Latest news with #bipolar
WebMD
6 days ago
- General
- WebMD
Faith, God, and Dopamine
During my most severe manic episode, I became fixated on questions of spirituality and religion. I was a frequent visitor to a Buddhist temple near our house, and I began to revisit the Catholic faith of my youth. I even started entertaining thoughts that I might be a prophet or messiah. Interesting, given that I've been an atheist and a skeptic of all things spiritual my entire adult life. In the U.S., it's estimated that 15% to 22% of bipolar individuals with mania experience religious delusions, such as thinking that demons are watching them or that they are Christ reborn, according to a review of studies on the frequency of religious delusions in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental disorders in the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo). Short of delusions, hyperreligiosity can be hard to identify among those actively practicing a faith. Many people turn to the comfort of their faith to help them through trying times, so an uptick in religious thought and activity can be viewed by family, friends, and even mental health providers as a normal response to one's illness. It's only when behavior falls outside of social norms that it becomes concerning. Kanye West is arguably an example of this difficulty playing out against the backdrop of artistry and fame. Kanye's public on-again, off-again approach to medication for treating his bipolar disorder has been linked to erratic behavior. While he has referenced God and Jesus throughout his career, his adoption of the nickname 'Yeezus,' statements about his single 'I Am A God,' and leading of public and private worship services have been alternately interpreted as a 'God complex,' an artistic device, or an evolution of his personal faith. So there I was. An atheist turned dime-store Yeezus. What was going on? A clue lies in reports of patients dealing with a very different type of neurological disorder: Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's disease experience a degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in certain prefrontal circuits. Because mania is associated with excess dopamine production in those same circuits, it's compelling to think that dopamine may be the fuel for religiosity in the brain. It also explains why, when my dopamine levels were curbed with antipsychotic medications, my hyperreligiosity was, too.[1] In my Roman Catholic boyhood, I had to choose a confirmation name based on a saint with whom I felt some affinity. I chose Saint Paul because he was smart, stubborn, and hard to win over. He only converted to Christianity after being struck temporarily blind by a bright heavenly light. Something about a saint who was a nonbeliever until God smacked him in the face resonated with me. I don't consider myself anti-religious, and I don't see religion and science as inherently at odds with one another. I think that science can elucidate the physiological mechanisms by which our brains work, regardless of whether you see the hand of God working through those mechanisms or not.
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Caplyta (Lumateperone) Overview
Key takeaways Caplyta (lumateperone) is a prescription oral capsule used to treat certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia. Experts aren't sure exactly how it works, but they believe it affects two specific brain chemicals to treat certain mental health conditions. You'll usually take Caplyta by mouth once per day. While it should start working soon after you take your first dose, it may take time to notice a difference in your symptoms. Caplyta may cause some side effects. Mild side effects include nausea, weight gain, and headache, and these may go away after a few weeks. Serious side effects include seizures, low blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Caplyta basics Caplyta is used in adults to treat: schizophrenia depression related to bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder Caplyta contains the active ingredient lumateperone. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. Caplyta is a brand-name prescription medication. A generic version of the drug isn't currently available. Caplyta uses Caplyta is used in adults to treat: schizophrenia depression related to bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder Caplyta is not used to treat these conditions in children. Schizophrenia causes problems with perception. It's possible for people with schizophrenia to have delusions (believing in something that's false) or hallucinations (seeing, sensing, or hearing things that aren't there). Bipolar disorder causes extreme changes in mood, such as feeling euphoric or manic, energetic, or depressed. Two common kinds of bipolar disorder are bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. With the first kind, you have a manic episode with or without a depressive episode. With the second, you experience depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (which are less severe than manic episodes). Caplyta is used to treat depression associated with bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder. (This drug isn't used to treat mania or hypomania.) For this purpose, it can be used alone or with lithium (Lithobid) or valproate. Although the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder aren't known, these conditions may occur due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. It's thought that Caplyta affects two different hormones in the brain, serotonin and dopamine, which may help to decrease the symptoms of these conditions. What are Caplyta's side effects? Like most drugs, Caplyta may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists that follow describe some of the more common side effects that Caplyta may cause. These lists don't include all possible side effects. Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: your age other health conditions you have other medications you take Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Caplyta. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Mild side effects Here's a short list of some of the mild side effects that Caplyta can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Caplyta's prescribing information. Mild side effects of Caplyta that have been reported include: nausea dry mouth dizziness sleepiness or sedation (feeling drowsy or less alert) weight gain headache For more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Side effect focus' section. Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects Serious side effects from Caplyta can occur, but they aren't common. If you have serious side effects from Caplyta, call your doctor right away. But if you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects of Caplyta or antipsychotic drugs such as Caplyta that have been reported include: neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can occur in people taking antipsychotic medications high blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes high cholesterol or high triglycerides difficulty swallowing seizures problems maintaining body temperature low levels of white blood cells low blood pressure when standing up that can lead to passing out tardive dyskinesia, which causes unusual and unintended muscle movements boxed warnings: risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia (problems with thinking, memory, and communication) allergic reaction For more information about Caplyta's boxed warnings and allergic reaction, see the next section. Side effect focus Learn more about some of the side effects Caplyta may cause. Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people Caplyta has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults. This includes Caplyta, which is prescribed to treat depression related to bipolar disorder. Since Caplyta is only approved for use in adults, this risk may affect adults ages 18 to 24 years who take this drug. What might help Before you start taking Caplyta, talk with your doctor about your mental health history. And tell your family and friends about this warning for Caplyta. Your risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors can be worse at the start of treatment and when your doctor changes your drug dosage. If you notice any symptoms of worsening depression, changes in mood, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, contact a doctor right away for treatment. Examples of symptoms to watch for include: feeling alone not enjoying activities that used to make you happy thoughts of harming yourself anxiety changes in your sleep patterns If you notice worsening of your mood or that you're having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Caplyta. Help is out there If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7. Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide. Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so. If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely. If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives. Boxed warning: Risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia Caplyta has a boxed warning for the risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Antipsychotic drugs such as Caplyta may increase the risk of death in adults ages 65 years or older with dementia -related psychosis. Dementia is a condition that affects memory. Psychosis involves losing touch with reality. Older adults with dementia-related psychosis who take Caplyta may also have an increased risk of stroke. What might help Due to the risk of death, it's not likely that a doctor would prescribe Caplyta to an older adult with dementia-related psychosis. Before starting Caplyta treatment, tell your doctor about any history of dementia-related psychosis that you have. In this case, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you. Weight gain Antipsychotic medications such as Caplyta may cause weight gain. This is because the drug can cause changes in a person's metabolism. Although weight gain wasn't one of the most common side effects of Caplyta, it may still occur in people taking it. What might help Before you start taking Caplyta, your doctor will check your weight and continue to monitor it throughout treatment. If you experience weight gain while you're taking Caplyta, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend changes in your diet or exercise routine that can help you with weight management. Headache You may have headaches from taking Caplyta, although this isn't one of the most common side effects of the drug. In studies, only people taking this medication to treat depression related to bipolar disorder reported headaches. This side effect wasn't reported in people taking it for schizophrenia. What might help If you have headaches during Caplyta treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend ways to help treat this side effect. For example, your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to ease headache pain. Allergic reaction Some people may have an allergic reaction to Caplyta. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: skin rash itchiness flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color) A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Caplyta. But if you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. What are some frequently asked questions about Caplyta? Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Caplyta. How does Caplyta work (what is its mechanism of action)? Caplyta contains the active ingredient lumateperone, which belongs to the atypical antipsychotic group of drugs. Caplyta is used to treat schizophrenia and depression related to bipolar disorder. It's not entirely clear how Caplyta works to treat these conditions. Researchers believe the drug affects certain brain chemicals, which decreases symptoms of schizophrenia and depression related to bipolar disorder. » For more about Caplyta's mechanism of action, see this overview on how Caplyta works. What should I know about alternatives to Caplyta, such as Vraylar, clozapine, Abilify, Latuda, and Seroquel? Many different treatment options are available for schizophrenia and depression related to bipolar disorder. Before starting any treatment options, you should discuss with your doctor what may be the best medication for you. The following list includes a few examples of drugs used to treat schizophrenia and depression related to certain kinds of bipolar disorder: cariprazine (Vraylar) aripiprazole (Abilify) lurasidone (Latuda) quetiapine (Seroquel) Clozapine (Clozaril) can be used to treat schizophrenia. Some of these medications can also be prescribed to treat other conditions. These medications may have different side effects and different dosing schedules. Some will likely require different lab tests for monitoring certain side effects. Before you start treatment for schizophrenia or depression related to bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor. They can work with you to determine which medication may be best for your condition. What's the half-life of Caplyta? The half-life of Caplyta is about 18 hours. A half-life is the amount of time it takes for the body to rid itself of half of a dose of medication. So taking your dose of Caplyta every day helps to keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. Caplyta's price and coupons As with other prescription drugs, the cost of Caplyta can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Caplyta manufacturer's website to see whether it has support options that you qualify for. And check out these tips for saving money on prescriptions. Savings for Caplyta You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Caplyta. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits. What is Caplyta's dosage? Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Caplyta that's right for you. Here you'll find commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Form and strengths Caplyta comes as a capsule that you swallow. It's available in three strengths: 42 milligrams (mg) 21 mg 10.5 mg Recommended dosage The recommended dosage of Caplyta is 42 mg once per day, which you'll take by mouth. The dosage is the same for schizophrenia and depression related to bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder, the conditions Caplyta is used to treat. Your doctor may lower your dosage if you take certain medications or have liver problems. Before you start taking Caplyta, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you may take and health conditions you may have. Questions about Caplyta's dosage Here are some answers to questions you may have about Caplyta's dosage. What if I miss a dose of Caplyta? If you miss your dose of Caplyta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to take your next dose. In some cases, they may recommend that you take your dose as soon as you remember. Or they may recommend that you skip the dose you missed and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Will I need to use Caplyta long term? If Caplyta works for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you take it long term. How long does Caplyta take to work? Caplyta begins working as soon as you take your first dose. But since the drug affects chemical levels in your brain, it may take time to notice a difference in your mood. It takes about 5 days for Caplyta to reach a consistent level in your body. How is Caplyta taken? Your doctor will explain how you should take Caplyta. They'll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Taking Caplyta You'll take Caplyta capsules by mouth once daily. Try to take your dose of Caplyta at about the same time each day. This helps to keep a consistent level of the medication in your body. Accessible medication containers and labels If it's hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that: have large print use braille contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn't. Also, if you're having difficulty opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Caplyta in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it easier to open the drug's container. Taking Caplyta with other drugs In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take your dose of Caplyta together with other medications for your condition. For example, to treat depression related to bipolar disorder, your doctor may recommend that you also take either lithium (Lithobid) or valproate with Caplyta. Before you start taking Caplyta, your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan for your condition. Questions about taking Caplyta Here are some answers to questions you may have about taking Caplyta. Can Caplyta be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split Caplyta tablets. The manufacturer of Caplyta doesn't specify whether the capsules can be opened. So it's recommended that you take your Caplyta dose as a whole capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing your capsules, see these tips for swallowing pills. Or talk with your doctor about using a different treatment for your condition. Should I take Caplyta with food? You can take your dose of Caplyta with or without food. Questions for your doctor You may have questions about Caplyta and your treatment plan. It's important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Before your appointment, write down questions such as: How will Caplyta affect my body, mood, or lifestyle? Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. If you don't understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don't be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment. What should be considered before taking Caplyta? Before you start taking Caplyta, it's important to talk with your doctor about other medications that you take. You should also tell your doctor about any medical conditions that you have. Letting your doctor know about these factors will help them determine whether Caplyta may be a safe and effective treatment option for you. Interactions Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other items can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions. Before taking Caplyta, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions Caplyta may cause with these items. Interactions with drugs or supplements Caplyta can interact with several kinds of drugs. These drugs include: certain seizure medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), erythromycin (Eryc), and clarithromycin certain antifungal medications, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and voriconazole (Vfend) certain heart medications, such as diltiazem (Cardizem) and verapamil (Verelan) certain HIV medications, such as ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept), efavirenz, and etravirine (Intelence) the antidepressant medication nefazodone the tuberculosis medication rifampin (Rimactane) the lung medication bosentan (Tracleer) the narcolepsy drugs modafinil (Provigil) and armodafinil (Nuvigil) the nausea and vomiting medication aprepitant (Emend) This list does not contain all kinds of drugs that may interact with Caplyta. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with Caplyta. Other interactions You should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Caplyta. Grapefruit can reduce how your liver breaks down Caplyta, which can cause you to have more side effects. In addition, Caplyta can also interact with the herbal supplement St. John's wort. If you're taking this supplement, talk with your doctor before starting Caplyta. Boxed warnings Caplyta has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous. Caplyta's boxed warnings include: Risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in certain people: Antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults. This includes Caplyta, which is used to treat depression related to bipolar disorder. Since Caplyta is only approved for use in adults, this risk may affect adults ages 18 to 24 years who take this drug. For more information about these boxed warnings, see the ' What are Caplyta's side effects? ' section. Other warnings Before taking Caplyta, discuss your health history with your doctor. Caplyta may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you: diabetes an allergic reaction to Caplyta or any of its ingredients high triglycerides or high cholesterol levels low white blood cell levels seizures low or high blood pressure liver problems heart problems a history or risk of stroke difficulty regulating body temperature Caplyta and alcohol There are no known interactions between Caplyta and alcohol. But drinking alcohol while taking this medication may increase your risk of certain side effects. Examples include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness. In addition, consuming alcohol while taking Caplyta can affect your ability to drive a car. Keep in mind that you should not drive or operate machinery until you know how Caplyta affects you. This is because the drug may cause problems with motor skills, thinking, or judgment, which can impact your ability to do certain activities, including driving a car. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol (if any) is safe for you to drink while you're taking Caplyta. Pregnancy and breastfeeding It's unknown whether Caplyta is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are using birth control, it's important to consider whether Caplyta is a safe choice for you. You can refer to this Caplyta reproductive health article for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor. What should be done in case of overdose? Do not take more Caplyta than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects. What to do in case you take too much Caplyta Call your doctor if you think you've taken too much Caplyta. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America's Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room. Ask a pharmacist A: It's unlikely that your doctor would change your dose of Caplyta if it isn't working. The manufacturer of Caplyta doesn't recommend any changes to the drug's dosage after a person starts taking it. One study of Caplyta for treating schizophrenia found that a dose of 42 mg resulted in significantly decreased symptoms compared with a lower dose. Another found that a higher dose of the drug didn't result in increased benefits for users. Similarly, in studies of Caplyta for treating bipolar disorder -related depression, Caplyta 42 mg once per day showed a significant decrease in symptoms. If you feel like Caplyta isn't working for you, contact your doctor. They may be able to recommend adding another drug to your treatment or changing to another treatment for your condition. The Healthline Pharmacist Team Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Traveller denied insurance over mental health conditions
Research by Which? reveals that declaring certain medical conditions can inflate travel insurance premiums by over 1,000 per cent. A study comparing quotes from 12 insurers found that premiums for a traveller with bipolar and a personality disorder increased by an average of 715 per cent, and in one case by 1,159 per cent – from £38.48 to £484.52. Only two out of seven standard insurers were willing to provide the traveller with cover. All five of the companies specialising in cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions did offer to provide cover. Which? advises travelers to compare quotes from various providers, including specialists for pre-existing conditions, as prices vary significantly. While declaring medical conditions impacts the cost of insurance, failing to do so could invalidate the policy and lead to substantial medical bills. The medical condition that can send travel insurance premiums soaring by more than 1,000%
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Federal funding cuts are threatening Minnesota's mental health resources
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says more than 800,000 Minnesotans have a mental health condition. Tom Normile is one of them. He's schizophrenic and has hallucinations. Several times a week, Normile spends time at the Vail Communities Clubhouse in Hopkins, where he does chores or simply hangs out. He says without his time at the Clubhouse, he wouldn't be able to hold down a job. "I would just freak out," Normile said. "There'd be too much drama at work, and I'd react, in a way. Not violently, but [this place] calms me down, yeah." Michelle Tetrault is a similar success story. She's bipolar and has PTSD. "Before I started coming here I was not very talkative, not very outgoing, and I have found a new side of myself that I didn't know existed," Tetrault said. Now she's one of the faces of the Clubhouse, greeting people at the front desk. The Clubhouse model is about finding support and friendship. It's also free for members, thanks to money Minnesota receives from the federal government. Sue Abderholden, NAMI Minnesota's executive director, says the state's mental health system is fragile right now. She says many programs, in schools, specifically, are having to cut staff and deal with the uncertainty of how much longer they'll be around to help. "What it feels like on the federal level, to be honest, is we have these broad strokes to cut funding for tons of different grant programs, but there's not really been a serious look at what is being cut," Abderholden said. The Clubhouse is safe for now, but staffers say the future is on a lot of people's minds. "Definitely it's still very precarious and it's been extremely anxiety-inducing for our members," said Samantha Sands, the Clubhouse manager. Dozens of public health contracts in Minnesota have been canceled since March. At least $12 billion have been cut nationwide.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC commissions new documentary from Heston Blumenthal on his life-changing bipolar diagnosis
The BBC has commissioned a new documentary from Heston Blumenthal following his life changing bipolar diagnosis. With exclusive access to Heston and his family, the hour-long film is a personal and emotional exploration of a serious mental health condition and how Heston is rebuilding his life. Heston: My Life with Bipolar will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 19 June. Heston Blumenthal is one the world's greatest chefs, with six Michelin stars to his name. Yet in 2023, Heston started experiencing hallucinations and suicidal thoughts - with behaviour so extreme, he was sectioned. Following a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Heston started taking medication that would keep him alive but sap his energy and, he feared, extinguish his creativity. Filmed over six months, this documentary follows Heston in the aftermath of his diagnosis as he tries to understand the role bipolar played in his success and the impact it had on the people he loves. He also explores the state of bipolar care in the UK as he meets people to hear about their own experiences with the condition and the challenges they face. The documentary is directed for BBC Current Affairs by Joe Myerscough (Inside our Autistic Minds) and Executive Produced by Mike Radford (Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods and Paul Whitehouse: Our Troubled Rivers). The Commissioning Editor is Joanna Carr. Heston Blumenthal says: 'It took me 50 years to get a diagnosis, so it's been an extraordinary journey to get where I am today. There is still a big stigma around bipolar but it is vital to be able to talk openly about the condition. I know this isn't always easy, but I hope by sharing my experience in this documentary people will gain a greater understanding of bipolar and an insight into my life now.' Mike Radford says: 'This is the first time Heston has given his account of what happened for a documentary. We're grateful to Heston and his family for giving such a raw and unfiltered view of his life with this condition, which we know impacts the lives of so many people.' The film features heartfelt and honest testimony from Heston and those closest to him about how his undiagnosed bipolar disorder affected his life. Heston also hears about the difficulty some face in getting treatment. Something brought home to him when he meets a mother whose daughter took her own life when she struggled to get the care she needed. Now as he undergoes long term treatment for the condition, Heston describes his worries over whether it will affect his creativity: an important question as we see him continue his journey back to health and running his restaurant empire – centred on multi award winning The Fat Duck. AR2
