Post-partum Depression–on being prepared

Since I see a fair number of patients who are of the age where they expect and want to have babies, the issue of managing depression during and after the pregnancy often arises. Today I thought I would focus on a small segment of this large issue–that of the spector of postpartum depression. This issues . . . → Read More: Post-partum Depression–on being prepared

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

Is common sense really in that short supply?

Shelly writes in with the following disturbing comment:

Thank you for intelligent, medical, heartfelt, honest mental health information. Information I can really use and makes sense, a lot of common sense. The most successful of all of my treatment for bi-polar has been a result of applying recommended coping skills, eating good and healthy . . . → Read More: Is common sense really in that short supply?