Bipolar Disorder/more than anxiety

Advertisement

Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 5/5/2008


Question
I have,sketzo-affective  disorder, and I have taken other anti psychotic  medication after taking them I experience mental anxiety or  a high lever of discomfort to the point were am very paranoid of my surrounding. I am know taking afilify ,and  I experience less of the discomfort but, it does still does occur expecially when am  around loud music, or playing basketball. My question is can you please explain to me why it happens, and what can I do to solve the problem. Am may taking to much abilify because before when I took syprexsa  as a high dose it render the same effects, but as it was lower the anxiety! Went away.

Answer
Hi Jorge:

One of two things could be happening here.  Some people do experience anxiety as a side effect with certain medications, although this is not a usual reaction.  The second thing, and most likely what is the case here, is that you may have a co-existing anxiety disorder that does not appear until the schizo-affective disorder is controlled.
Whichever is the case, explain your concerns to your psychiatrist and ask about the possibility of adding an anti-anxiety medication to your routine.  This should help ease the symptoms considerably.

                                   Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.