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Diagnosed this week with Bipolar disorder (after much reading, I believe it to be Bipolar II) after being treated for ADD for awhile. (Apparently common as they resemble one another) though I do have ADD and they added PTSD, depression, and bipolar to the original ADD diagnosis. They left me on my concerta, gave me a script for atarax for anxiety, zoloft for depression and said because my diagnosis was complex, he would research the best med...lithium....depakote...etc. to address the bipolar issue next visit. I am almost 50. Have enjoyed a very successful career in real estate (he attributes to years of hypermania..saying that if channeled correctly, the upside of bipolar can be very productive) Is he right? I did not experience my depression...severe depression until my divorce which put me on the sofa for about 4 years til I ran out of money and had to get up. Does this sound right?
I'd watch yourself for a switch into hypomania or mania. It is very unusual to be put on something like Zoloft (SSRI) without a corresponding mood stabilizer. Just google antidepressants and bipolar. If I were you, I would get a second opinion.
There is a really good book called "The Bipolar Survival Guide - Second Edition" by David J. Miklowitz PhD. I would recommend getting it and reading every page. It is new information. 2010 or 2011, I can't remember. It goes through all the theory, drug information, rythmn therapies. It is excellent. It is the first place I would start.
I've got to get going, but it does get easier over time. Ask lots of questions. There is also a mood disorder doctors forum where you can ask a pdoc questions. I've used it for med questions before. He's very nice, and it is free.
There is a really good book called "The Bipolar Survival Guide - Second Edition" by David J. Miklowitz PhD. I would recommend getting it and reading every page. It is new information. 2010 or 2011, I can't remember. It goes through all the theory, drug information, rythmn therapies. It is excellent. It is the first place I would start.
I've got to get going, but it does get easier over time. Ask lots of questions. There is also a mood disorder doctors forum where you can ask a pdoc questions. I've used it for med questions before. He's very nice, and it is free.
Usually the ups & down to an extreme,mean bipolar. If you feel you're getting the wrong dx. Look around till you meet the right pdoc. Good communication is needed for treatment. I'm 35 & for years I was depressed & suddenly 5 years later dx w/ BP in addition to ocd. My situation is also complex & I wonder sometimes if my. bipolar was brought on From ssri's. Welcome to Med help!
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