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Topic : 08/01 Extreme Highs and Lows

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Created on : Friday, March 03, 2006, 12:43:32 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1

(Original Air Date: 03/07/06) Dr. Phil explores the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. This illness takes its victims on an emotional rollercoaster ride -- from elation to extreme irritability, intense rage, or devastating depression. First, Cathy was diagnosed with Bipolar II, 10 years ago and claims she goes from zero to psycho in 15 seconds. Dr. Phil takes a look at the toll her disorder takes on her two boys, and brings the family together for a dramatic moment of emotional healing. Then, during various manic episodes, Fred has stolen a taxi, crashed into a Starbucks, and climbed to the top of a church. He hears voices and believes that movie stars like Denzel Washington and Robert De Niro are talking to him through their movies. Still, Fred thinks he’s ready to move out of his parents’ house and live on his own for good … but should his family let him? Talk about the show here.

 

Find out what happened on the show.

More August 2006 Show Boards.

As of January, 2009, this message board will become "Read Only" and will be closed to further posting. Please join the NEW Dr. Phil Community to continue your discussions, personalize your message board experience, start a blog and meet new friends.

 
cvalenta1
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March 8, 2006, 8:19 am PST

ETC's

Quote From: sheilakw

I am not a doctor and even close, but in some cases when nothing else works they may use electric treatments.  My sister, and my mother both have bipolar disorder, and it has been a consideration.   I found this on a website linked to my health insurance.    Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: 

Medications

The following medications may be used to treat bipolar disorder (many patients are treated with a combination of two or more of these medications):  

  • Lithium – a mood stabilizer, often used as initial treatment (helps prevent manic and depressive episodes from returning)
  • Valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine, topiramate, gabapentin (zonisamide, felbarnate) – anti-seizure medications, also used as mood stabilizers instead or in combination with lithium
  • Benzodiazepines – clonazepam (Klonopin) or lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat agitation or insomnia
  • Zolpidem (Ambien) – used to treat insomnia
  • Antidepressants – serotonin reuptake inhibitors or bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used to treat depression
  • Antipsychotic medications – used if patient exhibits psychotic behavior at extremes of mood; “classic” anti-psychotic medications [e.g., haloperidol (Haldol) are not often used because of risks of tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements); “atypical” antipsychotic medications [e.g., risperidone (Risperdal) are more effective with less risk of tardive dyskinesia

Treatment may need to be continued for prolonged periods or indefinitely, depending on the pattern of the illness, to prevent significant mood swings. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy may include:  

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Counseling
  • Family therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy

  

Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy may be effective for both mania and depression when medications fail.  

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing bipolar disorder. 

RESOURCES:

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
http://www.bpkids.org 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org/ 

REFERENCES:

Belmaker R. Medical progress: bipolar disorder. N Eng J Med. 2004;351:476-486.  

Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm. Accessed November 10, 2005.  


Last reviewed November 2005 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH  

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. 

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

I just wanted to let you know that I have been suffereing from BP since I was a teenager and I am 29 now.  I have been on all the meds that you can think of and nothing worked, but the etc's did and nothing has changed.  Your son may lose some of his short term memory but that is all.  I had my treatments in Jan 2006 and I have been back at work since 02-28-06.  IT WAS THE BEST THING THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME!!!!
 
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greenhobbe
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March 8, 2006, 8:19 am PST

Couldn't agree more

Quote From: lola51779

This sort of message is so detrimental to those dealing with any sort of mental illness.  I would ask this writer if he or she believes that HER god could heal those that have a serious heart condition.  Should a person with diabetes simply pray?  I have had no instances of unresolved pain.  I grew up in a family that was caring, understanding, loving and always did their best to help me deal with the bipolar disorder that i have dealt with since childhood.  It is a tribute to their love (and economic support) that I am doing so well today.  My biggest fear is that someone with bipolar will read this and not get help.  Or even worse feel they need to search for an instance of unresolved pain in their past even if one can't be found.  Please educate yourself before you preach your religion to others.  I wonder how long these people will be "healed." Bipolar goes in cycles and often there will be no symptoms for week, months, or even years.  I am doing wonderfully and by no means am I, or will I ever be, completely healed

This kind of thinking is scary!  My son was born with bipolar disorder!  Nothing happened to him in his life to cause it.  We knew something wasn't right at birth.  He exercises, eats right, comes from a 2 parent home and goes to church.  To say that God can cure him is ridiculous.  Does reading the bible also cure heart disease? 
 
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oklachick
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March 8, 2006, 8:21 am PST

i am so sorry

Quote From: elanenergy

It is with so much sadness and empathy that I read your posts and watch Dr. Phil's show on this dreadful disorder. My only child, Eric, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 9, following an ADHD diagnosis at age 6. My husband and I divorced after 20 years due to an ugly betrayal and subsequent marriage and child with his new bride. This, I believe, is what sent my boy into full fledged bipolar. He had good treatment from a psychiatrist and counselor, but we could never find the right meds. He went to public school, but it was probably coming to an end because of his anger and disrespect. Eric was not Bipolar II, but he had become increasingly violent during his rages--punching me in the arm and taking a knife and threatening me. Each time, I would call the psychiatrist and we would up the meds to help him be stable. But he ended up secretly taking his own life---not in a state of pyschosis because I was just upstairs and he didn't make a peep. Now, one year later, I'm just numb. Dead, for all intents and purposes. My reason for living is gone. And he was my best friend, and the person I most admired in the world. He managed his disease like a champ. But make no mistake. Even Bipolar I can end in suicide--15-20% of biopolar people take their own life. Please keep seeking help. And don't stop until you feel you've found the right help. With all my blessings.
i am so sorry for the loss of your son. i know how precious my kids are to me and i would be devastated as well. i have bipolar disorder although i have just been diagnosed, i have always known something was wrong with me. when i was a kid it was just so hard to deal with anything. normal everyday things that a kid goes thru, but when there was anything really bad going on with my life i was suicidal or would just shut down. the depression that comes with this disorder is scary and i deal with it all the time. i hope you have someone to talk to and i pray that God will give you some peace at some point in your life. once again i am so sorry and my heart goes out to you.
 
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sunshine80
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March 8, 2006, 8:27 am PST

Thanks for replying to my post

Quote From: tambalina

Thank you for replying Doll, 

Yes Ive felt your pain.....paranoias about child protective services and raising 3 children with mental health issues. The worst beingmy middle one with Borderline personality, My oldest (an Angel) with Bipolar ADHD and my youngest now 18 has out grown her split personality at around 7 (She wants to be a minister now *proud mama*) My beliefs are a bit off the coarse, Im truely an inigma lol. But if we teach self reliance then nothing ANYONE says can hurt us. Even as Mentally (whats PC?) challanged we still need to be our OWN best advicates. I have many tools in my belt and I Love sharing.  

  

Heres a word I live by........ 

  

Namaste 

(My Soul greets Your Soul) 

I am not going to make many friends with the post that I wrote, but we both know that horrible pain that was overlooked.  I don't know many violent bipolars, to be perfectly honest.  There are some, but few and far between.  I know that my oldest child is manifesting some symptoms of bipolar, and I am getting some help for him.  In hindsight, I think that setting a good example of how to recover for your children will help them in their own journey.  Self reliance is very important, in my opinion.  It is hard for me to be consistent, and when I cycle, I have trouble with just about everything.  The more I tailor my routine to the fact that I could cycle at any time, the less I have to ask for help.  I hate asking, I hate needing, and I hate taking help from my family when I am sick.  The more I can rely on myself, throughout anything, the better and more confident I am.  You have lots of tools and enjoy sharing?  Well, share away,  because I am all ears.  I love learning, and the worst case scenario is that you learn something.  I think that we can all learn from one another's experiences and can help eachother.  Have you heard that song by Van Zant called "Help Somebody"?    I love that song!  How is Namaste pronounced?  That's a great choice of words!  I like it!  Have a great day! 

Smile! 

~Sunshine~    
 
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funkydee
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March 8, 2006, 8:30 am PST

Bi Polar

I watched about 3 minutes of this show and statred to cry, it felt like I was watching myself on that show. 

I was properly diagnosed with BP 2 yaers ago, after being in and out of the hospital since I was 09 years old. 

I am taking proper meds but when I start to get my highs I find it very hard to take them because I feel so fantastic. 

I do feel the show could have been a lot more informative . 
 
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baseball
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March 8, 2006, 8:31 am PST

Stiil trying to find the right help

Quote From: elanenergy

It is with so much sadness and empathy that I read your posts and watch Dr. Phil's show on this dreadful disorder. My only child, Eric, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 9, following an ADHD diagnosis at age 6. My husband and I divorced after 20 years due to an ugly betrayal and subsequent marriage and child with his new bride. This, I believe, is what sent my boy into full fledged bipolar. He had good treatment from a psychiatrist and counselor, but we could never find the right meds. He went to public school, but it was probably coming to an end because of his anger and disrespect. Eric was not Bipolar II, but he had become increasingly violent during his rages--punching me in the arm and taking a knife and threatening me. Each time, I would call the psychiatrist and we would up the meds to help him be stable. But he ended up secretly taking his own life---not in a state of pyschosis because I was just upstairs and he didn't make a peep. Now, one year later, I'm just numb. Dead, for all intents and purposes. My reason for living is gone. And he was my best friend, and the person I most admired in the world. He managed his disease like a champ. But make no mistake. Even Bipolar I can end in suicide--15-20% of biopolar people take their own life. Please keep seeking help. And don't stop until you feel you've found the right help. With all my blessings.
I am so sorry for your loss. I too am a grieving mom. I lost my precious daughter in 2004 to this illness. She was 23. Now I am trying to keep 2 more children alive. My 15 yr old does the anger and disrepect and cannot attend public school. he is in residential treatment. Sometimes it is exhausting but as you and I know this illness can take our childrens lives and then what ???? Thank you for your blessings. This mom needs all I can get cause I don't want to bury no nore children cause of this illness.            Another Grieving Mom
 
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appleannie
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March 8, 2006, 8:33 am PST

Can you Help me?

Quote From: jeepin97

 I WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER 1.  THE LAST 15 YEARS HAVE BEEN HORRIBLE FOR ME, I HAVE HAD ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS, ABUNDANT LEGAL TROUBLE, YOU NAME IT!!!  THE SADDEST THING OF ALL IS THAT MY FAMILY DOESN'T WANT TO BELIEVE THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH ME.  ALTHOUGH MY HUSBAND IS THE MOST SUPPORTIVE PERSON IN MY LIFE, THE WAY MY FAMILY HAS CHOSEN TO DEAL WITH MY DISEASE IS DEVASTATING.  THANK GOD THAT THERE ARE MEDICATIONS OUT THERE TO HELP WITH THIS DISORDER, BECAUSE IF NOT, I PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE HERE TO WRITE THIS MESSAGE.  I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY MAY HAVE THIS DISEASE TO CONTACT A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE IT IS TO LATE. NOT ONLY DO YOU AS THE PERSON SUFFER, BUT EVERYONE WITH WHOM YOU HAVE A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH SUFFERS TO, SPOUSE, FAMILY, CHILDREN, ETC.  BIPOLAR DISORDER EFFECTS EVERYONE INVOLVED!!!!!  IF ANYONE KNOWS WHO TO GET A COPY OF THIS SHOW, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

appleswan@hotmail.com 

  

Hi, please e-mail me if you can.  I have bipolar, been in abusive relationships, and legal trouble also.  My fiance's family does not want to have anything to do with me.  They have invited him to a family reunion, but made sure to tell him that I was not invited to come.  He never did like his family, even before we met, but he says he needs to go to keep the peace.  I feel horrible and rejected.  How should I feel?  I legal trouble happended two years ago, and it was a petty thing, but the family refuses to forgive me.  If my fiance goes, does this mean he doesn't care about how I feel?  Then again, it is his family?  I am so confused on how I should feel. 

  

Apple 
 
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catbddmom
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March 8, 2006, 8:37 am PST

Bipolar & Thyroid???

Hey Gang, I thought I posted a message last night on the boards but I don't see it. 

  

Just wanted to mention that some people who are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder are finding they have a thyroid problem, once the correct thyroid tests are run: 

  

FREE T3 

FREE T4 

TSH 

THYROID PEROXIDASE (TPO) 

and ANTITHYROGLOBULIN 

  

The TSH alone can be inaccurate and very misleading.  

  

There is a lot of good info at the thyroid connection to psychiatric problems at: 

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/myxedema-craziness/ 

  

You will find some good articles on the connection: 

  

Thyroid Hormone and Bipolar Patients 

http://www.satevepost.org/issues/2005/0708/7370468.shtml 

A world-renowned expert on bipolar disorder discusses the latest research demonstrating that thyroid hormone can have a positive and profound effect on mood in bipolar patients. 

  

Bipolar Link with Thyroid Condition 

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-06/uopm-rzi061405.php 

  

Thyroid and Bipolar Disorder 

http://www.psycheducation.org/thyroid/introduction.htm 

  

I hope this info helps someone. 

Cathy 

cathy_bdd_mom@yahoo.com 
 
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rcaino
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March 8, 2006, 8:37 am PST

also worried

Quote From: cvalenta1

Dr. Phil hit on some very important point and topics yesterday on the show, but I also feel that he left out the manic depressive part of being bi-polar.  I am bipolar and I am afraid that if any of my co-workers or friends watched the show that they will think of me that way and I am in no way like either guest. I have been in and out of hospitals and this last visit was because I had taked myself off my meds (big mistake)!!  Because of not being on my meds I had an affair and do not remember any of it, now I am getting better had to have ETC's (they are not as bad as you think) but now going through a divorce and I am afraid I will loose custody of my children because of my disorder.   HELP!
Dear Worried.  I really think that Dr. Phil only added to the stigma and stereotype of this disorder.  I also was tempted to call in sick today for shame and embarrasment, and I feel like the show only contributed to people who already like to sensationalize the disorder, and get juicy bits of gossip.  But I got up and went with my held high, and if the conversation comes up about the Dr. Phil show, I think I will mind my business and do my work.  I don't think I can change peoples attitudes.  Too bad Dr. Phil allowed the word "psycho" to be used on his show.  It's a word that is thrown around all too freely, and a word that cuts through me like a knife in my heart.  Stay on your meds, continue treatment, and get as much self help as you can.  I am a spiritual person and my faith has helped me a great deal.  Also support groups like DBSA (Depression and BiPolar Support Alliance) can be very helpful and accepting.  They have on line groups and local groups.  People with BiPolar disorder can be and are contributing members of our society.  Hold your head up high, take care of yourself, and best of luck with the situation with your children.  God Bless you and Keep you.
 
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jabusch
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March 8, 2006, 8:40 am PST

best brand fish oil?

Quote From: gibson8313

i wanted to let all of you know my information I found while doing a paper for my pyschology class on omega-3 fish oil being used as additional treatment for bipolar. First I want to start out by saying the study I found says that it has to be omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, not flax seed or some of the others. The body breaks up the two omega-3 differently and it has to do with the % absorbed. My husband was told he had bipolar "tendencies" but the doctor felt he delt more with ADHD. I brought up the study I had found about the omega-3 to my husbands doctor, who hadn't heard of it, and agreed to try it out my husband was taking 4 of the 1200 mg twice daily. The actual study had theit patients taking more but because the doctor was unfamiliar with it thats all he wanted to try. I say he was taking it because he recently stopped about a month ago and 2 days ago he had one of the worst rage attacks he has ever had in over a year. He never had one while on the the fish oil. He still got irritable occationaly but it was never anything that just letting him be didn't clear up with in an hour or so. He never had rage. Just another example of why people with bipolar should never stop there meds, but how many time it happens just because they feel better. The research strongly states the this is not a suppliment treatment, but one to be added to those who are not responding well to there current meds. My husband wasn't being treat at all for bipolar just an antidepressant, zanax for anxiety, and adderal for his ADHD, but i got the doctor to agree to try the fish oil therapy. One reason he agreed is because it is a natural suppliment and has not side effects other than some fishy smell of the capsule. My husband never had a bad after taste or fish burps. Of course I would never recommend that anyone try the omega-3 without first consulting with there doctor first.
Thanks so much for addressing my post. Could you please enlighten me to which brand of fish oil you use. perhaps its the brand I'm using that is causing the unpleasant side-effects. Or when or what I take it with. Thanks so much!
 
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