Category Archives: News & updates

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 →

The only true stand-alone CAM therapy for depression is St. John’s Wort. All other CAM therapies are typically considered adjuncts (additions) to other treatments. The following therapies are currently being studied to determine whether they benefit people with depression. These … Continue reading →

5-hydorxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a compound made from the amino acid (protein) tryptophan and is primarily found in the brain. 5-HTP is one of the basic building blocks for serotonin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) thought to be responsible for mood regulation. … Continue reading →