Posted by Racer on August 1, 2008, at 21:38:33
In reply to Advice from someone who shouldn't need advice, posted by psychpsych on August 1, 2008, at 17:18:41
Welcome to Babble! There are a lot of great people here, who offer a lot of support, and many of whom know a great deal about psychotropic medications. Dr Bob does not answer medication questions himself, but I'm sure someone else here can offer some information which you might find helpful.
Although I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, what you've described sure sounds like some flavor of bipolar to me. The cycles of impulsivity and productivity alternating with depression would trump the spaciness in my book, leading me to suspect bipolar rather than comorbid MDD and ADHD. Honestly, though, my opinion -- worth perhaps 2% of a US dollar ;-) -- is that DSM diagnostic criteria is worth a great deal for statistical or research purposes, insurance billing, and a shorthand approach to a new doctor. As far as individuals go, diagnosis is a good starting point for medications. As you said, an SSRI might not be the very best choice for someone with bipolar, although many people with depression-prominent bipolar will benefit from an antidepressant.
Many of the currently used mood stabilizers have antidepressant qualities, so Abilify, Lamictal, or Seroquel might be helpful, with or without an antidepressant.
Those are my thoughts, for whatever they're worth. The best place to ask a question about medications and diagnosis is the main Medications board, located at http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/ There are a lot of people there who have done a great deal of research into the medications they take, and many who have taken a wide variety of drugs who are likely to offer you the benefit of their experience.
Again, welcome to Babble! I hope you like it here and decide to stick around!
poster:Racer
thread:843531
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20080507/msgs/843592.html