Are Bipolar And ADD Similar And How Are They Treated?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar and ADD and am on 1500 mg.  of Depakote and 200 mg.  of Serzone.  Is this too much?  Is there a test to tell the difference between bipolar and BPD?  The Depakote side effects sometimes seem overwhelming.

Thanks.

ANSWER:

Bipolar and ADD are completely different.  In order to have the diagnosis one needs to have mania or hypomania.  The criteria for ADHD can be found at http://www.BiologicalUnhappiness.com/AD-H-Dcr.htm.  There is no "test" but there are official criteria from the DSM IV.

The tricky part of treating any psychiatric diagnosis with bipolar is that most medications can trigger or worsen mania.  Some practitioners believe only the bipolar should be treated, others believe other diagnoses should be treated but with close follow up.

The dose of Depakote doesn't matter - what matters is the blood level.  There are many options other than Depakote - many people don't like how they feel on Depakote.