How Bipolar Disorder Has Been Treated In The Past

No one really knows how long bipolar disorder has been around or what causes it. However, the symptoms are thought to be triggered by an imbalance of key chemicals in the brain. When this imbalance occurs, the neurotransmitter levels end up being too high or too low and may result in extreme mood swings such as irritability, sadness, extreme happiness or lack of energy.

In ancient times, no one knew about anything about the brain, especially the neurotransmitters and how they worked. So some thought the way to cure this disorder was though praying to gods and offering sacrifices. Others thought this disorder was a symptom of too much black bile.

When someone suffered from bipolar disorder, it was not out of the ordinary for their treatments to include bleeding, induced vomiting, rest and relaxation in curative mineral waters and even extreme treatments such as sterilization and/or institutionalization.

Society back then often looked upon some of those who suffered from bipolar disorder to be possessed by demons. These symptoms often included erased memories or personalities, convulsions or fits and even fainting if one was dying. When it was believed that one was possessed by demons, that person was put through an exorcism ceremony or ritual which was performed by one or more Catholic priests.

As time and technology evolved, newer treatments included things like electroshock and increased sedation with drugs. Then, in the 1950s, lithium was discovered as an effective treatment option. As well, a lot of today’s modern pharmaceuticals that are used for treating mental disorders are still traced back to the lithium of the 1950s.