Bipolar Disorder/newly diagnosed

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Expert: - 1/30/2006


Question
Hi- I am a 31 yr old mother of 3 who has just been diagnosed with bipolar and depression. My Dr has started me on lithum and I am getting my blood levels checked on my 7th day. I have had a hard time getting help. I have been suffering with this for probably 20 or more years. I since starting the lithum I have not had any manic eposides- but now I am feeling depressed all the time. I find myself crying several times a day and can not sleep. The dr has also started me on seroquel. I thought this was just to help me sleep- because she told me to take it when I needed it. Should I take it every night? Also, do you think she will start me on other meds so that I don't feel so depressed all the time?
Thanks- Jaddedone

Answer
Hello Jade,

As to questions about the drugs to take, you need to discuss this with your doctors.

Also discuss with your doctor to go on the hypoglycemic diet..

Please read:

“What is Hypoglycemia?” at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

and

“The Hypoglycemic Diet” at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/hypoglycemic_diet.html

This diet will help to normalize blood sugar levels, insulin and stress hormone levels.

Certain nutrients will help to counter some of the side effects of lithium, if any. these are:

Vitamin B12 and folic acid.

A good source book is:

Werbach,M.R.(1991), NUTRITIONAL INFLUENCES ON MENTAL ILLNESS, A Sourcebook of Clinical Research, Third Line Pres, Inc.Tarzana. Cal. Chapter on Bipolar Disorder.

Please discuss with your doctor.

Jurriaan Plesman, BA (Psych) Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
For more articles see
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Bipolar Disorder

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Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist

Expertise

Have worked as a psychotherapist for overv twenty years, dealing with many personality disorders

Experience

I have a degree in Psychology from the Sydney University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. I am also the author of “GETTING OFF THE HOOK” which deals with the nutritional and psychological treatment of personality disorders. It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. I am interested in the relationship between nutrition and behaviour, and as a Probation ans Parole Officer facilitated groups for offenders, many of whom were alcoholics and drug addicts, sex offenders or compulsive gamblers, as well as the whole gamut of “personality disorders”. I am also the ex-editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia Newsletter, a quarterly publication dealing with hypoglycemia and related health problems. Its web site, together with a shortened course of PSYCHOTHERAPY can be visited at: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Organizations
Editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia. Its web site is at:

http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Publications
Author of the book "Getting off the Hook", It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. Various articles in the Hypoglycemic Health Association's Newsletters

Education/Credentials
BA (Psych) (University of Sydney), Post Gad Dip Clin Nutr (International Academy of Nutrition)

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