Bio
I serve as the medical director of the International Bipolar Foundation. Treatment resistant mood disorders are my specialty and I have treated several thousand people with mood disorders. I also teach on the faculty of the UCSD school of medicine, and lecture extensively in the community.
Specialties:
- Psychiatry
Affiliation:
- International Bipolar Foundation
Group Memberships:
Credentials
Activity
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How can I manage pregnancy with bipolar disorder?
You must work closely with your psychiatrist and obstetrician. This risk of injury to the fetus due to medications must be weighed against the risk of a relapse in the illness. Tough judgment calls...
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What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
There are currently four types of bipolar disorder defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV. There is strong genetic evidence that these are artificial distinct...
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What are the types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comes in three subcategories: inattentive type, hyperactive impulsive type and combined type. As counterintuitive as it is to have "Attention De...
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Can bipolar depression be prevented?
Bipolar disorder can't be prevented, but deep brain stimulation can help treat the disorder. In deep brain stimulation, microelectrodes are inserted into a very specific nest of cells in the br...
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How can depression be treated?
In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TCMS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a series of magnetic pulses are applied to precise brain areas. The treatment has been approved b...
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Can I have a healthy pregnancy if I am being treated for bipolar disorder?
During your pregnancy, you must work closely with your psychiatrist and obstetrician. This risk of injury to the fetus due to medications must be weighed against the risk of a relapse in the illnes...
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What medications treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
In general, stimulants are the drug of choice for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are nonstimulant options, most notably Straterra or Wellbutrin, but the effect size of the r...
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How can I manage pregnancy with bipolar disorder?
You must work closely with your psychiatrist and obstetrician. This risk of injury to the fetus due to medications must be weighed against the risk of a relapse in the illness. Tough judgment calls...
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What is the link between bipolar disorder and substance abuse?
Almost half of people with Bipolar Disorder also have a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse worsens the risk of relapse of the Bipolar disorder so treatment of both aspects is required.
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What are the treatment options for bipolar disorder during pregnancy?
Treatment should be multifaceted and include stress management, sleep hygiene, therapy to monitor mood states and utilize skills to manage mood swings, and careful medication decisions that weigh t...
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What is the mania that occurs in bipolar disorder?
Mania is a period of high mood or extremely irritable mood together with a markedly reduced need for sleep and some of the following: increased sex drive, unrealistic grandiose ideas about one's ab...
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What should I know to care for someone with bipolar I disorder?
That this is a treatable condition and that most people with this illness, if compliant with well prescribed medications and reasonable lifestyle recommendations can live normal lives.
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Do I have to change my habits because of my bipolar disorder?
Habits and lifestyle are extremely important. Recommendations include obtaining regular sleep and exercise, abstaining from all drugs of abuse, moderating any alcohol consumption, and learning to m...
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How does bipolar disorder affect my quality of life?
Well treated, it should not prevent you from having an enjoyable and successful life. However, it can take time to get the depression fully controlled and to gain control over any manias which can ...
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Can bipolar disorder be cured?
There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but symptoms can generally be managed well.
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