i was told i had adhd as a child....then in my early thirties was diagnosed with bipolar 2. it has been a decade of taking med. just for bipolar with only short term success leading to a cont. struggle. Any information on drug of choice to treat both.
Q: recommended treatment for adult adhd and bipolor 2 combined
Answers (1)
11/24/08 6:25pm
Hi Frustrated:
I can only imagine how much you've struggled and I'm sorry for your pain. Unfortunately, you are talking about two very different disorders that can have similar symptoms. ADHD is typically considered a disorder that responds to stimulants that speed the person's brain up.
Bipolar II Disorder is primarily the depressed type with only hypomanic symptoms, which means that you may respond to antidepressants when used with caution. You might speak with your doctor about taking Strattera, since it is often used for treating ADHD. Strattera is an antidepressant, but must be used with caution in the Bipolar patient.
Another option might be to consider Neurofeedback, an alternative treatment to both Bipolar and ADHD. I have used it with considerable success in patients with the combination of these two.
Best of luck,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist who has taught classes on psychopharmacology at the doctoral level. Her answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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By frustrated— Last Modified: 10/31/10, First Published: 11/22/08
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