Although this comes as no surprise to me, there is now clear evidence that lithium is the most efficacious single agent for managing bipolar mania and bipolar depression. If, for whatever reason, lithium is not effective as monotherapy, combining Depakote with it does increase efficacy – although not markedly. The lithium/Depakote combination therefore is optimal [...]
The seven classic symptoms of mania and hypomania are probably best summed up through the use of the acronym D I G F A S T Distractibility: Inability to maintain focus on tasks Insomnia: Reduced need for sleep accompanied by increased energy in spite of little sleep Grandiosity: Inflated self-esteem Flight of ideas: Racing thoughts [...]
One of the most significant challenges I face as a pharmatherapist is getting my bipolar clients to continue taking their medications as prescribed. More often than not, the culprit driving inconsistent usage patterns is the thrilling and invigorating manic “high.” The manic phase of bipolar disorder carries a peculiar treatment challenge that most other mental [...]
There’s little doubt that the diagnosis of childhood-onset bipolar disorder is on the rise. Office visits by children diagnosed with bipolar disorder multiplied 40-fold from 1994-2003. Disagreements abound as to what this means. Some researchers view the trend as a sign of progress: A disorder that has long gone undiagnosed in children is now being [...]
Irritability, frustration intolerance, aggression and inattentiveness are present in both disorders. Did I miss anything? What are your experiences when it comes to differentiating Bipolar disorder and ADHD?