Posted by Stephen Martin on April 22, 2010, at 21:21:19
In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » Stephen Martin, posted by Deneb on April 22, 2010, at 21:00:45
> Hello Stephen Martin!
>
> Welcome to Psycho-Babble! I can totally see depression and other mood disorders as having something to do with circadian rhythm disturbance. I know my circadian rhythm is all messed up. I try to fix it, but it just naturally goes back to being all messed up.
>
> DenebDear Deneb:
I feel your frustration! I guess you can observe the fact that the new reform legislation for health care in the U.S. should force more dollars into research and medical technology, and we can all hope that someday, within our lifetimes, medications will be developed that can keep our heads straight without generation dozens of problems and side-effects.
The reason I chose to comment about circadian rhythms is that I find my depression and mania to be linked strongly to seasonal changes. Obviously, the big factor here is the variation in sunlight from solstice to solstice - peaking in June (the month I have had the greatest difficulty with manic episodes) and in December. I observe that I struggle against depression up until May or so, and usually about the time the weather gets warm and sunny my brain kicks into a manic state, almost like to dumb gear shift only works at the two extremes. It's frustrating!
My experience with drugs is also dis-satisfying. I can vouch for both Lithium and Divalproex as being good anti-mania agents, but once the mania has subsided the side effects generated can make life unbearable. uggh.
Anyway, pleased to meet you all!
Steve
poster:Stephen Martin
thread:904699
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100416/msgs/944620.html