depression

[georgeglass]

Is not time to start linking adhd with bipolar disorder. They are very similar and have same symptoms. Manic depression is hyperactivity. And depression is inattentive or withdrawal from interests. Start prescribing the adhd meds for depression or inattentive attention disorder, and, mood stabilization meds for maniac disorders or hyperactivity and leave psychotherapy for environmental issues and coping skills for change. I truly believe in this remedy that wI'll have outstanding results better the lIves that suffer this poorly misunderstood disorder.
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[specialmom]

crud, hit submit.  They are often linked.  You are right.  Medication for each diagnosis is then often given. But, talk therapy does still help.  Is that what you mean by environmental issues?  

Again, for this type of mental health situation, talk therapy PLUS medication has the best results in terms of treatment.  But, medication is really an essential piece.

You find these days that many psychiatrists provide medication guidance for patients but do less and less of talk therapy.  They manage meds rather than this traditional role of psychotherapy they once provided.  They then rely on psychotherapists/psychologists to provide this.  I personally think a psych who provides both ends of the treatment is the best option or one that has a therapist in the office with them that they work with.  

Anyway, food for thought.  I hope that if you are writing about yourself that you are getting the best treatment to help you function on a daily basis and feel good.  peace

[specialmom]

I do think the quality of mental health services is dependent on what each state does and funding.  In general, mental health is underfunded nationally.  Our state does a pretty good job, to be honest.  We have clinics and outreach services that the doctors involved are excellent.  My professional life involved working with mental health professionals and organizations/associations/services and would put forward that care in my state/city did what it was supposed to do.  

Thyroid and mental health is associated and a good psychiatrist knows this.  However, you will see differences in how they treat.  Theories of treating which one first come into play.  I personally recovered from an underactive thyroid with no medication or intervention with my thyroid by treating my low level depression or dysthymia.  (most who have thyroid issues seem to have a more low level depression which is called dysthymia for those who aren't familiar with that term).  Because of my professional background and understanding the association, I went the route of knocking out the dysthymia with medication that I took for about 6 months.  Thyroid righted itself.  It has been almost 25 years since this experience and my thyroid has tested within normal after taking the route I did.  Total side note on this post but since Barb mentioned thyroid and depression, thought I'd share my experience.

To the poster, for treating clinical depression, it is widely known that the best course of treatment involves a combination approach of medication and talk therapy.  You sound to have a very complex medical history though.  ADHD, mood disorders and depression requires a good psychiatrist to manage.  Good communication with your doctor is essential as you try different medications to improve the situation.  Add each one slowly monitoring if you improve in any way.  

However, you are talking about bipolar and adhd. These two disorders are often linked but are separate diagnoses.  

[Barb135]

Not every state provides the option of changing therapists, at will.  In some states (the one I mentioned above, being only one), the patient is assigned a therapist and a primary care doctor and no matter how they like (fit) or agree with the treatment, that's what they get, because that's the "standard of care" in that state, which is only the minimum of the care.  This is a state run (Medicaid) program, not H&H services...  Because of the way care is managed and testing is done, the patient receives sub par thyroid treatment, which exacerbates the mental health issue; hence antidepressants (and other anti-psychotics) are more prevalent than the necessary thyroid treatment...

[Barb135]

I thought that a possibility, too (and could be), but this is the only group/forum, george belongs to, at this point.  

It's a good topic... we don't have to be all about politics and we really need to look at mental health, in relation to a lot of different things, such as gun control, mass killings, etc.

[clement4now]

I agree w/ you about state maintained health care; where I'm at (Ca.) it isn't quite up to par ~ in fact, often it stinks. That's why I think that it needs to be overhauled and taken out of the H&H services hands altogether.
Regarding the 'one size fits all', there are steps and guidelines that every Dr. has to follow in order to get a patient into treatment/therapy.  Yes, it does sometimes seem like it's made to fit the masses, but I suppose that's because of the sheer volume of patients they have to deal with and resources ($$$).  I've gone through at least 2 different therapist in the last 3 years, because I felt like it just wasn't the right fit.  The recent one has really made all the difference; she's willing to work w/ us and she's open to alternative therapy re. meds.

I think what you've mentioned brings up a good point and is probably the reason why so many lose faith in receiving any type of treatment that is worthwhile...

[Vance2335]

Maybe this was posted in the wrong forum?