Posted by polarbear206 on November 3, 2006, at 8:48:43
In reply to Re: Unipolar v bipolar:Where do we draw the line?, posted by BryanII on November 2, 2006, at 21:45:23
There is a broad spectrum to bipolar disorders. It's very tricky to get a proper diagnosis. Some people on average don't get diagnosed for up to ten years or so. If numerous AD's have been used and poop out,this is usually a red flag that and underlying bipolar diagnosis should be heavily considered. You don't have to have full blown mania or hypomania to be diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. Some of the softer bipolars are the tricky ones and harder to diagnosis to find the right cocktail of medications. Antidepressants if required should be at the lowest possible dose to prevent mood cycling and be used in conjunction with a MOOD STABILZER. They won't give you a therapeutic response if not combined with a mood stablizer. Many bipolars are depression dominated and require a higher dose of an AD. A very detailed history is very important for diagnosis. As far as I'm concerned, the DSM needs revamped in this area for proper dianosis. Another important area is adhering to a proper wake-sleep cycle to prevent mood cycling.
poster:polarbear206
thread:699773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061028/msgs/699993.html