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?

Rapid-cycling Bipolar II–what to do . . . what to do

Jeff writes in with a common problem . . . feeling kind of crappy on the medicine:

Hey doctordan, I was in counseling for 11 months. Blah. The same questions over and over. Point being, I dont need to talk . Honestly. I’m a smart cookie. Now, ONTO the LAMICTAL I have been diagnosed with . . . → Read More: Rapid-cycling Bipolar II–what to do . . . what to do

EKG monitoring for patients on antipsychotics

One of the controversies in pharmacologic management has been the need to monitor EKGs in patients who are on antipsychotic medication. This was not much of an issue until Geodon was approved for treatment of schizophrenia a number of years ago. During the initial studies, it was noticed that there was an increased risk of . . . → Read More: EKG monitoring for patients on antipsychotics

A warning . . .

Joanne writes in with a warning . . .

From The FDA Enforcement Report 1/30/08 PRODUCT Lithium Carbonate Extended Release Tablets, USP, 450 mg, 90 and100 count bottles, Rx only, NDC 0143-1277-01, Recall # D-085-2008 CODE 100 count bottle; Lot number 62395C, Exp. Date 3/2008, 90 count bottle; Lot number 62395B, Exp. Date 3/2008 . . . → Read More: A warning . . .

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 . . .

Getting the kids involved . . . could someone teach me a thing or two???

I’ve had a number of responses to the blarticle from January 13th (” . . . the good doctor was WRONG”). Seems what my ex-patient had to say hit a nerve. I’ve always been pretty aware of my own limitations as a mental health practitioner. Limitations on the effectiveness of the medications, limitations on the . . . → Read More: Getting the kids involved . . . could someone teach me a thing or two???

Re-occuring depression . . . an attack of tachyphylaxis

Laurie writes in with the following observation . . .

A few years ago, it would make me sad knowing I might be on anti-depressants and/or mood stabilizers for the rest of my life. (I have been diagnosed with major depression, but several psychiatrists, including my current one, have suspected bipolar II disorder.) Because . . . → Read More: Re-occuring depression . . . an attack of tachyphylaxis

Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents–The good doctor was WRONG

I put the following up because of how many important messages it sends to me, to patients and to parents . . .

I was a patient of yours 5-6 years ago when I was between the ages of 14-16. I was quickly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed pills (first depakote then, after . . . → Read More: Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents–The good doctor was WRONG

Weight gain and Bipolar Medication

Amber writes in to say . . .

I am 20 and have just recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Type II. Right away my doctor prescribed me Lamictal, in addition to my Welbutrin…then added lithium. It all just seems too much. I have been taking birth control for years now and I am afraid that . . . → Read More: Weight gain and Bipolar Medication

Who holds the pills???

I still have a few connections at one of the local psych hospitals in my area, so I hear from time to time complaints and concerns from “the inside”. One of the big questions that comes up is why kids have access to their medicine and, oftentimes, are given complete control of their medicine. This . . . → Read More: Who holds the pills???