Posted by SLS on January 3, 2003, at 20:38:08
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » BethM, posted by JahL on January 3, 2003, at 16:26:57
Hi JahL.
> I ask because I have BP NOS
We both seem to have similar stories. NOS. My doctor doesn't even bother trying to label it as a true bipolar disorder. Perhaps it is not. Aside from a few drug-induced manias, I remain in a constant state of anergic depression characterized by anhedonia, psychomotor retardation, amotivation, and dementia.
What have you had the most success with?
> and one of the most distressing symptoms is diminished cognitive functioning (my working IQ is around 50 points below what it would otherwise be were I euthymic).
Exactly. It is the most distressing aspect of this disorder for me also. It is most accurate to describe it as a true dementia. 50 points sounds about right. When I was a research patient at the NIMH, I told them that I didn't give a shit about saddness or anhedonia, as long as I could leave there being able to read, learn, and remember. Things have gotten worse since. When I experience one of my brief blip response improvements, I feel cosmically smarter. At least I can be confident that the hardware is still there and just needs to be fired up.
> On a more general note, I would be interested to hear of any cases where Abilify has helped significantly with negative symptoms (My BP is characterised by life-long flat affect & unremitting depression).
I know of one person for whom Abilify is energizing and produces more motivation to plan and engage in activities, particularly social.I'm pissed because my doctor has not called me back over the last few days so that I can switch from Zyprexa to Abilify. I find Zyprexa somewhat helpful. I think it helps take the "edge" off the depression. I think I might switch over to Geodon temporarily until I can get a hold of Abilify.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:133249
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134385.html