I need to ask a question that I can't seem to get answered elsewhere. I am bipolar, rapid cycling with hypomanias and severe depressions. In the past, I'd have a depressive or hypomanic cycle about once every two months and it truly disrupted my life. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago and started taking Lithium which reduced but didn't completely eliminate the mood swings. I believe my father and grandmother were both (undiagnosed) manic depressives and my brother (a recovering alcoholic) was just put on a mood stabilizer recently although he won't tell me his diagnosis--bipolar I'm sure.

Since January I have been completely off Lithium or any psychiatric meds whatsoever. This came about because my husband and I were trying to have a baby. I've since given up, but since I hadn't experienced any moodswings while trying to conceive, decided to continue for a while to see what would happen without the Lithium. My kidney function had also decreased somewhat while on the Lithium and it had played havoc with my skin. Since January, (almost 8 months now) no hypomanias, no depression, NOTHING! I asked my husband how my moods had been since I didn't trust my own judgement and he tells me I was unbearable several years ago before Lithium. He says he hasn't noticed any moodswings either.

I should add that in the several months before and while stopping the Lithium, I embarked on an intensive vitamin supplementation program including large amounts of B vitamins, fish oil, and antioxidants as well as amino acids. I also started an exercise program about a year ago and began yoga twice a week in addition to acupuncture 3x month. In addition, I found a very enjoyable hobby that occupies my leisure time.

This lack of moodswings is completely remarkable to me. I noticed that as my dad and grandmother got older the hypomanias (don't think they ever had full-blown manias) seemed to decrease and they seemed to be mildly depressed most of the time.

I'm wondering if one can have a spontaneous "cure" of bipolar illness, or maybe it's just that the symptoms are lessening as I am getting older (I'm now 43)? I'm also wondering if my vitamin supplements are helping as well as the exercise and yoga program? I don't want to go back to my psychiatrist because I'm sure she will insist I go back on the Lithium again. Personally, I don't want to take something I don't ABSOLUTELY need. I figure that if I have a relapse, I can just go back on the Lithium again.

Your comments/feedback would be appreciated. Please let me know if you post my question on your website, so I can read it online. Thanks for listening.

First, congratulations on staying well without psychotropic medications. At the same time, some patients can take up to a year to relapse back into the illness. Keep an eye on your sleep and your moods to make sure you are alright. I would also keep in some kind of contact with your psychiatrist in case you need their services.

It is my opinion that we don't know enough about Bipolar Disorder to say that someone would not "outgrow" the illness. I think it is possible, but more likely you may have a relapse, even though I really hope you don't.

It is also my experience that vitamin therapy is a treatment for some people, but one can't recommend it for everyone because of the lack of rigorous studies that would allow Doctor's to have it as a primary recommendation. We do know that Omega 3 Fatty Acids are a benefit to some patients with Bipolar Disorder.

Exercise and yoga will assist anyone who has a brain and body, and I am so glad it is helping you. That is the one thing you are doing that everyone should be pursuing.

I hope my answer helps you and good luck. Please write back if you have further questions or I am missing something from your query.

Thanks.