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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spector on January 4, 2005, at 23:17:11
Hi. A week or two ago I asked a question about the length of time that I have been in a depression. I have another related question.
I am in an extemely severe depression with crippling anxiety that has now lasted for over two years. Unable to care for myself, I had to leave my home, my dear husband and my career and life as a painter in order to move back into my mom's house for full time care. That was November 2002 and I am still here.
I have a history of manic depression from 1985-88. I then had 13-1/2 years of complete remission. In the Spring of 2002 I went to a new psychiatrist just for monitoring. She felt I had mild symptoms of ADD and prescribed Adderall (a combination of 4 amphetamines). I immediately went into the beginning of a hypomanic state which lasted 5 months (despite discontinuing the drug after 2 months) which was followed by the ongoing nearly incapacitating depression I described above.
I have tried many many treatments including 11 drugs, ECT, CBT and many more alternative treatments. (Am currently working with with an experienced homeopath and praying that she will be able to help me.)
I was just as drug treatment resistant when I was younger, but I was able to emerge from those depressions in 4 to 5 months. I realize that patterns can change over time, but I feel certain, without any proof, that the reason that my body has not been able to yet correct itself this time is because this was a drug-induced episode.
I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. Has anyone found that a drug induced depression or bipolar relapse has been much more stubborn that a "natural" one?
I realize that my situation is different and maybe more unusual than someone who, say, was in a depression and was given an anti-depressant that triggered mania, and that the fact than no drugs seem to be able to help me complicates things. But I am still wondering if anyone has had anything similar happen to them or anyone they know.
Thanks,
Nomi
Posted by HappyGirl on January 5, 2005, at 0:30:04
In reply to Drug-induced bipolar relapse question, posted by Spector on January 4, 2005, at 23:17:11
Hi:
Your past 'Bipolar' during three years' period sounds like 'mild' form of Bipolar II. However, this time around, from 2002 seems 'real' Bipolar II with major depression.In my case, my Bipolar II with ultra-rapid-cycler was induced by one of 'potent' A.D.s, Zoloft. Not only me also other Bpers are mostly likely dxed after A.D. and ADD med., then your post didn't surprise me. I, however didn't blame on my pdoc. who rxed an SSRI, as knowing I had already some tendency of getting Bipolar, ... probably all way back to my young childhood, although I was dxed with Bp in my early 20's.
This is also my personal journey as to Bp, ... it takes quite a while to get my Bp under control, to get it stabilized. It took me almost five years to see my 'old' self although I got the right med.-combo. long before. Then, if your Bp is moderate to serious form, it takes at least four to five years to get it stabilized. It's VERY discouraging to take a number of years to get it under control, but this seems a realistic approach on Bipolar.
During those 'rough,' 'long' and 'unstable' period, I just needed to walk around the malls and parks and couldn't function well enough to hold a decent job. In my case, it seems 'time' along with patience and 'utmost' support from the family and friends and of cource the RIGHT pdoc. have helped me back to 'normalcy.'
In my personal view/opinion as to having Bipolar, it takes a LONG time to get better, even on the right med. combo. In the meantime, try to get 'good' support-net as much as possible, from the family, friends and even here over the Internet-Support Groups.
H.G.
Posted by Spector on January 5, 2005, at 1:51:51
In reply to Re: Drug-induced bipolar relapse question, posted by HappyGirl on January 5, 2005, at 0:30:04
Hi. Just to clarify, the mania I had during my early period with manic depression was hypomania, just like this time around. And the depressions back then were extemely severe with horrific anxiety, also like now. It is duration that has changed, not severity.
Thanks,
Nomi
Posted by HappyGirl on January 5, 2005, at 8:34:50
In reply to Re: Drug-induced bipolar relapse question, posted by Spector on January 5, 2005, at 1:51:51
Hi Naomi:
It sounds like, .... unlike the first time, your Bipolar getting 'stubborn,' not to respond the med. combo. and other therapies about which you mentioned.This is just my 'hunch' through the experience, ... the duration/years is a sort related 'severity' of Bipolar condition. If your Bipolar is milder form, then the med. combo. working in your system more 'quick.'
In my case, if I had just 'Bipolar II' without ultra-rapid cycler, the med. combo. started working almost 'instantly,' which made me back to normalcy without so much 'sufferrings.' However, ultra-rapid cycler, not Bipolar II delayed my recovery/stabilization.I have no good clue why you haven't responded the med. combo. along with other additional therapies this time. Also, if you were dxed with Bipolar, even during/after the remission, you need to see a psychiatrist periodically to monitor your condition and need to take a small dosage of mood-stabilizer since Bipolar is said to be 'life-long battle.'
H.G.
Posted by Mr.Scott on January 5, 2005, at 22:33:14
In reply to Drug-induced bipolar relapse question, posted by Spector on January 4, 2005, at 23:17:11
Absolutely!
My worst depressions have 'as a rule' always been induced by tinkering with antidepressants. I'd try to find a sweet spot between normal and hypomania, and sustain it which is not possible to do. last time I crashed very hard and opted for 8 outpatient ECTs (of questionable help). The good news is that is did go away after about 6 months. It always goes away. Just when and how is the secret. Now that I know I'm bipolar I'm going to be more cautious. If it feels too good to be true it probably is!
Scott
Posted by olysi79 on January 5, 2005, at 22:49:13
In reply to Re: Drug-induced bipolar relapse question » Spector, posted by Mr.Scott on January 5, 2005, at 22:33:14
Scoot, I've had terrible things happen too when I mess with stuff... the last med that really screwed me up bad was Buspar if you can believe it. You're absolutely right, things will get under control for her, it's jsut a matter of patience, and it will go away eventually.
> Absolutely!
>
> My worst depressions have 'as a rule' always been induced by tinkering with antidepressants. I'd try to find a sweet spot between normal and hypomania, and sustain it which is not possible to do. last time I crashed very hard and opted for 8 outpatient ECTs (of questionable help). The good news is that is did go away after about 6 months. It always goes away. Just when and how is the secret. Now that I know I'm bipolar I'm going to be more cautious. If it feels too good to be true it probably is!
>
> Scott
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