You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Mental Health
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar and sugar cravings
Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar and sugar cravings
Advertisement
Question
I’m 32 yrs old and my question is about sugar/carb cravings being related to bi-polar. I have always used sugar or carbs as a way to self medicate, not knowing that I suffered from bi-polar II. The more depressed I got the more I ate them. I just thought my low moods and frantic behavior was due to a very bad relationship. But after I ended that relationship and married a wonderful man my moods continues, and so did my constant sugar intake. Finally, I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with bi-polar II, 5 months ago. I was prescribed Zoloft 100mg. When I stated taking the drug my craving were gone and but now they have returned and I have to keep my sugar/carb intake up to function. Is it possible I need to up my medication or is it unrelated? I appreciate any advice you could give me.
Hi Saralily :-)
Those with bipolar disorder often have cravings for carbohydrates. If the medication makes you hungry, that could be what you are experiencing. My suggestion would be to discuss this craving with your doctor and try to work out healthy substitutes that will help the craving without adding weight.
Joyce A. Anthony
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | No Comment | ||
Related Articles
- Loving Low-Carb - Reader Stories: How I Control My Blood Sugar
- Age brings wisdom and hindsight - Reader Stories: What Led to Your Bipolar Diagnosis?
- Cycling Rapidly Every Day - Reader Stories: Stories About Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
- Deaths of relatives led to hypomania - Reader Stories: What Led to Your Bipolar Diagnosis?
- Bipolar Disorder - Depression
Answers by Expert:
Joyce A. Anthony
Expertise
I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.
Experience
I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.