Posted by SLS on June 27, 2013, at 14:59:01
In reply to 14yo daughter - bi-polar, not MDD - new info HELP, posted by laurah952 on June 27, 2013, at 14:02:32
> Although we saw what seemed to be MDD at first, this pdoc stated that she's is most likely bi-polar and not suffering with MDD. So, not unipolar, rather bi-polar. She based her "diagnosis" on the fact that mood swings have been severe, along with many other classic bi-polar symptoms.
Like I said, it is possible that Taylor experiences a type of mixed state bipolar. It is important to note that mood disorders present differently in young people as compared to adults. One often sees a great deal more insomnia, irritability, agitation, and anxiety along with a hyperthymic state that can fluctuate rapidly and often over the course of a single day. Also, ADHD often occurs comorbidly with bipolar disorder. Each is sometimes mistaken for the other.
http://www2.massgeneral.org/schoolpsychiatry/info_bipolar.asp
Not only does bipolar disorder look different in young people, so too is it treated differently. Ideally, one would want to avoid antidepressants, but this is not always possible. I think there is a trend towards emphasizing the use of mood-stabilizers first. Lithium has its problems, but should still be considered along with anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. The brain is still in the process of maturation until about age 25. I personally don't like the idea of exposing it to antidepressants during this period of development. I don't like the SSRIs. I would prefer to use Wellbutrin if possible. Having said that, I am in favor of using an antidepressant in order to prevent suicide and relieve suffering. Despite reports of suicide being associated with these drugs, they do prevent far more suicides than what they may induce.
Seroquel has antidepressant properties along with antimanic properties. For bipolar depression, it is the only one approved as monotherapy. It is not surprising that Taylor feels better on it than off it. Very soon, another AP called Latuda will also be approved for this indication. I would think that Latuda would not produce sedation as does Seroquel.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1045977
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130617/msgs/1045980.html