Posted by SLS on July 18, 2006, at 12:17:15
In reply to SLS ... my visit to the pdoc, posted by UgottaHaveHOPE on July 17, 2006, at 13:44:38
Hi Michael.
> I went to a new pdoc a few weeks ago, actually one that was on that list of the top 40 in the USA. Like you recommended, I asked him to rule out BP II since my grandmother had it (well, she had BP I). He asked me if I had ever stayed awake for several days in a row, ever been on a shopping spree, etc. When I answered no to all and then listened to the rest of my story, he said in his opinion that GAD was my primary diagnosis.
>
> Then I told him how the Seroquel had really helped me. He is a top drug researcher (one of the top), and he said he didn't understand why Seroquel was working for me, but since it was he wasn't going to switch me. I was impressed, because usually when you deal with such a well-known doc, you would think they would have to change at least something (no matter how minor) just to put their stamp on it.
>
> I never did ask him what he would've put me on if the Seroquel wasn't working. Perhaps I will ask him that on my next visit in Aug.
>
> By the way, thanks for all your responses all the time. Michael
I know someone whose bipolar disorder looks very much like a cross between a bipolar II with a psychotic depression. Seroquel works wonders for the hypomanic anxiety and racing-thoughts that go along with her illness. When she is ill, she is constantly drinking Pepto-Bismol in an attempt to settle her anxiety-induced upset stomach. She does not spend money or have a reduced need for sleep. She also takes Wellbutrin, Neurontin, and Abilify. I am not convinced that these latter two drugs are necessary, but since she is feeling well, no one is ready to experiment at this point in time.It is possible that you do indeed have a form of bipolar disorder that responds to neuroleptic antipsychotics as mood stabilizers. Many doctors now jump at the chance to diagnose anyone who complains of comorbid depression with anxiety and racing thoughts as having a bipolar spectrum illness. I am not sure I like this very much. However, in your case, it might fit.
Have you ever taken any other neuroleptic antipsychotics?
Now that you are in a better place and can think in a more organized fashion, can you better describe what you experienced while you were ill and what changed when you began taking Seroquel?
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:667776
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060717/msgs/668006.html