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Hi, I Have Some Concerns About A Family Member, 74

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Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2021
Question: Hi, I have some concerns about a family member, 74 yr old man , history of bi polar disorder, was hospitalized twice, last time was 7 years ago. Been fine since. Takes only zocor 40mg, and plendil 10mg. Recently had covid, no complications, has recovered. Previously took lithium for bipolar, but not in years. Now we are very concerned because he is slipping into a depression, he is sad , depressed, has bad thoughts, is despondent, not sociable etc. cannot get an appointment with a psychiatrist for 11 days. That is a life time away considering his decline. What do you suggest? would lithium help immediately?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Zubayer Alam (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.
I can understand your concern.

According to your statement, your patient has been suffering from bipolar disease and your patient is in the depression stage now.

Bipolar causes extreme mood swings that include emotionally high moods or mania stage and low moods or depression stage. In the depression stage, there are changes in emery levels, ability to focus and other features that can dramatically impact a person's behavior, work, relationship, and other aspects of life.

Between the mania stage and depression stage, the person's mood may be stable for months or years, especially if they are following a treatment plan. However, when treatment helps a person feel better, they may stop taking their medication. Then, the symptoms can return.

Drug treatments like Lithium that is a mood stabilizer, can help stabilize mood and manage symptoms. Along with medical treatments, counseling and psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, etc may be needed to combat your patient's present depressive mood. In case of any suicidal thoughts, please call the emergency and admit your patient to the hospital immediately.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General And Family Physician


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Zubayer Alam (6 hours later)
Thank you , but you just gave me information about the disorder, which I already know. My question was, can lithium help immediately, and what do you suggest for right now. Of course we would address a suicide threat ASAP, but what about another course of action until he gets to see the dr , for his current symptoms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Zubayer Alam (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for joining again. I have tried to narrate the pros and cons of bipolar disorder and that is very important to know to control the both stages of mania and depression.

I think, your patient should start to take Lithium. It will not provide immediate relief. It will take time. It may take 1-3 weeks to show its full effects.

Lithium is the best treatment option for your patient at this moment. As your patient has already taken this patient and during taking this medication, your patient's mood was stable. After stop taking this medication, your patient becomes depressed.

So, consult your patient's doctor and start treatment with Lithium immediately. The doctor may add any additional medications like atypical antidepressant with Lithium or other measures.

Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Zubayer Alam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1286 Questions

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Hi, I Have Some Concerns About A Family Member, 74

Brief Answer: Please see the detailed answer below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your patient has been suffering from bipolar disease and your patient is in the depression stage now. Bipolar causes extreme mood swings that include emotionally high moods or mania stage and low moods or depression stage. In the depression stage, there are changes in emery levels, ability to focus and other features that can dramatically impact a person's behavior, work, relationship, and other aspects of life. Between the mania stage and depression stage, the person's mood may be stable for months or years, especially if they are following a treatment plan. However, when treatment helps a person feel better, they may stop taking their medication. Then, the symptoms can return. Drug treatments like Lithium that is a mood stabilizer, can help stabilize mood and manage symptoms. Along with medical treatments, counseling and psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, etc may be needed to combat your patient's present depressive mood. In case of any suicidal thoughts, please call the emergency and admit your patient to the hospital immediately. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician