Monthly Archives: April 2016

Astute readers of obituaries know that “died unexpectedly” is a common euphemism for “died by suicide”. The family and friends of suicide victims are often reluctant to openly discuss the cause of death because of profound sadness, sense of privacy, … Continue reading →

One hypothesis about bipolar disorder treatment is that antidepressants may be safer and more effective in patients with type II bipolar disorder than in those with type I bipolar disorder. These authors studied 21 patients with type I bipolar disorder and … Continue reading →

The Tip sheet below lists factors that may help identify uni polar depression. TIPSHEET: FACTORS THAT SUGGEST BIPOLAR DEPRESSION RATHER THAN UNIPOLAR DEPRESSION ■ Prepubertal onset of symptoms ■ Brief duration of depressed episodes ■ High frequency of depressed episodes ■ Seasonal pattern ■ Postpartum … Continue reading →

Bipolar disorder causes havoc in patients’ lives. Even in the best of circumstances, successful treatment is challenging. Treatment targets constantly shift; patients are frequently nonadherent; and comorbidity is the rule, not the exception. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is often difficult. … Continue reading →

I experienced an interesting confluence of events the other day. My 11-year-old son has been finding out about the great power of online information. Although we limit his access to assistance with homework, he is already a digital whiz kid … Continue reading →

ABILIFY: Generic name Aripiprazole Antipsychotic second generation Indications Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder Dosage forms 2mg, 5 mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30 mg Maximum daily dose Adults 30 mg Children 30 mg 10-17 yrs old Half life 75 Hours Side effects Nausea, … Continue reading →

According to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, bipolar disorder (bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive disorder) is characterized by marked mood swings between mania (mood elevation) and depression. The essential feature of bipolar I disorder (BDI) is a clinical course that is defined by … Continue reading →

Serotonin precursors are compounds used in the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, brain chemicals responsible for mood. A subset of people with bipolar disorder will respond to serotonin precursor treatment, but this intervention is still considered experimental. Both 5-hydorxytryptophan … Continue reading →

Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression) is a mood disorder that causes drastic changes in mood from high manic phases to depressive low phases. The manic phase is characterized by feelings of elated mood and exaggerated self-importance, talkativeness, little need … Continue reading →