Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 4/7/2003

Question
dr. goldberg, my 21 yr old daughter has been recently diagnosed bi polar,but i read this can be easily mis-diagnosed. what should we look for? she is presently on 3 drugs,geodon 2x,depakote 3x & effexor 1x daily. she feels she doesn't need this & has lessen the dosage & seems to be doing good.we are looking for any help since we are not familiar with this & related conditions. thank you, duane

Answer
Hi . . .

It is not unusual for people with Bipolar Disorder to reduce or stop their medications and for them to do well for some time.  Bipolar Disorder usually involves episodes that may be separated by months or even years of normal mood.  Eventually there is another episode.  With each episode the disorder gets worse and the episodes are longer lasting and/or more severe.

If your daughter doubts that she has Bipolar Disorder, it might be a good idea for you to encourage her to get a second opinion from one of the experts listed at:

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.psychiatrists.html

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%