Mood Instability . . . PMDD or Bipolar Disorder . . . Or Both?

I am a 29 yo mother and was diagnosed as being bipolar at approximately 25 yo. I have taken a variety of medications(lamicatal, fluoxetine, topamax, lithium) and respond but i have always had “flare-ups” of exaggerated moodiness(rage, sadness, etc) about 2 weeks before my period. Since I have been married my husband has been able . . . → Read More: Mood Instability . . . PMDD or Bipolar Disorder . . . Or Both?

Obsessive Ruminations Embedded In A Mood Disorder

Sharon writes in . . .

My son has just started Seroquel XR for bipolar depression. However, he is suffering with repetitive thoughts, for example he recently was emptying a bag of trash that contained old light bulbs and in carrying it outside he lifted it over an ottoman in his living room, that was . . . → Read More: Obsessive Ruminations Embedded In A Mood Disorder

Treatment Resistant Depression–Under Recognized and Under Treated

As a psychiatrist . . . as an empathic person . . . it is very difficult to hear stories like the one listed below:

My heart is broke and i Feel I will never leave this deep black dark hole that I cant escape… Im tearing up heavily as I write this message… Ive . . . → Read More: Treatment Resistant Depression–Under Recognized and Under Treated

Why Don't I Get Better When All I Do Is Medicine?

I am not bipolar but am on 200 mg of Lamictal and 50 mg of Zoloft. I have tried many meds and I never feel good. I have read alot and done alot of research. I have found that there is no proof of chemical imbalances or that these meds work better than a placebo. . . . → Read More: Why Don't I Get Better When All I Do Is Medicine?

Driving Miss Daisy . . . aka watch what your doin' with them meds!

So . . . I got in my car the other day and, much like every other day, put on my blindfold and sped off to work . . .

“WHAT?????” you might be rightfully saying . . . “put on your blindfold and started driving?????” . . . “you CRAZY!!!”

Well, of COURSE . . . → Read More: Driving Miss Daisy . . . aka watch what your doin' with them meds!

Depression Not Getting Better, But Not Out Of Options

Over the past 2.5 years I have been on and off 7 different antidepressants (5 SSRIs, one SNRI) but my doctor has not been satisfied that the benefits outweigh the risks/side effects. He says he is out of drug options and is looking to my psychologist to help me. For about the past year and . . . → Read More: Depression Not Getting Better, But Not Out Of Options

Prescribing Outside The Box

Kurt writes in with a very common question:

I was prescribed 70mg Vyvanse for debilitating chronic fatigue. The 70mg was totally ineffective. At 6′2″, 220 pounds, I think the dosage was too small. My psychiatrist will not increase the dosage. I self-titrated and found that 210mg will get me through the working day but I’m . . . → Read More: Prescribing Outside The Box

What is Causing What? . . . Multiple Factors Contributing To A New Mom's Woes

I am a 27-year-old female with an extensive psychiatric history. I have been on almost every type of medication except tricyclics and stimulants. I am diagnosed with Bipolar I and Borderline Personality Disorder. Currently, I am seeing a new psychiatrist who is “pill-happy”. I feel like she doesn’t listen to me. Right now I am . . . → Read More: What is Causing What? . . . Multiple Factors Contributing To A New Mom's Woes

Managing the munchies–a typical problem with the atypicals

Are there people out there who have been on Abilify for awhile (3 months to several years) who continue to have an increased appetite from it? Or does this side effect eventually stabilize and no longer be a part of daily life?

I am trying to be patient with being on Abilify b/c I think . . . → Read More: Managing the munchies–a typical problem with the atypicals

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 . . . → Read More: A difficult case