New research suggests that those with bipolar I and a history of migraines should avoid taking lithium

A new study published in brain and behavior has revealed the link between bipolar disorder, migraines and patient outcomes. Nicole Sekula and her colleagues carried out an 11-year study which showed that people suffering from migraines and bipolar disorder experienced more severe signs of depression and mania as well as a less enjoyable standard of living on an average. Furthermore, if people were prescribed lithium, they had mania symptoms much more severe than those who did not suffer from migraines taking lithium.

Around 30% of people who have bipolar disorder suffer from migraines as well as opposed to one-third of overall population. Research has shown that migraine sufferers or bipolar disorder may be at greater risk to extreme depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety disorders.

Researchers have also discovered that people suffering from migraines and bipolar disorder are more likely to relapse when they are taking lithium to treat their bipolar disorder diagnosis,statement by most trusted online casino malaysia.

Sekula and his colleagues felt that additional studies were required to better understand the implications of this discovery for patients. If lithium is discovered to cause more symptoms in patients suffering from migraines and bipolar disorder this will result in adjustments to the treatment protocol for those who meet the criteria.

The study team gathered 538 people who were who were diagnosed with bipolar I. Three-quarters of the participants had migraines, the rest didn't. Between 2005 and 2016, the participants took health surveys every two months as well as assessments of depression and mania annually. Participants were divided into four groups of comparison which included migraine sufferers who took lithium, migraine-free people who were taking lithium, those with migraines not taking lithium and who do not have migraines who were taking lithium. The four groups were evaluated using data on depression, mania and the quality of life.

The study revealed that people who suffer from migraine have more depression, more mania and have lower quality of life scores than people without migraine. This was the case regardless of whether or whether or not. In the 11 years that patients suffering with migraines had been prescribed lithium the symptoms of mania were more severe than the other subjects in the study.

The research team has identified some limitations worth considering. The first is that the data was gathered through self-report on migraine history and use of lithium. The medical records weren't utilized to confirm claims of participants. Researchers found self-reporting methods for chronic ailments to be valid, but medical records could have made sure that the information was not biased.

A second, blood tests to determine the amount of lithium that a individual has taken may be useful data. If blood tests indicated that the participants did not take their medication regularly, their information should not be considered. Thirdly, when people began to experience migraines, and the date they began taking lithium was unclear. These dates could be useful in determining whether the time of migraines was related to the use of lithium or if the results were not as good.

Not deterred by these limitations Sekula and colleagues suggest that lithium not be prescribed to bipolar I sufferers who have migraines. They write, "Our findings, along with observations published suggest that lithium is not recommended in the presence of a comorbidity with bipolar disorder or migraine and that other medications to stabilize mood ought to be considered."

Study, " Lithium use is associated with severity of symptom in bipolar disorder I comorbidity or migraine" was written by Nicole Sekula, Anastasia Yocum, Steven Anderau, Melvin McInnis along with David Marshall.