Pollyanna waves the pom-poms

I have been accused of many things in my life . . . but none so on target as . . . (gulp) . . . an optimist . . . 

YIKES . . . a rare breed, these days.  What with the economic down turn, the violence in the world, the price of gas . . . → Read More: Pollyanna waves the pom-poms

Managing Bipolar During HepC Treatment Without Losing Your Liver

I have been on Interferon/Ribovarin (HepC TX) and also have Chronic Fatigue Sydrome separate from HepC. I have been on TX for 6 mos now and the depression is TRULY starting to come through. MY CONCERN is that I am 10 months drug/alcohol free, menopausal & bipolar. I have NOT taken anti-depressants since 2006 because . . . → Read More: Managing Bipolar During HepC Treatment Without Losing Your Liver

A difficult case

A colleague writes in . . .

 I’m a therapist working with an adolescent with a rapid cycling bi-polar, and the episodes of suicidal thoughts are not improving, the psychiatrist is working on the meds, we seem to have a good week and a bad week, where episodes of deep depression hit most days and . . . → Read More: A difficult case

A duty to listen . . . you don't violate confidentiality if you keep your mouth shut

My daughter’s father has recently (within the last week)begun taking an antidepressant for depression.  He and I had been getting along well with no fights or hostility depsite some disagreements during this time. We are divorced but are friends and are able to attend family functions and cooperate as to our child 95% of the . . . → Read More: A duty to listen . . . you don't violate confidentiality if you keep your mouth shut

Vyvanse was helping depression . . . now . . . aggravating mania?

James writes in to say . . .

I started having panic attacks and was very unsociable and kept to myself,all this started about 10 years ago. The doctors diagnosed me as bipolor,i’ve been on every med available for bipolar with no positive results. Last december my doc decided to try me on 20 mg . . . → Read More: Vyvanse was helping depression . . . now . . . aggravating mania?

Ak-ak-ak-ak-akathesia . . .the trouble with Abilify

 Now . . . don’t get me wrong . . . I am a big fan of Abilify.  Even if their over the top marketing binge is so financially disgusting to me that I want to reflexively run screaming into the night.  I mean, really, how many prime time advertisements for this product do they . . . → Read More: Ak-ak-ak-ak-akathesia . . .the trouble with Abilify

Dealing with the unsupportive partner . . .

I have had a rash of patients (a gaggle of patients . . . ?) who have had great difficulties with their significant others . . . ok . . . ok . . . all the patients are female and they are referring to their generally bull headed and unsympathetic husbands. I will admit . . . → Read More: Dealing with the unsupportive partner . . .

Zombie children . . . what is the goal when stabilizing mood?

I can’t begin to tell you how often this issue has walked into my office.  A kid and family who have struggled with symptoms goes to her doctor to discuss the pro’s and con’s of the current regimen and nothing is changed.  Are her symptoms gone . . . no.  Are there concerning side effects . . . . → Read More: Zombie children . . . what is the goal when stabilizing mood?

On being a human being

I started writing this entry months and months ago after a conversation with one of my long time patients.  She was referring to her husband’s tendency to . . . do, do, do, do, do . . . and to have great difficulty getting him to settle down and just . . . be.  I . . . → Read More: On being a human being

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road . . .

I want to pass along a thank-you to all who have written in recently on the use of nutrition and life-style changes to address psychiatric issues (esp depression/anxiety/anger).  I find myself a bit overwhelmed with the volume of information that is available out there.  My intent is to critically look at as much of this . . . → Read More: Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road . . .