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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Bipolar Disorder And Depression

Hello, I am 60 and have had episodes of depression for 30 years approx. In the past 2 years I have developed a bipolar pattern of roughly 4 good weeks to 3 very bad ones. This pattern seemed to come about following when I started exercising every day, i.e. swimming over a mile each day. Have you come across this before?

Alan
Thu, 6 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello Alan,
Welcome to HCM.

Regarding the association of swimming and bipolar disorder, i dont think there is any association.
Now coming to your illness, reccurent depressive episodes which occur very frequently (like in your case) are suggestive of bipolar disorder.
Technically the bipolar disorder should have both mania and depression. But reccurent mania is also labelled as bipolar disorder. And recurrent depression is considered to be a risk factor for bipolar disorder.
As you have mentioned that you experience these episodes frequently, i would suggest you to visit your psychiatrist. Your symptoms require drug treatment as well cognitive behavioral therapy.
The drugs used should be an antidepressant like sertraline and a mood stabiliser like divalproex. Adherence to drugs and regular follow up with your doctor are must for complete remission of your symptoms.

Hope this information helps you.
Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment For Bipolar Disorder And Depression

Hello Alan, Welcome to HCM. Regarding the association of swimming and bipolar disorder, i dont think there is any association. Now coming to your illness, reccurent depressive episodes which occur very frequently (like in your case) are suggestive of bipolar disorder. Technically the bipolar disorder should have both mania and depression. But reccurent mania is also labelled as bipolar disorder. And recurrent depression is considered to be a risk factor for bipolar disorder. As you have mentioned that you experience these episodes frequently, i would suggest you to visit your psychiatrist. Your symptoms require drug treatment as well cognitive behavioral therapy. The drugs used should be an antidepressant like sertraline and a mood stabiliser like divalproex. Adherence to drugs and regular follow up with your doctor are must for complete remission of your symptoms. Hope this information helps you. Thanks.