Monthly Archives: September 2016

People taking one of the alternative mood stabilizers were 40 percent more likely to harm themselves compared to patients on lithium. Thursday, May 12, 2016 Lithium outperforms newer mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder, a new study has … Continue reading →

For most people with bipolar disorder, strict adherence to medications is necessary to help keep episodes to a minimum. If you have bipolar disorder, you may be wondering what the future will bring. Will your bipolar symptoms get worse or … Continue reading →

Mood-stabilizing medications like lithium help normalize brain activity in people with bipolar disorder. Key Takeaways Mood stabilizers are used along with antidepressants to balance out the extreme highs of bipolar disorder. Medications for bipolar disorder must be taken long term, … Continue reading →

In 1990, Congress designated the first full week of every October to be NationalMental Health Awareness Week. This year that week is October 7-13, 2007 and October 11th is both National Depression Screening Day, sponsored by Screening for Mental Health, … Continue reading →

Once a year or so, I’m tempted to shave my head like I’m going through chemo to make my depression visible to others. I’m thinking if I pulled a Sinead O’Connor, people would take the illness seriously. I saw a … Continue reading →

Consider these statistics: Nearly 50 percent of asthma patients have symptoms of depression. At least 40 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease experience depression, and anxiety is often reported. 45 percent to 65 percent of people who have had a … Continue reading →

A team of researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently discovered why the drug ketamine may act as a rapid antidepressant. Ketamine is best known as an illicit, psychedelic club drug. Often referred to as “Special K” or a “horse … Continue reading →

I overheard my husband describing my health to someone on the phone the other day. “She’s definitely better,” he said. “She’s trying a lot of new things. It’s hard to say what’s helping the most.” “Well, she’ll always have it. … Continue reading →

According to the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D)study, an unbiased investigation funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, at standard doses of the most commonly used class of antidepressants (SSRIs), only 30 percent of people with severe … Continue reading →

Weight gain is one of the main reasons that people diagnosed with depression and other mood disorders stop taking their medication. Some people gain as much as seven percent of their body weight — or more — from psychiatric meds. In a study funded … Continue reading →