two episodes of mania

[larri56]

My son has experienced two manic episodes. One in 2005 another in 2009. No medicine was taken between the two episodes.
Is it possible for a person to experience only two manic episodes in their lifetime if they adhere to a healthy lifestyle and are compliant in taking a mood stabilizer (lithium)?

[Athena_M]

The mood stabilizier will prevent the mania.  I've had 5 manic episodes.  With all of them I was not on medication.  I've been stable for 6 years on Seroquel and I learned how to use Trazadone as a sleep aide.  The name brand is Desyrel generic is Trazadone.  My doctor prescribes it as 50 mg and I can take one or two for insomnia.  This prevents my mania, as it usaully starts out as not sleeping.  I've heard of some people going 15 years without a manic episode.  The right medication will prevent it and stay away from caffeine.  

[paranoid_cataclysm]

I don't know if that's possible but it is possible for a person with bipolar disorder to avoid manic and depressive episodes for the most part if they figure out what their triggers are and they take a mood stabilizer.