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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Risperdal
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Risperdal
by Susan, Jan 29, 2000 12:00AM
I have been diagnosed as bipolar within the last year and have been moderately manic for about six months now, after years of major depression.
I am on Risperdal and my doctor has not prescribed a mood stabilizer.
My questions are: Is taking an antipsychotic a forever-thing? And, is a mood stabilizer always necessary?
I am on Risperdal and my doctor has not prescribed a mood stabilizer.
My questions are: Is taking an antipsychotic a forever-thing? And, is a mood stabilizer always necessary?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Feb 01, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Susan,
Risperdal is an effective antipsychotic.
It is used for psychosis which may be related to depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Current studies are underway for using antipsychotics for bipolar disorder as monotherapy, but this is still investigational.
Some patients may need longterm, or life term treatment with antipsychotics.
A mood stabilizer is the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder, but an antipsychoticmay be used as adjunctive therapy.
I recommend you discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
Risperdal is an effective antipsychotic.
It is used for psychosis which may be related to depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Current studies are underway for using antipsychotics for bipolar disorder as monotherapy, but this is still investigational.
Some patients may need longterm, or life term treatment with antipsychotics.
A mood stabilizer is the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder, but an antipsychoticmay be used as adjunctive therapy.
I recommend you discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
Member Comments (2)
by Susan - In addition to my question, Jan 31, 2000 12:00AM
I have been on an antipsychotic for over twelve years and do not understand why, when I have read many times it can be used for a period of time and then is tapered off.
