Bipolar Beat

Q&A Articles

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Can Some Combination of Herbs Cure Bipolar Disorder?

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Robert Asks…

Do you think a combination of different herbs can cure any form of bipolar disorder and if so what are those herbs?

Dr. Fink Answers…

In Chapter 9 of Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, we discuss a host of alternative treatments for bipolar disorder, including ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), light therapy, vitamins & minerals, and herbs, used alone and in conjunction with traditional forms of medicines and therapies. For example, some people claim that St. John’s Wort is useful for treating the depressive pole in bipolar disorder. (Of course, unfortunately, like most other antidepressants, St. John’s Wort also increases the risk of triggering mania, especially in someone who has bipolar disorder.)

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: How Can I Keep My Husband?

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Susan Asks…

Hi, I have just recently been diagnosed with BPD. I have been on an antidepressant for years because I have suffered from depression (or what I was told was just depression) many years ago. Well recently I left my husband for the 2nd time and bought a car (that I couldn’t afford) and then of course had the depression really set in hard. Worse than ever.

Have You Ever Lied to Your Doctor?

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

I was talking to my doctor the other day about the possibility of antidepressants being overprescribed. Her reply was that people often go to the doctor when they’re feeling depressed, rarely report ever experiencing manic symptoms (probably because they were feeling pretty good at the time), and may even hide the truth about any mania they have experienced in the past because they are afraid of being labeled bipolar and having to be treated for it.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Can someone have bipolar without depression?

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Ari Asks…

I have a friend who has most symptoms of bipolar, but doesn’t seem to have any obvious sign of depression. He has most other signs of bipolar. He’s had about four episodes of manic behavior in the last five months which had lasted three to four days. Could he be bipolar in your opinion – like rapid-cycling bipolar disorder without the obvious sign or suffering of depression?

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Is it too dangerous to travel with bipolar disorder?

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Stanley Asks…

I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I am 27 and I have bipolar disorder, I was diagnosed four years ago, and within that period I have had three episodes. I am on medication. The last episode I was hospitalized for three months. I haven’t had an episode for a year. I am at present in college and hope to travel during the summer.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Do I have Bipolar I or II?

Friday, March 27th, 2009

OuchOuch Asks…

I did not experience hypomanic symptoms until I started taking anti-depressants. Anti-depressants didn’t work for me – they either didn’t work or they revved me up. Mood stabilizers helped my depression. I was therefore diagnosed as Bipolar II – is it really Bipolar II?

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Can Antidepressant Withdrawal Cause Bipolar Symptoms?

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Mike Asks…

I find myself in a medical dilemma and don’t know where to turn. My fiancée recently graduated from dental school and went to Africa to volunteer. A year prior, she had an anxiety episode, as she was unsure about finishing her medical degree or not (anxiety/depression). The doctor put her on cipralex and within a short time she was back to normal. Over time she reduced her intake to the lowest 10mg and she was able to successfully graduate as a dentist. She then went off cipralex cold turkey, 3 weeks prior to going to Africa to volunteer in a local hospital.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: What Should I Do If My Ex Disagrees Over Treatment for Our Son?

Friday, February 13th, 2009

Shelli Asks…

My ex refuses to believe that our son is bipolar. He insists that our boy tried to choke his half-sister to death and that our son speaks of his “evil-other side” but he fights with me about giving the boy medication. Could he be so stupid as to think our boy is just mean? Since he is medicated he is a calm and kind teenager. Have you ever heard of one of those? The ex even commented one time that our son was “like a different child” when he was visiting after he started his Seroquel but still refuses to believe the diagnosis. What can I have him read or look at to help with his disbelief?

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Does having bipolar qualify me for disability in the law enforcement profession?

Friday, January 30th, 2009

Steve Asks…

As a police officer diagnosed with bipolar illness two years ago, and due to a recent episode that resulted in hospitalization, I am currently on sick leave. I will be applying for disability with their blessing. The question is whether police work in general, and working nights for many years will be qualifying for a disability. I hope to find a less stressful career but after many years on the force, what, I don’t know. Anyone? Has anyone had the same diagnosis in a similar profession?

Encouraging a Family Member with Bipolar to Get Help

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

Syndicated from the Bipolar Blog

Susan Asks…

I believe that my sister is bipolar. She has all the symptoms. She is 36 and has two kids. I have tried talking with her about seeing a doctor but she seems to think she doesn’t need any help. I just worry about her, and I would love some advice on how to handle the situation without losing a sister.

Bipolar Beat


Subscribe to this Blog:
Feed

Bipolar
Disorder



Archives




Candida Fink, M.D. and Joe Kraynak are authors of Bipolar Disorder for Dummies. Pick up the book today!


Find us on Facebook

Best of the Web - Blog 2008
Recent Comments
  • Joe Kraynak: Hi, Karen–Yes, that’s common. People who have a psychiatric illness may expend a great deal...
  • karen goggins: my teen may have bipolar but acts out more to me her mother and at home .but can act just fine...
  • karen goggins: my teen may have bipolar but in the past week she acts outto me, her mom and at home more then...
  • WJD: Joe: Yes, I do see the gist of the article, but I have to say that when you are alone recognizing that...
  • Diva1: Thank you for writing aabout this. I too often wonder if my behavior, attitude, mood, outlook on life, etc....
Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter



Find a Therapist


Users Online: 4338
Join Us Now!