got some questions - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

thand · 07-09-2009, 11:03 PM

got nothing else to do

irishwriter · 07-10-2009, 05:10 AM

hi, can you get the mental health person who went over your files to get a good psychiatrist for you and at least you would have a better idea of what you are dealing with. if you are bp you are right it is not general practice to just treat with an antid. they are usually prescribed to boost mood stabilisers etc, you are going the right route in learning as much about this as you can but there is only so far you can go on your own. a pdoc is the only one who can really diagnose your issues and see what they add up to. i hope you get some better help than you seem to have now.

iw

Bunnylover · 07-10-2009, 10:42 AM

It sounds to me like you're not working with a pyschiatrist right now? That should be your first step, because regardless of your diagnosis, you're struggling and that needs to be dealt with. It also sounds like you're messing with different medications on your own (sorry if I'm wrong), and that's never a good idea. When you go in first, you might bring some notes about your history (I know I forget to mention stuff if I don't). If doing that seems overwhelming, you could bring a copy of this post with you.

Bipolar does worsen with age, if left untreated. Anti-depressants alone aren't the ideal treatment, because they can cause mania, and in my experience don't help with depression on their own anyway. Some people don't tolerate anti-depressants well even paired with a mood stabilizer.

I hope this helped.

thand · 07-10-2009, 05:21 PM

same reason

seaturtle · 07-10-2009, 07:41 PM

Yes, get to a good psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis.
Strange that they gave you that diagnosis and are not treating you medically for it.
Is your main problem depression? It sounds as if it might be.
When did you begin the Zoloft again? For the initial month or so, it can cause both agitation and insomnia. For that reason, pdocs often prescribe an anti-anxiety med and/or sleep aid to see you through the initial period.

As the former poster said, don't self-medicate. But you must have gotten the Zoloft Rx from your doctor. The sleeping pills?

Stick with it, but get to a good doctor pronto. At this point, don't worry about accepting the disorder, just get the right meds and some therapy to get it under control.

Glad you posted.