Posted by Janice on June 29, 2000, at 23:31:36
In reply to Re: ADD - Bipolar IIJanice, posted by Libby on June 27, 2000, at 14:09:25
Hello Libby,
Great to see how busy you've been. I have to say I admire your spirit and facing all of this head on.
I'm taking a TOVA on Monday, which should tell me about the ADD.
•Sometimes it seems like it's just a matter of listening to and adding up all the clues…the Tova test, the medications to see what you have
He's already begun treating me as Bipolar II - Rapid Cycling. Depakote and a lower dose of Effexor XR. The only change I feel is the depression closing in again. I
can't tell the Depakote has improved a thing I'm not sure I understand the philosophy behind medicating me so my moods don't "cycle" when NOT cycling leaves me so depressed. I am depressed, to some degree, every single day.•that is often the catch 22 with treating bipolar II - you flatten the mood and sometimes you get a depressed person, sometimes worse off than before. Treatment can become complicated for some people when they try to get their moods above depression without cycling.
Generally speaking rapid cyclers don't always do well on anti-depressants, some do very, very poorly on them. I am a bit surprised he put you on Effexor.
Libby, it sounds like you have alot of plans and some hope for getting better. I would love it if you would keep me up to date with how you are doing. Maybe if the results of the Tova tests suggest ADD, your psychiatrist could let you try some medications for ADD.
Take very good care Libby,
Your friend, Jance
poster:Janice
thread:38002
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000619/msgs/38792.html