Expert: Libby Bonner - 8/19/2008

Question
my sister has had problems for the last 10 years with depression. the drs. have her on alot of different medications. she was also diagnosed with 'post traumatic stress disorder' along with the 'bipolar mix with major depression'. my sister has 'lost' her memory. she does not even know who i am. how can i help her? what can i do to help make her remember and get better?

Answer
If you or someone can do this - might mean paying for it, depending on her insurance, where she is treated, etc. - she should ask for a second opionion.  Lots of meds, lots of diagnoses....I would want someone else to look at this whole case.

Do you live where she does?  Does anyone ever to w/ her to appts?  Is there a current doc who will answer family questions - privacy laws might prevent it......

Or maybe tell me a little more.  Her age.  Age [can be approximate] at which she got each of these diagnoses.  Her list of meds, if known.

It isn't unusual of diagnoses to be changed or added to, necessarily.  And many pts do require many meds.....   

Give me a little more info.....but still maybe be thinking about 2d opinion.

Other Q:  how many docs does she see right now?  I am assuming a psychiatrist, but if there are more docs, do you know their what they specialize in - like, neurology, for instance.

And - when did she lose her memory, and is it only IDing you, or what other things are now lost???