps if there was a gene discovered, some little codon somewhere or something else...a way to concoct a "vaccine" or something, wouldn't that be lovely.  We're nowhere even close to that! I also find that rather unrealistic but genetics never was my forte (i.e. gene mapping but I did figure out green eye colour which was neat and the gene for that!)

Anyway, it's too much of a puzzle with so many variables involved.  That is why the scientific studies are continuing to be done. 

Recall what I said about Neuroplasticity and studying that? Now, if it weren't for science continuing in the direction of Neurology...well, Neuroplasticity might actually be the closest we'll get to fix our brains for a lot of things!

I'm not sure if that helps you or not but take care,

PA