Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Bipolar Disorder
Question: Hi,
A short elevator story. 34 years old 167lbs. Reading comprehension troubles and rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Disability veteran with a great track record. Moreover, what takes a person to under stand an article will take me 3 times as long.
I would like to get attention deficit medication. Till now I have been able to mask my internal issues however I've been having a lot of trouble with my reading focus and comprehension of meeting and journals I have to read. It is becoming very difficult to keep up which affects my job. I'm the sole provider for my family.
Regards,
XXXXXXX
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A short elevator story. 34 years old 167lbs. Reading comprehension troubles and rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Disability veteran with a great track record. Moreover, what takes a person to under stand an article will take me 3 times as long.
I would like to get attention deficit medication. Till now I have been able to mask my internal issues however I've been having a lot of trouble with my reading focus and comprehension of meeting and journals I have to read. It is becoming very difficult to keep up which affects my job. I'm the sole provider for my family.
Regards,
XXXXXXX
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
ADHD medication is dangerous to use in people with bipolar disorder. This is because stimulant medications are known to precipitate manic episodes, especially in people with rapid cycling. This makes ADHD medication inadvisble for you. However, there are other options that might be just as helpful. First, it is important that your bipolar medication is therapeutic, as difficulty concentrating and focus are hallmark symptoms of undertreated bipolar disorder. Your lithium level should be at least 0.8. This could be supplemented by adding a second generation neuroleptic such as aripiprazole. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy can be very useful for ADHD symptoms. You may want to look into finding a CBT therapist in your area.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
ADHD medication is dangerous to use in people with bipolar disorder. This is because stimulant medications are known to precipitate manic episodes, especially in people with rapid cycling. This makes ADHD medication inadvisble for you. However, there are other options that might be just as helpful. First, it is important that your bipolar medication is therapeutic, as difficulty concentrating and focus are hallmark symptoms of undertreated bipolar disorder. Your lithium level should be at least 0.8. This could be supplemented by adding a second generation neuroleptic such as aripiprazole. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy can be very useful for ADHD symptoms. You may want to look into finding a CBT therapist in your area.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Thank you.
Please note that my reading comprehsion set backs have created tremendous set backs. My focus has always been an issue and I have tried many things. Sentence phrase word games to remember the key point of something. My wife is a reading specialist and she works with me. However little success. I just want my life to be normal and not have to spend 20 hours to review two journal articals. Can you please perscribe me a riddalian or other medication. I'm a good person with no alternative motives. I just want to work on over coming my disability from war and reading issues. My life quality of life is very important to me. Also, I see a psychologistrong once a month. Regards.
Please note that my reading comprehsion set backs have created tremendous set backs. My focus has always been an issue and I have tried many things. Sentence phrase word games to remember the key point of something. My wife is a reading specialist and she works with me. However little success. I just want my life to be normal and not have to spend 20 hours to review two journal articals. Can you please perscribe me a riddalian or other medication. I'm a good person with no alternative motives. I just want to work on over coming my disability from war and reading issues. My life quality of life is very important to me. Also, I see a psychologistrong once a month. Regards.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
As I explained above, a stimulant medication such as Ritalin would be too dangerous for you, as you have bipolar disorder and stimulants will cause manic episodes. However, there are other options that might be just as helpful. Your lithium level should be at least 0.8. This could be supplemented by adding a second generation neuroleptic such as aripiprazole. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy can be very useful for ADHD symptoms. You may want to talk to your current therapist about trying CBT techniques to help with reading comprehension and focus.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
As I explained above, a stimulant medication such as Ritalin would be too dangerous for you, as you have bipolar disorder and stimulants will cause manic episodes. However, there are other options that might be just as helpful. Your lithium level should be at least 0.8. This could be supplemented by adding a second generation neuroleptic such as aripiprazole. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy can be very useful for ADHD symptoms. You may want to talk to your current therapist about trying CBT techniques to help with reading comprehension and focus.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
