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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jodi k on September 8, 2006, at 17:25:28
Is anyone having problems with cyclothymia? Is anyone taking abilify and is is working? I just am sick of feeing down so much and wonder if it's the abilify or just the depression. I'm on lexapro and trazadone for the depression. Any women notice more problem during PMS?
Posted by Dinah on September 8, 2006, at 18:28:44
In reply to cyclothymia, posted by jodi k on September 8, 2006, at 17:25:28
That's one of my diagnoses.
I've lately found that my mood dips with PMS. It wasn't so much true before. I think it's because I'm getting older and my hormone levels are lower so the cyclical dips cause more trouble.
I take the AP Risperdal for anxiety as needed. It also seems to have a mild antidepressant effect. But I can't be on it regularly, or at least not at any high dose, because it isn't good for my weight or my diabetes.
I've found therapy the most effective treatment with the least side effects. Therapy helps keep me from dipping too far down. It helps me identify my moods and keep a bit of distance from them.
I get sick of it myself, but I console myself with the thought that at least with cyclothymia there are times when I feel good.
Posted by nina78 on September 9, 2006, at 10:32:55
In reply to cyclothymia, posted by jodi k on September 8, 2006, at 17:25:28
> Is anyone having problems with cyclothymia? Is anyone taking abilify and is is working? I just am sick of feeing down so much and wonder if it's the abilify or just the depression. I'm on lexapro and trazadone for the depression. Any women notice more problem during PMS?
Hello!
Yes, I've got problems with cyclothymia. I'm not on any meds at the moment, nor in therapy. I do feel that moodswings are related to PMS as well, although I haven't figured out how yet. Are you on birth control pills? They tend to make me depressed... Have you tried keeping mood charts? That can give you a bit more insight in your moods & how they relate to your hormonal cyclus.
Nina
Posted by nina78 on September 9, 2006, at 10:36:31
In reply to cyclothymia, posted by jodi k on September 8, 2006, at 17:25:28
A great site on Cyclothymia (highly recommend the book!):
http://www.CyclothymiaWorkbook.com
And electronic moodcharts, I find them easier then the ones recommened in the book:
http://www.psycheducation.org/FAQ/MoodCharts.htmI got loads more websites if you are interested...
Nina
Posted by Dinah on September 9, 2006, at 10:40:01
In reply to Re: cyclothymia » jodi k, posted by nina78 on September 9, 2006, at 10:36:31
Posted by jodi k on September 9, 2006, at 11:39:02
In reply to Re: cyclothymia » jodi k, posted by nina78 on September 9, 2006, at 10:32:55
Yes. Thanks for the links.
Also to nina. No, I'm not on birth control pills. I had my tubes tied back in the early 80's. I have had extreme PMS since then. I am also 50 so am going through perimenopause. I have kinda kept track in my head as to my mood swings. I definitely cycle! I wonder if maybe some of the problem is more hormonal than mental.. although my dad is bipolar. I have only been on the abilify for a couple months and will see my dr. Tuesday. I would have liked to have gotten in last week, I was so miserable. I am feeling much better today. Pretty much noraml...not extremely up. The thing is, I could wake up tomorrow and be in a different mood again. It's just so frustrating.
Posted by jodi k on September 9, 2006, at 11:40:30
In reply to Re: cyclothymia » jodi k, posted by nina78 on September 9, 2006, at 10:36:31
ps... sorry girls! Got the names mixed up....I feel dumb!!!
Posted by nina78 on September 10, 2006, at 10:38:36
In reply to Re: cyclothymia, posted by jodi k on September 9, 2006, at 11:39:02
It's a difficult one... I'm 28 now, was only diagnosed last March. For me it started (I think) early puberty. My mom used to say my mood swings were hormonal, so I always thought it was PMS. But it never quite made sense... PMS doesn't make you go hyper. Also PMS doesn't stop 3 days before you start your period... I've never been very regular, and from time to time have menstrual problems. I don't take the pill, as it makes me go funny.
Cyclothymia is not an easy disease. And because it tends to be descibed as a MILDER form of manic depression, most people don't understand the impact it has on your life.
The psychiatrist that diagnosed me said I was doing fine, and just send me off. If my depressions got worse again, or my (hypo)manic episodes started lasting longer than 2 weeks I could come back for meds.
I felt lost. The Cyclothymia Workbook has helped me a lot, and I've been learning a lot about it through the internet. I think that understanding it better helps dealing with it...Good luck!
Nina
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