Information and opinions on BipolarConnect from Jerry Kennard http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712 en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/ http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/27601/overdiagnosed Mon May 12 04:58:00 -0400 2008 Jerry Kennard The very fact that bipolar disorder has a history of being underdiagnosed may be sensitizing clinicians to avoid missing the diagnosis altogether. This is resulting in an equal if not greater problem of overdiagnosis, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.   Lead author Mark Zimmerman, M.D., reports that fewer than half the patients in the study who were previously diagnosed with bipolar... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/27601/overdiagnosed http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/25990/benefits-uncertain Fri Apr 25 07:33:00 -0400 2008 Jerry Kennard A lack of properly controlled trials is preventing any firm conclusions about the possible benefits of omega-3 for bipolar disorder. Several observational studies have suggested that fish oils and omega-3 docosahexaenioc (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids have positive effects on the symptoms of depression.   To examine the claims, Oxford University researchers Paul Montgomery, Ph.D., and Alex Richardson, Ph.D., undertook a systematic... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/25990/benefits-uncertain http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/21204/reduces-mania Thu Mar 06 12:28:00 -0500 2008 Jerry Kennard A recent trial of the drug Tamoxifen with patients who were experiencing mania, or who were in a mixed state that included mania as a component, significantly reduced the symptoms of mania in nearly half the sample.   Tamoxifen is normally associated with the treatment of breast cancer but its action is to inhibit a group of enzymes known as protein kinase C. This has relevance to bipolar disorder as abnormal activity by these enzymes... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/21204/reduces-mania http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/14687/role-family Mon Oct 08 07:19:00 -0400 2007 Jerry Kennard Adolescence is an important time for formulating ideas, developing autonomy and developing a sense of self. It is also generally understood that adolescence can be one of the most unsettling periods during development. Add to this the symptoms of bipolar disorder and what results can be a period of huge emotional turmoil for both the sufferer and their family. The onset of bipolar disorder is quite commonly associated with adolescence... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/14687/role-family http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/14152/impact-bipolar Tue Sep 25 09:50:00 -0400 2007 Jerry Kennard The estimated prevalence of bipolar disorder is over 3 per cent of the population of the United States. This may only be a part of the picture as many patients who currently take anti-depressant medication for depression, screen positive for bipolar disorder symptoms. For example, in one study, over 21 per cent who screened positive for bipolar disorder had not been diagnosed as such. The characteristics of this particular sample were that they... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/7712/14152/impact-bipolar