Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 6/11/2009

Question
I recently experienced a severe form of postpartum depression.  I ended up being diagnosed with bipolar disorder through my psychiatrist, but the counselor I was seeing didn't agree.  I have been on Wellbutrin and Lamictal for about 14 months.  I voluntarily went off the Lamictal because I feel myself that I do not have bipolar.  I have been completely off of it for 6 weeks and I am having major depression and feel very agitated.  I have took the on-line test for bipolar and they say I have very little symptoms.  I do not have any of the manic symptoms.  My opinion I feel I have major depression.  If so, why isn't the Wellbutrin helping me alone?  Why do I need the mood disorder pill?  No one in my family believes I have bipolar because to them I show no signs.  I never had any of these issues before my postpartum.  I just wish someone could give me a correct diagnoses of what I am going through.  All I did was have a baby and now I will never be the same again.  Any suggestions?  Thanks

Answer
Hi . . .

Many but not all postpartum depressions are indicators of bipolar disorder. If there is a family history of bipolar disorder then the likelihood that a postpartum depression is part of bipolar disorder is MUCH higher.

There is no way that I can make a diagnosis based on the information you provide. I think you need a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment. Such a second opinion might be obtained from one of the experts listed at:
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.psychiatrists.html

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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