QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I'm 15 years old, and a year ago I found that I was bipolar. I'm on medication for the disorder and I want to know: Will I have this for the rest of my life? Will it go away or will I have the disorder still? Do I need to be on meds for the rest of my life? The meds that I'm on are: Seroquel 200 mg one at 8am and two at 8pm, Zoloft 50mg one daily at 8am, Inderal 20mg 4 times a day, Neurontin 300mg at 8pm, and Claritin 10mg one at 8pm.
Thank you!
ANSWER:
Bipolar doesn't go away, although you may go through "remissions" -
where the disorder doesn't cause problems. Most patients benefit from continuing
therapy because the consequences of mania and depression can be so severe - and the
patient rarely recognizes something is wrong. The courts usually hold the individual
responsible for their behavior while manic - and will likely look harshly upon someone who
was told to continue medication and didn't, and did something bad.
I believe for many it's a form of epilepsy (nerve cells firing inappropriately and
out of control) in the normal seasonal light/dark cycles.
The Seroquel and Neurontin are used for bipolar - particularly the mania. Zoloft is being
used for depression, and can occasionally trigger mania.
The Claritin is for allergies, not bipolar. Inderal is likely being used for some other
problem, such as shakes. It's not directly related to bipolar.
