Bipolar Type II Support Group

Hi everyone,

I have a question about rapid cycling. As many of you know, I've been in the hospital for the past several days after experiencing a manic episode followed by severe suicidal depression. I've been doing well on my meds, but when I came home tonight I started rapid cycling again after 2 events made me extremely angry. I'm so confused right now. My meds were supposed to keep me stable and yet I'm continuing to cycle. Do any of you have any idea why this might be happening? I'm seriously considering talking to my tdoc about trying CBT or DBT to help control my rapid cycling. A licensed professional counselor whom I've known for a long time doesn't think it will be effective since in her words "rapid cycling is a biological response." I'm of the opinion though that even if it helps a little, why not give it a try? To be honest, I'm feeling very frustrated right now and am beginning to wonder if my pdoc is ever going to reach the point where he can control my cycling to once or twice a day rather than hourly and (sometimes) minute by minute.

What is CBT and DBT?

CBT = Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

DBT = Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

CBT:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy

DBT:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialectical_behavior_therapy

Hey neon,

Thanks for the links. I truly do learn something new everyday and for today it is CBT and DBT.

Even though I didn't see rapid cycling in the targeted list of disorders that CBT and DBT are meant to address I sure can't see the harm in talking to your tdoc and pdoc about it. Good for you for having researched this stuff so well!

Also did the hospital put you on meds that are supposed to work right away or are they supposed to take a few days or more to do their thing?

Thanks,

Mark

Post edited by: bigdogsrule, at: 02/21/2009 09:09

Mark,

I'm always more than happy to share resources with others whenever I can.

The hospital I was at took 2 different approaches with me. When I was IP back in November after being manic for weeks, I was immediately put on 100mg of Lamictal to help bring me down from my mania. This worked within a matter of days and by the end of the week, I was back to feeling level again.

In December I was kept on my same meds with the exception of being switched from Risperdal to Geodon after experiencing psychotic depression following a manic episode. I ended up being hospitalized for 8 days although the attending pdoc wanted to keep me there longer (I refused since I was no longer suicidal).

A few days ago my Depakote was raised from 500mg to 2000mg after I experienced 2 depressive episodes, one psychotic episode, one manic episode leading to severe suicidal depression, one mixed episode and 2 days of hypomania over the past 2 weeks. This worked well for the duration of my hospitalization, but the attending pdoc recommended that I be put back on 500mg since 2000mg was considered a high dosage and I would need to be placed on a new mood stabilizer if I experienced any problems.

Back in December I was switched from 3mg 2x/day of Risperdal to 20mg of Geodon given the fact that I was hearing voices and severely depressed. Just recently during my IP stay the Geodon was raised to 80mg given the aformentioned episodes. So far, it is working well in alleviating my auditory hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.

Post edited by: neondreams, at: 02/21/2009 10:13

I forgot to mention that my Fluoxetine was raised to 40mg during my recent hospitalization and then decreased to 20mg given the fact that I told the attending pdoc I had been doing well on the latter dosage for 3 weeks.

Post edited by: neondreams, at: 02/21/2009 10:17

Given all of the med changes I described, I really should create a chart outlining all of them as well as the effects each dosage increase or decrease had on me. Perhaps that would assist my pdoc in his future decision making when it comes to prescribing a new med when I experience any of the symptoms that are specific to my BP.

Hey neon,

I think that creating a chart is a fabulous idea. Glad to hear you're getting at least some relief now.

Since I'm on a positive energy kick today I just sent a large batch of it your way. Hope it helps!

Mark

Thanks, Mark! I was rapid cycling again last night, but I'm doing better today. I have plans this afternoon into tomorrow, so that will definitely help lift my spirits.

Very cool neon. Keeping busy is so helpful. It's a great coping mechanism for me. I'm going to be spending time with one my daughters and my grand babies today. That will wash the blues away for a while!

Have fun today!

Mark

Post edited by: bigdogsrule, at: 02/21/2009 10:53