Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/26/2008

Question
Hello, I am a 24 year-old girl struggling to finish college. I have been dealing with bipolar disorder for 8 years now. I am getting worse. I can't take it anymore- I just want to live my life and become a German translater. I can't study anymore and stuck in a hole. I continue to have freak-outs everyday and am wondering if it is possible that I also have ADD/ADHD, I have no motivation for anything lately. What sould I consider for meds? Can I treat both at the same time? And what should I talk about with my new doctor about medications? I feel like I'v come to a dead end in the road.

Thanks so much!
Jessie Jones

Answer
Hi Jessie:

First, you mentioned new doctor, do you have an appointment?  If not, please make one.

Now...bipolar disorder and ADD.ADHD can be treated together, but the bipolar disorder needs to be taken care of first.  Often taking care of that helpd ease some of the ADHD symptoms.  

The medications that have the least side effects are Seroquel and Lamictal.  However, you will want to take with you a list of your symptoms, past illnesses and a family medical history.  Some medications are not recommended with histories of certain illnesses.
If you can provide these things to the doctor, he/she can make a better decision of what medication to try.

Make sure with any medication mentioned you ask about known side-effects, how it is suppose to react, etc...
                 Joyce A. Anthony