7th October 2007
Cheryl ~ I agree with Bob, your psychiatrist seems to be handling things wonderfully. I have two daughters one who is 16 and diagnosed with Bipolar/ADD a year ago. She was started on antidepressants which only made her symptoms worse and induced a hypo(mania).....a common thing that happens to somebody who is Bipolar and is started on a stimulant or SSRI without a mood stabilizer in place. After she was placed on the right meds (Lamictal & Seroquel) her life improved considerably. I also have a 19 year old daughter who was just diagnosed at an Amen Clinic with Type 6 ADD/Mood disorder. Since she didn't have any clear depressive or manic episodes but did present with symptoms of a mixed episode (irritability, agitation, impulsiveness) and her SPECT Imaging showed marked hyperactivity in her mood centers they started her on Lamictal which acts not only as a mood stabilizer but is considered to be the most effective treatment with this type of ADD. AT the same time, it provides security IF they find it necessary for her to be started on an ADD med that may trigger mania since she does have characteristics of Bipolar as well.
So....the Lamictal is a GREAT start....as you know it takes some time to get up to the right dose....my daughter just started 150mgs and is starting to show signs of improvement (less irritability, impulsivity, rapid speech, and high energy of bouncing from one thing to another) It took her 6 weeks to get to this point and the psychiatrist wants to give the Lamictal a try before starting her on any other meds especially stimulants.
I would highly recommend that you look into Dr. Amen's book "Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to Seand Heal the 6 Types of ADD" It is a wonderful approach to understanding that ADD isn't a one med fits all and that there are different types of ADD with specific treatments.
It is good that you are finally receiving the help that you need. It will take some time but once you find the right meds your life will definitely show many signs of improvement. Be honest with your psychiatrist when you go in to see him on Tuesday....the best way of getting help is to be proactively involved in your getting to the bottom of this. Gaining as much understanding and insight is a great start to being able to do that.
Good luck and if you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to ask. There are many wonderful people here willing to help.
~ Goody:angel: :wave:
So....the Lamictal is a GREAT start....as you know it takes some time to get up to the right dose....my daughter just started 150mgs and is starting to show signs of improvement (less irritability, impulsivity, rapid speech, and high energy of bouncing from one thing to another) It took her 6 weeks to get to this point and the psychiatrist wants to give the Lamictal a try before starting her on any other meds especially stimulants.
I would highly recommend that you look into Dr. Amen's book "Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to Seand Heal the 6 Types of ADD" It is a wonderful approach to understanding that ADD isn't a one med fits all and that there are different types of ADD with specific treatments.
It is good that you are finally receiving the help that you need. It will take some time but once you find the right meds your life will definitely show many signs of improvement. Be honest with your psychiatrist when you go in to see him on Tuesday....the best way of getting help is to be proactively involved in your getting to the bottom of this. Gaining as much understanding and insight is a great start to being able to do that.
Good luck and if you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to ask. There are many wonderful people here willing to help.
~ Goody:angel: :wave: