Just to let you know, I will be delivering a webinar called "Back to the Basics: Bipolar Disorder 101" hosted by the International Bipolar Foundation this coming Monday, March 30 at 4:00 PM EST. Register for the webinar
What Does Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Have To Do with Bipolar?
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition characterized by ongoing irritability and frequent temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral) that are inappropriate for the given situation and excessive to whatever provoked the outburst. This is a relatively new diagnosis introduced in the latest (fifth) edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which was published in 2013.
Prior to the DMDD diagnosis, many children with these symptoms (ongoing irritability...
Prior to the DMDD diagnosis, many children with these symptoms (ongoing irritability...
Clarifying Your Diagnosis
Although people who live with bipolar, depression, or other psychiatric illnesses often are relieved to receive an explanation for why they are feeling the way they feel, they rarely, if ever, appreciate being "labeled." In fact, we go out of our way not to...
Marijuana and Bipolar Disorder
As cannabis has become legal for medical and recreational purposes in many states, discussing risks and benefits of cannabis in relationship to health and illness has become part of routine medical care. Physicians are fielding questions about marijuana prescriptions for many different illnesses. Products containing the cannabidiol (CBD) component of cannabis, have exploded onto commercial platforms as over-the-counter products with claims of health benefits for every type of symptom. Our job as physicians is to try to present treatment options and balance the risks and benefits. Unfortunately, for now, too little information is available about the effectiveness of "medical" marijuana for me to offer an opinion informed by any scientific evidence in these areas.
Bipolar Disorder or Moodiness? Recognizing the Differences
Recently, someone posted the following on Instagram: "I am clinically #bipolar, which means that I don't know what my mood will be like in the next 20 minutes."
This sparked some discussion among doctors on Twitter, who noted, correctly, that mood episodes in bipolar disorder...
This sparked some discussion among doctors on Twitter, who noted, correctly, that mood episodes in bipolar disorder...
KIOS Bipolar Mood Navigator
In Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, I point out that a key self-help strategy for living well with bipolar disorder is to monitor your moods, and I provide a Mood/Sleep Chart to facilitate the process. I also point out that those who prefer to track...
Tune Out the Bad News
I was recently interviewed by Meredith Carroll for her article in Redbook, "My 6-Year-Old Is Obsessed with National Tragedies — and I Doubt She's Alone," which is based on the author's experience that "it's practically impossible to go outside, online, open a newspaper, or turn on the TV and not have to pick your jaw up off the floor over an international crisis, natural disaster, or a national tragedy." The article specifically discusses how to talk to young children about tragedy or disaster...
Shifting Perspective on Bipolar Medication Weight Gain
Jake and his parents arrive early for their appointment with a list of concerns to review in our limited time together. I encourage patients and families to bring lists; a list keeps all of us focused. Their number one concern is Jake's weight, which...
Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and the Microbes Inside You
Can the bacterial community that lives in your gut actually be related to psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder? Research on the human microbiome and its effects on health and illness has exploded into the worlds of medicine and research. It is...
Manic or Hyperactive: What’s the Difference?
Helen, a 22 year old young lady, leans forward toward me — she is sitting in the chair I usually occupy during our sessions — and spills out details of an interaction with a customer she helped at her retail job. She speaks quickly...
