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?

Does every kid on stimulants need an EKG?

Oh boy, oh, BOY!!! When my wife showed me this issue on the internet last night I gave a big sigh and an eye roll. I knew the phone calls would start early and heavy. For those of you who have not heard, the American Heart Association issued a recommendation that all children who are . . . → Read More: Does every kid on stimulants need an EKG?

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???

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

Medicine forever?

A difficult point to get across to someone, especially a young person, is that they may have to take medicine forever. I know from my own personal experience with health issues that it is not MY first choice! My cholesterol is chronically high and for years I swore I would not take medicine and would . . . → Read More: Medicine forever?