An Update on Treatment of Bipolar Depression

Lithium has helped me stabilize my moods very well, while gabapentin helps me focus and mono-task. Wellbutrin and Celexa help me stay above the depression. Night meds for sleep is half a Trazodone and melatonin. I also take a multi vitamin. I was misdiagnosed with major depression and finally got bipolar 2 at age 58, after feeling suicidal for 4 years. I’m better now than I’ve been my whole life, and went through almost everything on your flow chart of other problems. Thank God for social services, psychiatrists, therapists, hospitals, aftercare, and my family. Thank you!

Thank you so much! I appreciate the information. I have a family member who won't acknowledge their ailment. I'm saving this video for when he's ready for it.

Refreshingly scientific and innovative presentation. Most talks on Bipolar boil down to the status quo and no innovative discoveries or conclusions whatsoever. This was really something new!

Love how much this sounds like someone who is not subject to the effects of medication.

Very informative! Thank you!!

Absolutely amazing information! Thanks.

I have type 2 bipolar disorder. I have long maintained that I never entirely feel "normal", I always have lingering symptoms. And sometimes it's like I have lingering symptoms of both hypomania and depressive, i.e. I am exhausted, without energy but my mind is racing. The only time I feel really well is during the prodrome of hypomania but I don't realize what it is until it's really beginning to kick in. Another thing I've noticed is how it seems to have changed over the years. In my early twenties my hypomania wasn't as profound, not as uncomfortable, and lasted for like months while my low times were relatively short while now my hypomania has a far more sudden onset, shorter in duration and much more uncomfortable while my low times can go on for months. Also in the beginning, my ups and downs seemed to be more mood specific with my physical energy altered but not crazily so. My lows I had that true blue hopelessness and sadness but not terribly tired and my ups were moods of happiness with only a little increase in energy. Nowadays, it's like my moods aren't altered that much but my energy level changes are ridiculous with my lows being bizarrely fatigued and my ups having a crazy amount of physical energy that can only be addressed with physical exercise. I'm not all that productive like people describe it. It's more of an insane amount of unproductive, though very focused, physical energy.

thanks for your help Mr @Gates,So Hard One, many difficulties with this #Pathology . A lot of Good #person have problems

Thanks for sharing..

Psychotherapy ONLY helps if the person consciously WANTS to help themselves. Otherwise, it's just a money mill for the therapists. When you express "concern" to the affected family member, it may often be viewed by that person as "judgment" and as a consequence, they will withdraw, avoid, and cut off communication with the "concerned" family member. I know this firsthand as fact.

i started fell depressed with suicide thoughts at 37, treated with effexor venlafaxine arounf 75mg , at 41 was diagnosticated bipolar type 2, treateated with 900mg Depakin or Depakote, some issues still with sleep use trazadone 50mg, smoker, fighting everyday, ill be 42 last of august big hug to all

Thank you!!

Than you and God Bless Stay safe Stay at home!!

You are loved and cherished. You have nothing to fear. There is nothing you can do wrong. If I had to boil this entire message down to one sentence, it would run this way: You are loved. And if I had to boil it down further, to just one word, it would (of course) be, simply: Love.

Very educational. I had no idea it was so prevalent. The treatment info, especially, interested me as well as the genetic link (a number of family members diagnosed). BPD depression is so debilitating & difficult to “lift”.

Ive had bypolar since elementary school...I was in the hospital a few times...the reason I didnt eat, sleep or grow much...Im 61 now...still have all those symtoms plus 50 other ones...

We are not lazy although it appears we are incredibly lazy and dirty. It's humiliating how do you explain to someone that you literally cannot get up and take a shower it sounds absolutely ludicrous people lose a lot of respect for you and I lost all respect for myself having a messy house and a dirty body is a great way to get thrown out of a family. The fact that I can't work is another way to get thrown out. Fact that I can't always meet obligations is another way to get throw out. Talkin too fast is another way to get thrown out. Looking and acting like you're on drugs do to your mental illness yet another way to get thrown out. Acting overly emotional is it guaranteed getting thrown out

I am convinced my daughter was born with this...simply its manifestation isn't as apparent until social pressure kicks in..

The best!

Sample size of one: every time my doctors take out my antidepressant in a couple of months I am depressed. I have been through this cycle five or more times. Now I inform my doctors: no messing with the antidepressant, it will end badly.