Bipolar Children

Stanford or UCSF to help with bipolar child?

Does anyone have experience with either UCSF or Stanford with treatment of a young child exhibiting bipolar symptoms? Have heard great things about Kiki Chang at Stanford but was wondering if the department and experience overall is worth the drive to Palo Alto. Thanks! anon

Bipolar or Social Anxiety Disorder in 3-Year-Old

I'm very worried about my 3-year-old son's extreme reactions in public. On a lesser note, I'm often embarrassed and frustrated by him and feel confused whether I should avoid most social situations with him for now. His specific behaviors include tantruming, aversion to people talking to, touching or approaching him. Tonight we went to a birthday party at a kids gym. I was hyper-vigilant with him and did my best to remove him as soon as he began to tantrum (when someone picked him up from a chair he was sitting in and I couldn't get to him in time). I'm probably going to get suggestions to check for autism or sensory processing disorder, but I should say that I have a 5-year-old girl who had this same social aversion and tendency to tantrum. She has pretty much outgrown this behavior, but not before I had her evaluated by the Regional Center and by a few occupational therapists who finally concluded that nothing was disordered in her.

Like most parents with children with undiagnosed disorders or whatever this is, I am so worried. I'm even worried that nothing may be wrong with my boy and I'm worrying for nothing (again)! I have talked to my child's experienced preschool teacher, but she isn't worried. He has tantrums and angry outbursts with her. Like me, she stands firm with her discipline, and often gets good results from him as I do at home. Public outings are problematic. I'd probably avoid them more if I wasn't trying to meet my daughter's needs, too. My son chews at his fingernails now. He screams when we give him notice that we are going out. We do our very best to allow him to approach the new situation when he is ready. If only I could put a sign on him that says, ''Slow to warm. Please don't approach. I will approach you.'' Sigh.

My last fear is a big one. My husband's father is bipolar, and his sister was recently diagnosed bipolar. I wish I could stop there. On my side of the family, both my half brothers (not related to each other by blood), have been diagnosed bipolar. I only knew about one half-brother and the grandfather before we decided to have children. I'm getting a bit terrified by the odds now. Is it even possible for a preschooler to be bipolar? Is it a mistake to diagnose at this age? I am prepared to go to my boy's pediatrician (She's new to us and with Kaiser), but I'd like to know of anyone who has experienced something like this behavior in a very young child. I'm frankly reluctant to tell her our family history and have Kaiser misdiagnose my son or suggest medication. Beyond Worried

We went to a psychiatrist for 2 years to help us all learn coping techniques for anxiety. One of the many helpful things the doctor taught us is that the child has a right to decide who can touch him, and has a right to not be touched if he doesn't want to be touched. This seems pretty obvious when I say it, but as you know, adults regularly assume that it's OK to touch strange children.

I have a few suggestions:

1.. rethink the term ''tantrum'' and replace it in your mind with ''panic attack'' or ''freakout'' or something that feels less like a power struggle. I wouldn't think of it as a discipline issue.

2.. consistently push against your child's anxieties, but only to the extent that he can handle - otherwise it won't be therapeutic. For example, if he doesn't want to go to a party, convince him to at least walk up the front steps. If that is too hard, have him touch the front gate and count to 10. Repeat it until it's easy, and then try to take it one step further. We spent literally hundreds of days outside of friends' houses or outside of parties or events that my son was too anxious to enter, taking one or or two steps. Gradually over about 2-3 years he was able to do most things ''normally'' again.

3.. defend your son's right to choose who touches him, who kisses him etc.. I started telling strangers that he's ill and can't be touched, and I even tried saying that he was immunocompromised. Eventually I was more honest and said bluntly ''he doesn't like to be touched.''

4.. Anxiety can masquerade as other things. If he's acting angry or evasive, hostile, etc., it might be because he's putting up barriers, trying to avoid something he's anxious about. For example, my son would get super uptight about what clothes to wear, but really he was stalling because he was anxious about going to school. So keep your eyes open because it's easy to miss this - and understanding it makes it much less maddening.

A good doctor can help a lot. things are much better for my son now. good luck to you, mom of worrier

Bipolar child needs more help

After reviewing posts from 2003 and 2004, I decided to post my plea for help: my daughter is 7, and has been diagnosed by 2 different Kaiser psychiatrists as having a mood disorder. They are reluctant to actually label it Bipolar, but in confidence, both docs have said that that is what it is. My daughter is on Risperdal for the aggression (seems to be working nicely), and after trial and error of several different mood stabilizers, is currently beginning a trial of low-dose Lamictal (no idea so far, just 2 days in). Of course, her mood swings are problematic, but now her oppositional behavior is also becoming problematic, both at home and at school (elementary school in the West Contra Costa School District). I am having trouble with the I.E.P. and possibly requesting an aide; we've gone through the first steps, including requesting formal evaluation from the school's psychologist (in class) to better understand what her needs are, but nothing has been done! It's been almost 3 months since the intial meeting! Also, I am furious with Kaiser because although I keep requesting bimonthly one-on-one talk-therapy sessions with a female provider for my daughter, all they are willing to commit to is the group therapy, which is not helpful at all! (The meds doctor is fantastic, however; she's been a real saving grace through all of this. And, for a while, my daughter had a fantastic therapist, but since she's gone on maternity leave, all hell's broken loose!) Also, encouragement by the psych and MD's for behavior modification is lovely and all, but what am I to do about the actual moment where she's screaming and aggressive, and she really doesn't care that about consequences? She refuses to do her homework, refuses to do just about anything, freaks out at the word ''No'', and then add the irrational fears and mood swings that happen at the drop of a hat, and it's just horrid! (She's an intelligent, loving, sweet, sensitive, caring, humorous little girl with real problems; I love her, and desperately want to get her more help!) I am trying to be patient with the school, and with Kaiser, but am feeling like there has to be more: more help for her, and more support for ME and my husband as parents of a bipolar child! The online support group I am a part of is great, but I need real live people, too! Also, I have tried 3 different times, a few weeks apart--leaving detailed messages about the issue and clearly stating my name, phone number, and being a self- pay person--to Children's Hospital Psychiatry (reputably a fantastic resource in the Bay Area), with absolutely no response back. Reprehensible! I understand they are busy, even backlogged, but really--all I can say is thank goodness my child isn't suicidal! The bottom line is that I am appalled by the lack of help for my child and for myself. As a parent who is trying to be proactive with these issues, especially for the school's sake, I am extremely frustrated by the whole situation! I have a 3rd Student Success Team meeting (2nd for the I.E.P.?) with the school next Tuesday, and nothing I requested has been done! The teacher is a saving grace: she has been patient, and instrumental in implementing a small star chart to try the behavior modification route, but that patience (understandably!) seems to have been exhausted! Even after contacting the Special Ed department as a last resort, AND faxing a written letter to the Special Ed department, the district Psych dept, and the elementary school itself, I still haven't gotten anywhere! I would appreciate any and almost all advice here: recommendations for docs for therapy, within or outside of Kaiser, as well as support groups for parents of young children with mood disorders. (I can appreciate well-meaning people who suggest another opinion, but as I have already had 2, and have lived with my daughter's problems since she was a toddler, I am confident of the diagnosis, and the necessity for medication as well as therapy.) I apologize if it seems like I'm ranting, but well, I am. I am angry and frustrated, with good reason! I feel like I'm spinning my wheels with Kaiser, and trying to find help via the web is throwing up nothing! I am imploring the Berkeley Parent's Network for help, please!

Two suggestions -

Call Eileen who is the director of the Family Resource Network in Oakland. 510-547-7322 If what you are dealing with isn't covered under their services, they would definitely help connect you with the right resources. Make and appointment, go in and sit down and talk with her. I got so many great insights from her about how to navigate the system and get the right help for my son; also how to navigate the school system and IEPs. They can attend meetings and advocate -- and help you become and advocate for your daughter.

This is their mission statement: ''The purpose of the Family Resource Network is to support and encourage the positive development of families of children with a disability or special health care need. FRN provides family-friendly information and training to help families access specialized education and health care for their children. FRN also offers parent to parent support from another parent who has 'been there'.'' http://www.frnoakland.org/

Second suggestion - get an advocate to work with you on the school and IEP issues. By law, you can have this person attend meetings with you and advocate on your daughter's behalf. Sounds like the people you're trying to work with need a push. Go onto http://www.education.com/ and do a search about advocates. There are a lot of great articles.

I hope you find your answers, and some help. Asking for help is the right thing to do. K

We have had great success with EMPower Plus (www.truehope.com), after trialing many, many meds with the ''top'' child psychiatrists. Traditional meds work for some, but not for my child and caused horrible side effects. EMPower Plus is quite expensive, and most likely is not covered by med. insurance. The good news is that you can work directly with the co. for free and not have to pay a psychiatrist.

If you prefer to go with a traditional psychiatrist, find one who works regularly with bpkids. Drs. Paul Abrinko, Herb Schreier at CHO and Melinda Young have all been recommended to me. (Dr. Abrinko is WONDERFUL, and works with EMP, but may not be taking new patients.) I'm taking my child to see Dr. Scott Shannon in Colorado, who also works with EMP, and other micronutrient therapies for bp, anxiety, depression, etc.

If hospitalization becomes necessary, we had good experiences with John Muir (formerly Mt. Diablo Pavilion) in Concord under Dr. Kiran Koka's care. Dr. Koka was very flexible and supportive and willing to work with EMP, rather than meds -- very unusual. The staff (at least in the children's wing) was extremely caring and supportive, and the facilities were pleasant. My child benefitted from the hospitalizations and it really was nothing to be ashamed of or to shy away from (far from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest!)

Re psychotherapy, make sure you're working with a therapist who, again, has extensive experience with bp kids and the related family issues. Hard to find. Don't bother with any therapist who hasn't successfully worked with bp kids and families before. Dr. Ellen Singer in Berkeley is experienced. She may have other referrals. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT)/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the research-based psychotherapy of choice for teens with bp. The only DBT therapy in the area I know of is at Clearwater Clinic (http://www.clearwaterclinic.com). There's a waiting list. Also, read The Explosive Child by Ross Greene for tips on power struggles, tantrums. If you haven't read The Bipolar Child by Dr. Demitri Papolos, it's a Bible.

Re school/IEP issues, contact Donna Gilcher, Ed.D. at starfishadvocacy.org. She's AMAZING -- used to be the educational director at Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABP, www.bpkids.org). The absolute best and works remotely all around the country from her office in Cleveland. She has changed the trajectory of my child's academic life from failure to success and really understands all the learning and school issues that affect bp kids.

Re respite care, contact NAMI, Easter Seals, Family Resource Center.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, hook up with other parents of bp kids for support and education. We truly are the most knowledgeable and informative source of info because we live this 24/7! CABF (www.bpkids.org) and starfishadvocacy.org (Donna Gilcher's site) are excellent. There's a local parent support group for bp kids/teens that meets once per month in Lafayette, contact, 3kids1dog@comcast.net.

Finally, don't despair. It's a formmidable disease, but there's hope and support out there. We can definitely relate to your and your child's distress. I wrote a post a few years ago begging for help. Help is out there, you just have to be relentless about finding it! Good luck! Can Relate

9 year old may be bipolar

Our son has completed a lengthy neurological assessment from someone I have been very happy with. Results are pointing to therapy in Reactive Attachment Disorder, and further exploration with a psychiatrist of a BiPolar disorder. Familiar w/RAD, but am wondering what the experience on the board here is w/Bipolar? After 13 difficult hours of exams, reluctant to put him through more testing w/yet another person. Spend more money ($5300 for neuro-psych). Also, don't want to label him just because we can, or do drugs unless absolutely necessary.

1.) How do I navigate all the information, and conduct my own concise research that leaves me equipped to advocate for him in an intelligent way? 2.) Any non-drug therapy treatments?

Divorced dad, and I don't agree, and dad does no research but simply let's other's words be the deciding factor with little critical thinking or exploration. Feeling like Bipolar is the new ADHD, and feeling skeptical about jumping on the diagnosis/drug bandwagon. It's a critical time and don't want this next phase of our son's life to be forever characterized by an inaccurate reading. anon

First I think it is important to know that diagnosing mental illness is not a concrete science. It is quite possible to get different diagnoses from every professional you see.

Secondly, there is definitely a growing trend to diagnose bipolar in children right now. It used to be very rare to see this diagnosis in children. I have a friend and colleague who is a psychiatrist working with adolescents and she has told me that she would not diagnose bipolar in children unless there is clearly a genetic component (meaning there is a family history of mental health issues) because it is such a ''big'' diagnosis - it means pretty heavy duty meds for a lifetime.

Start with intensive therapy. Participate in the treatment yourself. Learn what communication styles and discipline styles are most effective for RAD. A good therapist should be able to help you with this.

I think having him evaluated by a psychiatrist is good. It is possible that stabilizing him on some medication will help him make better use of therapy right now. But a diagnosis is one professionals opinion. Feel free to get a second opinion.

Don't forget to take care of yourself in the process. Your son needs you to be at your best, so don't put your needs last. Good luck. Carrie

As someone whose bipolar disorder II began to manifest in my early 20s, which is classically the most common time of life for that to happen, this postulation makes perfect sense to me- it just feels right on.

I am old enough that when I was a kid life was much slower and relaxing for children- we weren't subjected to all the kinds of demands and stimulation that children are now. I myself am very sensitive to things like extended bright light, and pounding loud noise like heavy metal rock music. When I was in college, the strobe lights that were popular made me feel crazy.

At the suggestion of a psychiatrist, when I find myself feeling like I might be headed toward hypomania, if I live with the natural patterns of light and dark for awhile (no electric lights, just candle or oil lantern light after dark), it calms me down and I can bring myself back to center. While that may sound extreme and difficult to pull off, it's a very relaxing and charming experience to live that way, and you'd be surprised how much you can do by just candle and lantern light!

That doctor believed in the school of thought that BP disorder began to manifest in vulnerable people more frequently after the advent of electric light because of the increased brain stimulation. Given that my own great-grandfather manifested it at the time in history, I find that quite believable.

This theory is explored in this article along with a study conducted on the subject: http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/darkrx.htm which is a link of of this resource site on BP:

Since it ultimately saved me, I believe in medication when it is in the hands of a skilled psychiatrist who really knows how to diagnose the disorder and when it is necessary to bring about remission. I encourage you, having already gone this far, to continue on to the psychiatric evaluation. Langley-Porter Institute at UCSF Medical School is a good place to get a thorough evaluation in an up-to-date setting at a reasonable cost. Stanford Medical School also has an excellent Mood Disorders Clinic.

In the meantime, you might want to experiment with reducing the amount of stress and electronic stimulation in your child's life to the degree that you are able, whether or not your doctors are into this approach. You might want to try out the ''Dark Therapy''- it can't hurt, and it's natural. High daily doses of Omega-3 fish oils have also been proven to improve stability in BP disorder, another non-drug therapy.

While it may be obvious, I'll mention that the stress of a divorce can be extreme enough for a child to set off a latent psychiatric disorder, and it sounds like there is continuing stress as you and your husband disagree over where to go from here.

Best of luck to you and your son. Anon

Just as an aside - it seems like the list of behaviors associated with bipolar in children can also be a list of behaviors from sexual abuse. You might want to check out ''Miss America by Day: Lessons Learned from Ultimate Betrayals and Unconditional Love'' by Marilyn Van M. Derbur (the end of the book in particular) to know what kind of questions to ask your son to make sure that isn't or wasn't a problem.

From your post, it seems like your child is in good hands with you. Keep fighting for him and good luck. Laura

I think my 6-year-old is bipolar - what should I do?

I just glanced at a book about bipolar children and was shocked to find how well this described my 6 year old daughter. Things are getting worse with her angry rages becoming more frequent, interspersed with her being the most loveg, affectionate, outgoing child I know. My question is, what do I do now? I have no idea. Do I get her evaluated? Should I be asking for Recommendations instead of Advice? I don't have health insurance, but I can get some if she is going to need some kind of therapy. What I don't want is for her to be labeled bipolar if she isn't. What would happen next? Am I supposed to tell her school? She seems to be mostly okay at school. Help! Shocked and Confused

Need help and support for child's bipolar diagnosis

Is anyone out there dealing with a young child (6-11 yr range) who has been diagnosed as being bipolar? I need help. Any recommendations you could provide regarding treatment, Doctors, therapies that worked, special parenting classes, medication, etc. would be greatly appreciated. I would really like to find a support group (face-to-face) in Oakland, Berkeley (or even SF). I am feeling overwhelmed with concern for my child's well being. Thank you very much. Help!

Support for bipolar 4th grader

Does anyone know of a good therapeutic day school for a bipolar fourth grader? Or of any highly recommended residential programs? Has anyone taken part in a residential study where the child was taken off their medications? Did the pros outweigh the cons? The last question is: Does anyone have personal experience with the Lincoln School in Oakland? Would it be appropriate for a gifted fourth grade with emotional problems? How are the staff? academics?

Psychiatrist for Bipolar

I am looking for a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder.We were assigned a psychiatrist on an emergency basis and are not too happy with him and want to find someone else to handle his medication and therapy. Does anyone have a recommendation for a psychiatrist *on the Pacificare Behavioral Health* list? Thanks. Anonymous

Bipolar Teens & Young Adults

Please Help/ Direction For Bi-Polar 25yo Daughter

I have a lovely 25 year old pretty high functioning daughter who has been diagnosed as Bi-polar. She is talented smart, funny and a genuinely lovely person. She seems under motivated. Some of her choices and decisions concern me. She wants to live alone and wants to work however she seems to lack many everyday type of life skills. Doing well in school will not be difficult. She is very smart but living alone without some life skill training concerns me. My daughter is on low dose medications. Her doctor is Bernard Wittenberg. I don't know what to do next however I know in my gut someone out there has been successful in navigating a positive and productive life. Are there programs you believe in? Another doctor who you have had great results? Do you know Dr. Wittenberg? Do you have ideas or suggestions? Please help me. I have no help but I know that many of you have probably found great, creative or good solutions. I am grateful for any direction.

We found DBSA in Berkeley very helpful. It is for both family and the diagnosed. They break off into groups and which are mixed or not depending on how people are feeling and what they need to talk about.

DBSA Berkeley Bipolar
Contact 1: Janna Wertz
Phone: (510) 653-2959
Contact 2: Mayona Endahl
Additional Phone: (510) 420-0868
Email: berkeleybipolar@yahoo.com
Website: www.dbsalliance.org/berkeleybipolar
Good luck.
W.


Team approach for bipolar 14-year-old?

Jan 2008


Our fourteen-year-old  is crashing and 
burning. He is constantly angry, steals from us, has few friends because he's 
verbally abusive, is purposely failing in school (even though he's tested off the 
charts). After years of seeing different therapists and doctors, I think I need a 
team 
approach. My sister's son has autism and she's had therapists come in who've made 
a real difference. How do I compile a bipolar-knowledgeable team to come to our 
home and help with his meds, his physical exercise, his relationship issues?  I know 
this may be dreaming on my part but I think a team of people could really help him 
and I'm not sure the alternative our psychiatrist is suggesting (sending him to a 
special school) will be best as he is adopted and already has abandoment issues. I 
would love your expertise and suggestions to throw this kid a lifeline before he 
gets 
in big trouble.
Mom who knows Mom is not enough


My daughter is adopted & bipolar.  I don't know about someone 
coming to your house, but our family sees Virginia Keeler Wolf, 
a family therapist.

Virginia focuses on adoption issues and has been much more 
helpful than our psychiatrist on how to deal with our 
daughter's bipolar issues.  Everytime I see Virginia I walk in 
with the weight of the world on my shoulders and then walk out 
with a plan of attack & a positive attitude.  Try her, she's 
great!
I know what it's like & it's not pretty.


You do not mention whether your son is fully medicated (for his 
bipolar disorder) or not.  Generally speaking, ''talk therapy'' or 
other psychotherapeutic interventions, are not helpful in 
bipolar patients who are not properly medicated.  In fact, 
such ''talk therapy'' may even make the bipolar behavior worse.

Also, the use of certain ''stimulant'' drugs (either 
antidepressants or stimulants themselves) in the absence of 
proper medication for mood stabilization, can aggravate bipolar 
behavior.

Please discuss this with the psychiatrist (M. D.) who is 
managing the medications.
Robert 


Please contact Dr. Koran at Stanford Hospital's Department of 
Psychiatry. They have excellent adolescent psychiatry and it is 
worth the trip.
I know that everyone has different experiences and no one person 
or group is 100% effective, but he is definately worth a try.
mom who knows


This isn't what you asked for, but how sure are you that your
son's diagnosis is correct? He does sound like he has some
bipolar symptoms, but those behaviors could be due to something
else. If your sister's child has autism, you might ask a
professional to rule out an autism spectrum disorder in your son,
like Asperger's. (There's a strong genetic component to autism
spectrum disorders.) I'll be curious to hear if others know of
therapeutic team members who come to the house. 
A mother and professional in the field


There are programs called ''wrap around'' where social workers and 
such come into the home to help with ''issues''  I'm not sure what 
the  qualifications are for such a program, but you can call 
either Fred Finch Youth Center or Seneca Center, both have 
programs in Oakland and other Counties.  They would know 
where/how to direct you.   
Good Luck


I have a therapist (psychologist) named Rebecca Epstein, who treats me
for bipolar 
disorder, and I truly love her.  She has a lot of experience with
children and with 
families, is VERY in touch with research and developing knowledge, is
clearly and 
competently driven by the desire to help people, and knows psychiatrists
and 
psychopharmacologists well enough to have chosen her recommendations to
people 
based on their individual personalities and cases.  She helped make
suggestions for 
my brother-in-law, without seeing him, regarding psychiatrists who are
familiar 
with his (unrelated) circumstances, can make home visits, etc.  Her
husband, Robert, 
is also a psychiatrist in the same office.

I'm not sure whether she's listed, but her outgoing message did not say
anything 
about not taking new patients, last time I called.  If you don't find
her otherwise, feel 
free to email me and I'll see whether I can put you in touch with her.
jmlynn@calpoly.edu


The Bodin Group in Lafayette uses a team approach
http://www.thebodingroup.com/ -- they serve as consultants,
monitors, and advocates for kids and their families.  Their focus
is on residential programs, but they have a range of expertise
and relationships with a wide variety of professionals, so they
may be able to help your son. I'm sure they'll let you know if
their services are not a good fit with your intuitions.      
  mom with son in a Bodin-monitored program


''Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teenager--7 Steps to reclaim authority
and 
reestablish love'' by Scott Sells describes how to put a team of family,
school, 
community into place to support your efforts to keep your teen alive and
on track.  
He says sending kids away places the authority there, outside the
family.   So the 
same problems start again when the kid comes home because the authority
issues 
haven't been dealt with where the kid lives permanently.  The best part
is he advises 
ways to show love as well as work on the out-control-behaviors.  He also
has a 
website called The Savannah Family Institute where you can get info
about his 
approach.  Even though my child (also adopted and bright) is only a
pre-teen, his 
book and approach were the first to actually deal with the burgeoning
behaviors--
defiance, stealing, lying, physical violence against parents--and give
me hope that 
my child won't end up in jail or murdering family members (no joke).
Good luck.
     


I have been where you are and by learning the hard way, I am not there
with my now 
three other teens.  In my opinion (which along with three bucks will buy
you a latte) 
there are five KEY elements that you need to focus on:

1) Release this ''abandonment issue'' as a valid crutch to not setting
powerfully 
loving boundaries.  If picking coffee amoungst the peasants in Costa
Rica is what he 
needs, you are not abandoning him.  We did not show our first that we
cared 
enought to send him to resilience training as we fell victim to the
''abandoned'' 
game.  Now he is in Iraq and quite possibly emotionally irretrievable.
There are several teen programs that I would recommend: Outward bound,
cross 
ventures, etc... Go on line to find the right one.

2) Get a fresh horse.  The stream is too strong.  Call in your brother,
father, 
minister.  He needs to see some MAJOR strength in you and his tribe.  He
is 
watching. 

3) Get the best therapist specifically for his age.  Karen Sprinkel @
Clearwater in 
Oakland is an amazing woman that undertands the teen boy. 

4) remind your son EVERY DAY that you are positive this is finite, that
every teen 
experiences some disequilibrium, and that you will both look back on
this and 
laugh.  There is NO REASON to not have confidence in his ability to
rebound. 

5) Call on the power of your parents, grandparents, great grandparents
and imigrant 
ancestors that live dormant in you.  They did all this without meds.
Most 
importantly, remember THEY are with you.
reenie


Support Group for teens diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

December 2006


Am wondering if there are any support groups in the Bay Area for parents/families who have a 
teenager who has been
diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?  Our daughter sees a
therapist and is on medication, has been hospitalized, but
no one seems to have any recommendations for a support
group.  She's struggled with depression and cutting as well
the past few years.

It is an often lonely journey for families and to be able
to talk to other parents who are living with this illess
24/7 would be extremely helpful.  This has also affected
our son who worries about his sister and sees her mood
swings regularly.  We've been very honest with him about
her illness as we don't want to add to the stigma that
exists about not talking about mental/nervous disorders. We
go to family therapy, which is helpful, but sometimes it
would just be nice to sit down and chat with other
families.

I've read and done alot of research on the subject, but to
be able to sit down with others on occasion would help my
husband and I to know that we aren't alone in this journey
with our daughter.

Thanks for any suggestions
anonymous


For the parents looking for a support group:
http://www.geocities.com/BerkBipolar/
I attended this group a few times early in 2006 when my
duaghter's 18 year old boyfriend was diagnosed with this
illness. It's run by ''consumers'', folks with bipolar
disorder, many of whom are in fairly good medication
control, but who have horror stories to tell. They break
into groups, usually 3 groups of consumers only, and one
group for family/friends and consumers together. Daughter
and BF attended with me once and we were in the mixed
group, which was the only way they could stay together.
His reaction was that there was no one there he connected
with except a young woman in her early 20's. It was really
heartbreaking to see the families of people hospitalized
upstairs at Herrick Hospital struggling with the revolving
door hospitalizations and downhill course of bright,
talented loved ones. I found it helpful to see that my
perceptions of the situation were for the most part valid,
but quite depressing overall.

They also have meetings/speakers which address various
aspects of dealing with this illness. Useful, including
the consumers' comments and observations.

Free, and worth a try.
Anonymous

Contact NAMI in Albany at namieastbay[at]inreach.com for
information about their monthly support group for parents
of teens and young adults with mental illness.  Most of the
families who attend these meetings have teens with bipolar
disorder.
Andrea

There are a couple of support groups for parents of bipolar youth.  One
is located in Lafayette/Moraga area, and I know another new one was
starting in the Fremont area.  If you go on the website of the Child and Adolescent Bipolar 
Foundation (Google it, and you'll find it...)...you can get all sorts of helpful information, 
including information on local clinicians who
specialize in working with bipolar, and the parent support groups.  I believe the one I mentioned 
is sponsored by NAMI (National Alliance of the Mentally Ill)
of Contra costa County.

Contacts with the support groups may lead you to a group for teens.
The parents in the groups are very savvy about services available.

Also, there is a wonderful resource, Camp New Hope
(www.campnewhope.net) which is an overnight camp held for a weekend in
June at Camp Arroyo in Livermore for kids with a bipolar
diagnosis...Overseen by the Pediatric Mood Disorder Clinic at Stanford.

Good luck
anonymous

There are at least two parent-only groups you could attend.
 In Lafayette, there is a support group solely for parents
of bipolar children  (though of course no one is excluded
because of uncertain or varied diagnosis) at the Lafayette
Orinda Presbyterian Church ~Rm.#4~.  The group meets the
second Monday of each month 7-9pm. No RSVP is needed to
attend. Visit the group's  website at
www.newhopesupportgroup.com. I attend this group and it has
been very helpful.

In Albany, there is a parent support group for parents of
mentally ill children (all diagnoses) that meets monthly at
a church on Marin.(I used to attend this group and it was
very helpful, too--I switched because we moved to Contra
Costa County.)

 Both these groups are sponsored by NAMI, the National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill, which has chapters in each
county. The phone book lists two numbers for NAMI in Alameda County:(510) 835-5010 and 
(510)653-2162.  One of these
numbers is bound to lead you to someone who can tell you
when the parent meeting  now occurs. NAMI is a great
resource--a  Google search might turn up further help.

I know of no support group for the bpteens themselves
Especially with cutters (my son is one too) it would have to
be professionally-led.  The New Hope group has talked about
a sibling group but we thought it should be professionally
led, too and it hasn't gotten off the ground.

If anyone has information about such a group, please post it!
Mom of bipolar teen


Teen with bipolar disorder and meth addiction

Jan 2006


I am close to a bright 19 year old young man who has
recently been dual-diagnosed with the above. He has Kaiser
coverage, was hospitalized for a few days with symptoms of
psychosis, then discharged on three psychotropic
medications for the bipolar diagnosis. He attended an
outpatient group briefly, but felt that the other young
people were much sicker than he (and it sounds like he's
right), and stopped going. He stopped one of the meds
without consulting his psychiatrist, and just changed from
a Solano County Kaiser to Oakland Kaiser. He reports
having finally seen a psychiatrist who (he reports) told
him to ''take [his] meds and [he'll] either relapse or
not''. No referral for any other kind of help. No mention
of the chemical dependence issues.

Meanwhile, I've been reading a very good book for people
with bipolar disorder and their families which emphasizes
structure, support and information of all kinds, as well
as a working relationship with health care providers. I've
given him the book, and he felt encouraged upon reading
around in it, so what felt like a rebuff at Kaiser was
hard for him.

Personally, I feel that the mental health diagnosis has to
be adequately addressed before we have a shot at dealing
with the substance abuse issue. He denies active meth use
at this time, but is smoking pot. And I don't know whether
to believe that he's not using meth.

Does anyone have experience dealing with Kaiser around
these two diagnoses? Must we have a fundraiser to see if
he can get help privately? His parents, while concerned,
have their hands somewhat tied due to Kaiser's
confidentiality rules, and do not have the cash it would
take to get private care. The young man has such a high
anxiety level that he can only work 4 hours per day and
sometimes not even that.

Thanks for any help you'll offer.
Anon.


The combination of bipolar disorder and stimulants is a
ticket to disaster.  Even traditional antidepressants, in
the absence of mood-stabilizing drugs, can cause bipolar
disorder to worsen irreversibly.

The key to successful treatment of bipolar disorder is
pharmacologic therapy (drugs).  A mood stabilizer such as
Lithium, Depakote (or one of the other anticonvulsants
found to be effective) is vital, and psychotherapy (''talk
therapy'') is generally ineffective (and in many cases
actually harmful) until the patient is controlled medically
with the drugs.

Resistance to the medication regimen is common among
sufferers (because the drugs tend to moderate the ''highs''
of the disorder), and it often takes months before the
proper medication regimen is achieved.  Also, patients with
bipolar disorder should be managed by a
psychopharmacologist, a psychiatrist (M. D.) with special
training and experience in the area.

I am involved in several Lists for the ''significant others''
(including parents) of persons with bipolar disorder and
can be e-mailed directly (see address below) for more
information.  Also, I would suggest surfing:

www.bpso.org

for additional information and links.
Robert 


In response to Anon, and the 16 year old with
methamphetamine issues and bipolar.  I work for Kaiser, and
have been in the mental health field for 25 years.  It would
be very hard for anyone to give advice on this type of
situation without a LOT more information which of course is
inappropriate in this venue.  There are so many issues at
play here.  One is the substance abuse issue.  Often, a
person can be misdiagnosed in the midst of substance abuse.
 The symptoms of bipolar, or depression/anxiety can mimic
the side effects of meth/pot/alcohol.  So, I think the
substance abuse issue should be dealt with WHILE dealing
with the possible bipolar.   While it is certainly not
impossible, I find it hard to believe that a psychiatrist
would overlook or dismiss the substance abuse issue.  And
marijuana is mentioned in your letter as a side issue, but
it is not benign.  I suggest that this family meet again
with either the psychiatrist OR another psychiatrist at
Kaiser.  I have been there 3 years, but have had Kaiser
coverage for many more and find it a very good health care
service.  Going outside of Kaiser is going to be expensive
and you will not find the continuum of care that a place
like Kaiser has to offer.  Did the parents meet with the
doctor as well?  How much family involvement was advised?

So many unanswered questions for a very tough situation.
Hopefully, this can be worked out through the teen's current
Kaiser coverage.  I have a very good friend who works only
with children and adolescents.  He charges over 1,000.00 for
the initial work up.  Granted, he takes several hours to
days, and gathers much information from all sources, but
it's quite expensive.  Child and adolescent psychiatry is a
sub specialty and it's tough to find a really good
psychiatrist with openings....they are in great demand.
Kaiser has many.
Diane


A great person at Kaiser Oakland is Kitsy Schoen.  She
coordinates support and educational groups that may relate
to what your friend is going through.  Her number is 752-7983.

I wish you the best,
Anon.


My son attended Kaiser's Chemical Dependency Program for
teens, New Bridge's youth outpatient program in Walnut
Creek, had an intake at Thunder Road in Oakland, so I have
some experience with the local options for addicted youth.
He said the same thing as your teen: he didn't want to go,
the others are sicker than him, they have different
problems, etc. He didn't like AA meetings or NA meetings
either. I think the Kaiser psychiatrist may be saying that
mostly, addicted teenagers are hard to treat, the success
rate is low and so unpredictable. Long term residential
programs often work, but who can afford that?  Your support,
and your sense to look for treatment for the bipolarity is
important. A nonprofit I now work with, Options Recovery S!
ervices in Berkeley, is a free outpatient substance abuse
center for people 18 and over. Many of the clients are
dually diagnosed (have a diagnosis of addiction combined
with trauma, psychosis, or bipolarity), though you don't
know until someone stops using if there is in fact an
underlying mental illness, because drug use can both cause
the symptoms of it, and certainly masks it. In January they
opened a clinic to provide free therapy by marriage and
family therapists and medication monitoring to help those in
the substance abuse program.  The success has been amazing.
Relapse rates have declined, and people who were really
suffering found ways to stop self medicating to try to stop
their mood swings, anxiety, etc. I don't know if he would be
interested in this program (the average age is older than he
is), but if he is, the person to call is Dr. Davida Coady,
who was recognized this year for all she has done for the
city. Tom Gorham ru! ns the clinic, is an expert in dual
diagnosis treatment, and may be able to talk to him.  And
you, you can do the footwork, but try to let go of the
outcome. After 4 years of putting me on an emotional roller
coaster, my son moved out of Berkeley at age 17 and finally
took control of his life: is living on his own, finishing
high school, and is doing great.  I don't think it was
anything that I did; it was his choice to extricate himself
from the stress of the city and the social scene that kept
him in that spiral of use and abuse.  Bless you.
Anon



Bipolar Adults



Bipolar Support Group for Patient Spouse

Aug 2011


Does anyone know of a support group in the East Bay for people 
diagnosed as Bipolar (BP II preferably but we're not fussy) and/or 
spouses of people so diagnosed?  Any leads would be great.  Thanks.
UKMomma


You can try this national site - http://www.dbsalliance.org - which 
should list local bay area support groups. I would also suggest looking 
into a meetup group if there is one on meetup.com - and if there isn't, 
you can create one. I am sure there would be others out there with the 
same interest and support goal.
Anonee



How can my brother be evaluated for bi-polar/depression?

June 2010


To make a long story short, my brother has probably been 
an alcoholic for 15 years and a meth user for 2 years--he 
is 35 years old now.  He recently went to a rehab facility 
paid for my my parents, then lived in a Sober Living 
Environment (also paid for by my parents).  He nearly made 
it to his one year mark of being sober--then realpsed.  In 
my heart and from research, I know he needs to hit a rock 
bottom, and yet there has always been a soft landing 
provided for him. This time, my family is tired of bailing 
him out and wants him to take responsibility for his 
progress toward a healthy life.  That said, bi-polarism, 
depression and obestity run in our fmaily.  How can my 
brother get his ''head examined'' to see if he is suffering 
from one of these diseases, and how can he get counseling 
for his self-esteem issues, when he has no health 
insurance? He is an incredible person with so much to 
offer--I'd LOVE for him to really start living his life--
and so would he!
worried sister


The best resource that I know of for this sort of thing is
the mood disorders clinic at Langley Porter Institute, the
psych branch of UCSF. They can do an in-depth evaluation,
more extensive than what a private doctor would do. It's not
free, but it is sliding scale.

Stanford also has an excellent mood disorders clinic, but I
don't know if it also is also sliding scale.
anon

Your description of your brother could have been of me.  I
am diagnosed as bipolar, have been treated since 2003, and
am functioning very well with no substance abuse or
depression.  (I can't say that it's been a perfect road out
of the hell, though, just to be clear, and I still live with
limitations because of a mood disorder I can't deny.)

I hate to say that it cost me real money.  But I can say
that I'd never take it back.  After landing, for unrelated
reasons, on the couch of a psychologist (Rebecca Epstein in
Berkeley) who charges top rates ($165/hr last I checked),
doesn't work with insurance, but who stays at the TOP of her
field through study of literature and association with
researchers, I have concluded that the average psychologist
is not equipped to ferret out a mood disorder from a mess of
other masking symptoms.  In addition, she chose to refer me
to a psychiatrist (Shane MacKay in Berkeley) from a list of
many she respects, based specifically on my needs and their
combination with his strengths.

I went into serious debt to become diagnosed and treated.
(Treatment is trial and error, and can take months to get
right.)  And I have paid all of it off because I am capable
of holding down a stable job, only because of them.  I hate
to say this to suffering families, the bit about
recommending big expenses, but I now firmly believe it's
more expensive in the long run not to go that route.

All my best wishes to you and your brother.  These are truly
trying issues and times, and you are lovely to cast out for
help.  Remember, too, to protect your own well being.
anon



Bipolar middle-aged relative in denial

Nov 2009


My siblings and I have been watching somewhat helplessly for years as the mental
health of one of our relatives gets worse and worse.  We all are in some
agreement that it is likely our relative is bipolar, and we just don't know how
to get the person diagnosed and/or treated.  The relative, who is middle-aged,
has had mental health issues before, and did well on Prozac decades ago, but
somewhere along the way stopped all medical treatment.  Gentle suggestions of
getting therapy (talk or pharmacologic) have gone unheeded. Can anyone offer
advice, anecdotes, or resources so that we can help our relative get help?
help!


I'm so sorry to hear about your situation with your relative.  We've had a
similar problem with a relative.  At one point we had to have him commited for
observation because things were so severe.  It is difficult to help someone
when they don't think they need help.  What we ended up doing was to find a
really good private therapist that a therapist friend of mine researched and
recommended.  We pay for the sessions and he's going regularly.  We got him to
go by asking him to commit to try it three times and if he didn't like it or
think it was helping, then he could stop.  That was eight months ago.  He's
also on medications that Kaiser supplies via their M.D.s.  The combination has
made a world of difference.  It is a difficult situation so be gentle with
yourself.  Sometimes there is only so much we can do for people.  Good luck.
Kathy

You might check out these non-profits for advice and info:

1. www.nami.org  - Nat. Alliance on Mental Illness

2. depressive bipolar support alliance or www.dbsa.org

There are active chapters for family/friends all over.
Take Care.
Monica


Bipolar brother-in-law

May 2008


My sister's husband (age 38) has recently been diagnosed with
bipolar disorder.  I would like to find out more about it - to
try and understand what he would be experiencing as well as to
reason with some of my family members who think she should
divorce him because of all the hurt that has been caused as a
result.  Can anyone recommend a good book for this?
Anon.


Kay Redfield Jamison's Unquiet Mind is a good start.
been there


There are are a couple of good informative websites that would 
be a place to start:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

http://www.nmha.org/

Good luck.  Coping with bipolar is difficult for all those 
involved.  It sounds like your brother-in-law must be getting 
some treatment (he received a diagnosis from someone), but I 
hope your sister is getting some support too.  This can put a 
real strain on marriages and she will need a place to talk 
about her experiences and feelings.
I wish your family the best.
Carrie 

Here are a couple of useful resources for you:

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html
http://www.psycheducation.org/index.html

Obviously, as you recognize, it is your sister's own business
what she does. If he is actively seeking and complying with
treatment, and if she loves him, and if she is a compassionate
person, why wouldn't she give treatment a chance to see if he can
become his best self again?
Anon


I was an untreated bipolar for 36 years. At my best, I was a near
genius, especially in the art world. At my worst, I left a trail
of chaos behind me wherever I went. When I was just 18, I was
admitted to a psychiatric facility and identified as a
manic-depressive, the old term for BP. I left after several
months declaring to my fellow patients that, ''the difference
between me and you is that you don't like being crazy, and I
do.''. A bipolar often loves his/her condition. It is only after a
lifetime of the shattering ups and downs, the alcohol and drug
abuse, that I realized I needed help. It is very common for BP
sufferers to seek help in their late thirties and up. All is not
lost! Bipolar is eminently treatable. After receiving mood
stabilizing medications, my life was almost instantly changed. My
disturbingly mercurial nature was tamed and I was finally able to
start repairing my life. A pill was not the sole answer however,I
have to work with a psychiatrist on a monthly basis to monitor my
condition and visit a therapist weekly who has helped me undo the
ingrained patterns that I developed over a lifetime of craziness.
Recovering from the effects of my condition require daily work
and attention. The result? I have friends for the first time in
twenty years. I went to college for the first time and have a
nearly 4.0 grade average (I had never received an A in my life
before). I can stay employed for more than a few months for the
first time in my life. I can be a caring and loving husband now.
In short, I can do things I never thought possible with my life
and I can dream of better things. I only regret that I could have
accepted my condition sooner and sought treatment. Who knows what
might have been? Don't give up on loved ones with BP and don't be
dismayed when they refuse treatment at first. 

A really good book that has helped me immensely is ''The Bipolar
Advantage'' by Tom Wooton, who is himself, bipolar. His website is
http://www.bipolaradvantage.com/ and he also conducts great
seminars.  
 


I am in a similar situation.  These books were recommended by 
my mother's psychopharmacologist; The Bipolar Disorder Survival 
Guide by David Miklowitz, Why Am I Still Depressed by Jim 
Phelps and Bipolar Disorder, a guide for patients and families 
(Mondimore).  Despite the cheesy title, the doctor recommended 
the first one most highly and I am finding it helpful.
hope this helps



Sister is bipolar, dating her psychiatrist

Oct 2007


I have a problem that is probably too complex for this forum,
but it's worth a shot. My sister is diagnosed with bi-polar
disorder. Despite this lifelong affliction, she has managed to 
become a successful professional and functioned exceptionally 
well in society until about a year ago.  Around this time (I
think) she starting seeing a new psychiatrist. Soon after she 
was put on medical leave from her job and has undergone 
evaulations from the office psychiatrist there saying she was 
not ready to come back to work. This has left her finances in 
chaos, as you can imagine.

After her husband moved out and her house was foreclosed, she 
moved in with her psychiatrist! They are now a couple. We have 
never met him but find it highly unethical, especially since 
she seems no better psychologically. There seems no end to the 
downward spiral and we are not sure what to do. She can be very 
hostile when confronted with anything and only wants to hear 
praise and support, but my patience has really run out. I can't 
help but think this psychiatrist has something to do with this 
dramatic downturn. I actually hope this, because then there's a 
chance that she can become the charming responsible person she 
once was.

Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated.
anon


I'm sure you will get a lot of responses to this.  This is not
only unethical it is completely illegal.  This person should be
reported to the licensing board immediately.  His license will be
revoked for this, and should be.  I'm not sure of the exact place
you should call, but hopefully someone else will post here with
that information.  For your sisters sake and for the sake of the
other people this person is treating, he MUST be reported.
Anon


NOT OK! This is unethical at the least,  and, if the psychiatrist
began the romantic relationship while your sister was his
patient, it is also illegal.  I would recommend that you report
him to the medical board.  You can also inform your sister that
his behavior is illegal, though it might not help.  Unfortunately
for you in this situation, your sister is a grown adult, able to
consent on her own.   She may continue the relationship even if
the psychiatrist loses his license to practice.   You might want
to try to gently encourage her to find a new psychiatrist for her
medication management, and to express your concern for her given
what you know of  the legal/ethical issues and her downturn.
She is going to need to get out of this relationship on her own,
and will need your support if and when she does that.  As a
therapist, I am so horrified when I hear of these situations.  It
is a total abuse of power on the psychiatrist's part, and so
damaging to the patient.    I'm so sorry for you and your sister.
concerned therapist


I am a psychologist and according to our ethical principles, a
therapist should never date a patient.   There is some
flexibility (although still very frowned upon) that after two
years post-treatment termination, a therapist can have a
personal relationship with a former client.  I am not certain
but would be very shocked if the American Psychiatric
Association had different ethics.  All said, you should report
the psychiatrist to his state licensing board.  He will be
reprimanded and could lose his license if found to be guilty of
this type of egregious malpractice.  Good luck!
Therapist for Ethical Practice


You will be swamped with responses, likely from many others like myself in the
mental health field.
''Highly unethical'' is right.  You have not met him but I hope you know his name, at
least.  Go to the California Medical Board, www.medbd.ca.gov - click on ''consumer
info'' and ''complaint info'' for guidance on how to file a complaint about him for
investigation.  You can download the consumer complaint form, and there is a
section where you can check ''sexual misconduct''.  Do this for your sister's sake and
for the sake of other patients he might have (in past or future) treated similarly.
This appears to be grounds for removal of his professional license.
Good luck.
Kate


Hi there-  Although I do not really know fully how to respond
to your posting, from what I understand, this guy is indeed
unethical, to say the least.  My recommendation would be to
check w/the American Psychiatric Assoc. and the Board of
Behavioral Science Examiners (the ones who license him) about
what to do.  I have been a social worker for 10+ yrs and there
are very strict codes of ethics which those of us in the
counseling fields must abide by in order to get licensed and
sleeping with ones clients are at the top of the ''no, no''
list.  Dealing with family members who are mentally ill can be
very frustrating and exhausting and you also may want to check
with the Nat'l Alliance for the Mentally Ill regarding family
support groups.  Good Luck, Anon
anon


Your sister is very lucky to have such a caring and supportive
relative in her life. It sounds like the psychiatrist is
violating his professional code of conduct. Having a dual
relationship is very harmful and confusing to patients. An
ethical and solid clinician would hold this as the foundation
for the treatment. I am more familiar with the legal/ethical
codes for my own profession (MFT), but I believe similar rules
apply for psychiatrists.

Therapy NEVER involves sex and it is damaging to enter into a
romantic relationship with a current or newly terminated client
(under 2 years). Period. This rule is very clear for MFT's. This
is a very well known code for therapists in other fields.

If she is a current patient or newly terminated one, his conduct
should be reported immediately to his professional board. IMHO,
a therapist should NEVER enter into a romantic relationship EVER
with a former client. It is only a recipe for disaster for the
client.
Amy


I am a Marriage Family Therapist and in my profession it is
highly unethical to begin a romantic relationship with a
patient.  In fact it is suggested that the therapist/client
relationship be ended at least two years before a personal
relationship can begin.  I would recommend you report
this ''psychiatrist'' to the American Medical Association.  He is
acting very unprofessionally and is harming his patient in ways
you may not even suspect.  You can report w/o telling your
sister, that's up to you, but I would report no matter what.
Good luck-she's lucky to have a sister who cares so much...
A Marriage Family Therapist


I bet you're going to get a hurricane of advice/input about this
one. Here's mine: It IS unethical and unprofessional for a
psychiatrist to become involved with a patient in any personal
way, even on a friend-only basis. This kind of infraction really
takes the cake. It is possible, even, that if the AMA/APA got
ahold of this information, that this psych. could lose his
license. It is also against the law for a physician to prescribe
medications to his/her family. Whether or not your sister falls
into the ''family'' category, I don't know, but I would check if
this guy is prescribing to your sister and report it if he is,
because your sister's physical andmental health is at stake,
this ''professional'' is taking advantage of her, knowing her
diagnoses, and this kind of relationship is potentially harmful
to your sister in all kinds of ways.  Of course the consequences
could include your sister finding out and thus your relationship
w/ her being seriously jeopardized.
Anon


My heart goes out to you as you suffer the loss of the dear, sweet sister you knew,
and watch helplessly while she descends into the chaos caused by her condition. I
hope that she will get the right kind of help. A serious Bipolar Disorder is awful for
the patients and for their families. Of course what the psychiatrist has done is
considered unethical in every state. If reported to the appropriate authorities, it will
have severe consequences for him. As to whether or not working with him caused
your sister's problems, it is impossible to say. Losses can trigger depression. Fear or
anxiety almost always aggravates an underlying bipolar manic condition.  Other
factors are said to be important in manic states as well, including medical
conditions and the use of certain medications, as well as ''uppers''. Impulsivity is
commonly seen in manic states. As to her marriage, it may have been falling apart
already, or being ''crazy in love'' with the psychiatrist may have wrecked it.  He may
be unethical but desperate to help her and have terrible judgement in these matters,
or he may be just plain wreckless. In any case, he's not helping, but who will take
her in when he's out of the picture? I suggest you talk with a good psychiatrist who
is an expert in bipolar disorders and who can help you know what could help your
sister. Such a person can also help you to decide how to contact the appropriate
authorities, if you wish. I don't have enough information about your sister or the
expertise to help, but if you want to contact me offline, I'll try to help you find a
good local person to help you. First you might want to Google the local or national
headquarters of the Depression/Manic Depression association. It is, or at least was,
made up of those living with the condition who are helpful and know good sources
of information. And Stanford has a good program. Kay Jamison may still be there. In
the rural Sacramento/ Northern CA area, there is a man, John Preston, Psy. D., who
gives talks and courses various places on the topic for professionals. He sometimes
admits family members of those who are bipolar. If you want some insight into what
your sister is going through, read the two books by Kay Jamison, M.D., (see Amazon
under books for descriptions). One an old but professional description and the other
a gripping personal narrative of her own bipolar condition, which she and a network
of friends and professional work to keep under control. Hope you find help and
support. It is excruciating to be the family member of someone who is bipolar and
cannot control it. But the right kind of help can be very beneficial.
Judith

He should be reported to the AMA (American Medical
Association).  He could/should lose his license over this.
The most you can do for your sister, otherwise, is show your
concern for her, and your perspective on the sitution, and hope
she makes healthier choices for herself.
anon



Seeking psychiatrist who specializes in Bipolar Disorder

Sept 2007


I am looking for a outstanding psychiatrists that specializes in Bipolar Disorder. I am not happy 
with the care I am currently getting and would love a doctor who is up on the latest research and is 
really proactive.
Thanks


The very best place to go for cutting edge care is a psychiatric teaching hospital- 
the one at UCSF is Langley-Porter Institute, and there is also one at Stanford. 
Both of them have affective disorders clinics. My personal experience with 
Langley-Porter was very good- they were able to help me with BPII disorder after 
several doctors in private practice hadn't been able to.
Anon

I don't know if my psychiatrist specializes in bipolar, but I've been happy 
with my treatment of my BPII. He's willing to research and find out the 
latest on issues I've been having, and has made adjustments to medication 
that have been very helpful. His name is Donald Stanford, he's in Berkeley, 
and his number is 540-6235.
anon



Bipolar or Depression--Need Diagnosis

June 2007


I am not sure if I am suffering from depression or if I am bipolar.  I would like an 
accurate diagnosis so that I can start an appropriate therapy. Does anyone know of a 
psychiatrist who specializes in this area? 
Thanks!
Anxious


I recommend that you contact the Mood Disorders Clinic at Langley-Porter 
Institute at UCSF. They offer diagnostic evaluations that are much more 
thorough than most private psychiatrists can offer. I went there years ago 
and finally got an accurate diagnosis (which in my case was Bi-Polar II) for 
a complicated depressive cycling that had gone on for years.

I don't know if it's structured exactly the same way now, but I met four 
times with a last year psychiatric resident who was overseen by a team of the 
best teaching psychiatrists in the country. As it happened, I didn't like the 
first resident I met with, and after the first session requested an 
appointment with someone different. The second resident, who I then had a 
full four sessions with, was exceptional, and I followed him into private 
practice for treatment after he was done with his residency.

I've heard that Stanford also has an excellent mood disorders clinic.
Anon


I highly recommend Dr. Shane McKay at Berkeley Therapy Institute, 841-8484. 
He's an expert on bipolar disorder.
Good luck -



I highly recommend Dr. Shane MacKay of the Berkeley Therapy Institute for 
this problem -- he specializes in bipolar spectrum disorders. I had on and 
off, but fairly serious, problems with depression since high school that 
medication never really took care of. He rediagnosed me as bipolar 2 (small 
highs, big lows) and prescribed Wellbutrin rather than an SSRI. (I had tried 
four or five of the usual suspects.) It has been working for me for 4+ years 
after more than a decade of struggle. He is very up to date on the latest 
research and let me tell you, I am a different person today. Good luck in 
finding a solution that works for you.
Been there




Medication management for bipolar II disorder

April 2006


I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and am 
looking for a clinic and/or psychiatrist who is very skilled in 
medication management and is relatively easy to get a hold of. 
Any recommendations? I know about Stanford's Bipolar Clinic but 
am hoping to find something a bit closer....
Thanks.
Hopeful


Psychiatrist:  Stephen Sturges, MD
Located on Dwight Way across the street from Herrick.
Experienced in bi-polar.
Not on insurance panels.
510-548-1189

I have also heard some positive feedback about treatment of bi-polar with 
psychaitrist Brad Engwahl, MD.
Located in Albany. 510-559-1819

Good luck.
Laura

I highly recommend Dr. Shane MacKay at the Berkeley Therapy Institute (at MLK and 
Delaware).  I also have bipolar II and found him three years ago after a lot of 
research.  I struggled to manage my depressive episodes for fifteen years -- no 
kidding -- with only moderate success, and had tried probably eight or ten 
medications.  I started see Dr. MacKay at the beginning of 2003, and have been 
90% stable since probably summer of that year, including through and after a 
pregnancy.  (Wellbutrin was what worked for me; I also take fish oil 
supplements.)  What really made the difference was that he recognized as bipolar 
II what I and everyone else had thought was straightforward major depression, and 
treated it accordingly.  Medication is really his thing -- he's very up to date 
on the medical literature.  (I see a psychotherapist separately.)  Good luck with 
your search!
Happy and stable

I'm in the same boat, bipolar II. The trick is definitely finding
someone who is easy to get ahold of the first time. I couldn't
get anyone to return my calls for days or weeks, other than to
say I'd need to wait months or they weren't accepting new
patients. I did get a referral to Donald Stanford in south
Berkeley (540-6235), who called me back immediately. I found him
to be incredibly perceptive and skilled pinpointing the right
medications for me and making adjustments until we got it right.
I wouldn't say he's warm and fuzzy, at least not at first, but
I've come to see that's not what I really need. I am so glad I
could find someone who is great at the medication side of this.
You'll probably want to find someone else if you want to talk
about strategies for dealing with the condition. It's not his
forte, though he does listen a bit if you want to talk and
especially ask questions about the condition itself.

Good luck. anon





Not liking the meds for Bipolar II

Sept 2005


I was diagnosed with having Bipolar II a few months ago. Since 
then I've been on Depakote ER and Celexa. I have had it with 
the side effects that these meds are causing! I've also tried 
Wellbutrin and Topamax both of which I was allergic too! I 
talked to my Nurse at Kaiser and told her I've had enough and 
want to get off them and try a natural approach, of course she 
was skeptical about the idea. I have gained 21 pounds in 2 
months I'm dizzy all the time and my mind just doesn't work 
like it used to I have no energy for anything, it's all I can 
do to just get up in the morning. I wasn't like that before! 
Frankly I feel worse now then I did before I started taking 
these darn drugs! I was wondering if anyone knows of a good 
Holistic Practioner that can help me figure out what do 
naturaly and safely. I've never sought out one and I don't know 
what to look for. Also if anyone has Bipolar and are being 
treated the natural way I'd love hear know what you are taking 
and how it's working for you. 
 Thanks, Anonymous


Try looking at the icarus project site http://theicarusproject.net/
There should be alot of info as well as personal stories there
that could be helpful.

I don't know about natural methods but if you can afford it, I 
would go to a psychiatrist outside of Kaiser to get your meds 
right.  Sometimes the difference between feeling awful and 
feeling great is a half a milligram or a cocktail of drugs.  In 
my experience, Kaiser is just not the place to make the slight 
adjustments that can make the difference.  They have an all or 
nothing approach and just put you on and pull you off drugs 
abruptly and without making subtle adjustments.  I have had this 
experience personally as well as seen how they medicate my dad 
and other friends.  Your frustration with drugs may simply be 
because they are being administered poorly.  Good luck to you! 
5 milligrams difference between zombie and happy

Hi.  I do not have an answer, but I share your experiences and
would love to find a way to help myself.  I am currently off
medication and now, I can get out of bed in the morning, and I
can enjoy myself and not just be in a funk, but the bads come
more often and are much more severe! My mother has seen them at
various times for various reasons and what I noticed, was that in
addition to over $100 a visit (at least once a week) she was
spending $100s of on bottles and bottles of suppliments and
treatments - even $2 a liter for a more pure water.  She has
usually been happy with her experiences, and when she is not, I
guess what she has invested is not a loss for her because she
just moves on to the next person.  That said, I do believe there
is help out there, I just don't think I can afford it. 
Affordable things I have tried, include adding omega 3 to my
diet, adding magnizium to my diet, meditating, group therapy
(kaiser - Cognative Behavioral Group Therepy, this was a valuable
group, but somehow not something I am willing to continue because
I have been given the tools, now it is up to me to impliment them
which can be very difficult when on a down cycle.  In general, I
have been pretty disappointed with my doctors at Kaiser, they
seem to have little/no concern for my mental well being and for
helping me find answers)....however, with all of the things I
have tried, I have yet to find one that I felt was doing enough
to continue.  I am currently researaching cortisol (a chimical
our brain produces) and how to manage it.  Please feel free to
contact me if you wish.


Briefly (feel free to e-mail me directly for more).  A good over-
view book for natural treatment for bi-polar (I also am 
diagnosed with bi-polar 11) is ''The Natural Medicine Guide to 
Bipolar Disorder'' by Stephanie Marohon........I have experience 
with different practictioners and methods.  I'm most impressed 
with homeopathy which I am working with now.  Barbara Osawa is 
very experienced and my friend who had really BIG bi-polar 1 has 
had such a life turn around with her.........Barbara Osawa 707-
257-6752...homeopathy is the most wholistic ''way'' I''ve come to.  
Treating the whole specific person, not a ''label'' that could 
cover everyone.  The ''title'' bi-polar too big an umbrella for 
that.......Also website with a pretty wide range is 
www.theicarusproject.net ......  I won't go on.....good 
luck......Diana


Just a brief thought -- before you reject conventional medical treatment 
for Bipolar II, you might want to invest in a really good doctor who can 
tune your meds appropriately, even if that Dr. is not on your medical 
plan. You will find that it makes a huge difference.  

My husband was diagnosed by Shane McKay, and pays out of pocket to 
see him.  Given that proper treatment may save my husband's life, and 
improve quality of life for our whole family.... the expense of seeing the 
right specialist is comparatively minor.
Type II Wife

It would be akin to medical malpractice for a doc or nurse
practicioner not to strongly recommend meds for you. The problem
is that bipolar is a cyclical illness and sometimes when it comes
back   it can lead to serious life problems ( dropping out of
school, relationship problems, incapacitating depression, loosing
jobs, suicidal thoughts or attempts) These problems can lead to
BIG TIME redirections in your life that you might not want, so it
would be best to continue to work with your nurse practitioner to
find something that works but isn't intolerable to you. Maybe ask
for a second opinion or a review of your case by a psychiatrist.

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness. Consider it like diabetes-
it can kill you.

By the way, even with the best of treatment some folks have
recurrences of the depression but these are fewer and milder than
they would be if you went untreated ( or used only alternative
treatments).

Just my 10 cents and, yup, I'm a psychiatrist.

Good luck,
JM
 
I was also diagnosed with bipolar II eight months ago. I am very
empathetic for what you're feeling. I really wanted to get off
the side effect roller coaster, too.  There are some things you
can do, like taking supplements and omega-3, which I think will
help, but I'd still suggest you stick with a medical approach to
this for awhile. Bipolar isn't something you can work through
with vitamins and therapy.

I'm not that familiar with Kaiser, but what concerned me is that
you're talking with a *nurse* about your situation. Why are you
not talking with a psychiatrist? I've been given a very different
group of drugs from what you've listed and I can't help but
wonder if you're working with someone who doesn't have sufficient
knowledge of a very complex area of medicine. I think my
psychiatrist saved my life, my therapist dragged alot of money
out of me, my regular doctor is helpful but would have referred
me to a psychiatrist, and no nurse I've ever had would have had a
clue. I'd really push to talk to a doctor who specializes in
psychopharmocology.

I've been on Risperdal, Geodon, Zoloft and Lamictal. It took me
six months to go through all that, and there were some pretty
awful side effects, but Lamictal has been amazing. There are so
many drugs that are considered effective that you haven't tried.
Some of the side effects I had a few months ago were worse than
the disease. I've gotten to the point now that I can hardly
remember what it was like being bipolar I feel so good. 

Check out www.crazymeds.org (some course language, but good
information) and www.remedyfind.com. These are both good
resources you can use when talking with doctors.

All the best to you.
anon




October 2002


I'm looking somewhat urgently for a Psychiatrist in private
practice in Berkeley/Rockridge (or somewhere else in the East
Bay easily accessible by public trans) who has a good knowledge
of bi-polar disorder.  This is for my 35-year-old son who has
been diagnosed as bi-polar and has received some treatment
through the county, but who now needs a regular and reliable
m.d. of his own for treatment and prescription monitoring.
nk


Richard Levine is an excellent psychiatrist.  His office is in
Berkeley.  Telephone #  is (510) 540-1746
good luck










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