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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 12:00:38
Hi,
Does anyone know of a good self-assessment for bipolar/depressive symptoms? While I'm doing med changes I would like to monitor my reactions with a scale, but the ones used in the studies are clinic observation scales. I need one I can do for myself.
THanks!
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 12:09:42
In reply to good self-assessment for depressive symptoms, posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 12:00:38
I think Scott posted one? At one time? Did you try google. Hate to keep harping on that? Phillipa. Are you changing meds now or getting ready to?
Posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 12:21:30
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » inanimate peanut, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 12:09:42
No, I've decided to wait to change meds until I go to Stanford, I think. I don't want to be in the middle of a trial when I go and I don't have time to start and finish one before then. Right now I'm trying light box therapy. I can't tell that it's helping after a week but I'm going to keep trying.
Posted by janejane on January 9, 2010, at 13:16:39
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Phillipa, posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 12:21:30
> No, I've decided to wait to change meds until I go to Stanford, I think. I don't want to be in the middle of a trial when I go and I don't have time to start and finish one before then. Right now I'm trying light box therapy. I can't tell that it's helping after a week but I'm going to keep trying.
That sounds like a good plan.
Are you looking for a scale you can use to track symptoms on a daily basis? If so, I found one for PMDD that would probably work for depression (has multiple questions regarding mood, anxiety, irritability, sleep, appetite, etc.). You could always modify it by adding other items you think are important. I think the layout would be really good for seeing patterns over time (for example, you could draw a line when you start a new med).
Posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 14:46:36
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » inanimate peanut, posted by janejane on January 9, 2010, at 13:16:39
Thanks-- that kind of lumps some of the depressive symptoms together that I was going to look at separately, but it's a really good model if I end up having to make a scale for myself. That's really detailed but still easy to keep track of.
Posted by mtdewcmu on January 9, 2010, at 18:28:10
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms, posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 14:46:36
Check out the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). There are only a few major scales, the BDI, HAM-D, and MADRS. It looks like HAM-D and MADRS are for a third party to answer.
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 20:20:06
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Phillipa, posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 12:21:30
Seriously the light box helps? What one do you use? I don't have one? Phillipa
Posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2010, at 20:54:45
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » inanimate peanut, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 20:20:06
Hi P..I have a "day light" box (that's the brand name). It helps a lot in the winter. My energy goes downhill when it's cloudy. My friend also uses one and her cat joins her every morning when she's using it.
I have a terrible time with SAD, and with the severe cold weather we have in the winter, plus the short daylight hours, I don't get out as much as I should. My doctor wrote a prescription for it, so it didn't cost me anything.
I've had mine for 4 years and have never had a problem with it.
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 21:37:15
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Phillipa, posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2010, at 20:54:45
Really? We've never had a winter cold as this one. And I used to be out during the sunlight even in the cold of winter when we lived at the Beach and walk five miles. Now its four years later I think it's catching up with me. Plus sleeping till ll since up so late doing work. And before leave the house 3pm. And the sun doesn't shine lately. Got a link? Love Phillipa
Posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2010, at 21:54:57
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Justherself54, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 21:37:15
This looks like the one.
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 21:59:38
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Phillipa, posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2010, at 21:54:57
Thanks I wonder if docs do it here? Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 22:05:19
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Phillipa, posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2010, at 21:54:57
Only one place in NC and no idea where it is what's the price? Love Phillipa
Posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 22:17:06
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » inanimate peanut, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2010, at 20:20:06
I have the Go Light blue light from Apollo. Apparently the blue spectrum is the most powerful of the light spectrum for treating depression, plus it's small and portable. I haven't noticed any help yet, but I'm going to keep trying. I will keep you posted if I notice anything.
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2010, at 19:57:58
In reply to Re: good self-assessment for depressive symptoms » Phillipa, posted by inanimate peanut on January 9, 2010, at 22:17:06
Peanut thanks so much. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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