quick question re bipolar

[redhatnoknickers]

Can anyone tell me if SSRIs are used to treat bipolar, and if a blood test and ECG are standard tests before SSRIs are given? Thank you.

Blood tests before antipsychotics are normal.

And no generally ssris aren't the standard treatment, but everyone is different.

I was told ssris are what set off my first hypermanic phase. I was also told they're almost never used to treat bipolar because of this.

Thank you, I'm not sure why my son is going to have blood tests and ECG when he has suspected bipolar and yet his nurse is talking about SSRIs. Like you've said I thought blood tests would have been for lithium or something?

I didn't word that well sorry.

The blood tests aren't for the condition - they're to check what levels are before starting the medication to compare if things change due to the meds

I was treated with ssris when I was misdiagnosed as depressed when I was younger. They also made me worse.

Like Kitty said, SSRIs are a VERY bad idea if someone is bipolar (or suspected) as they can trigger mania/ hypomania. This happened to me and bastard CMHT wouldn't believe me, twats) Sometimes SSRIs are prescribed with a mood stabiliser to avoid this though.
Blood tests and ECG probably just standard before any meds are started.

Ugh formatting fail! Meant to be and bastard CMHT wouldn't believe me, twats

Ah so it might be a standard test.... Thank you, it seems like I'm missing some info as it sounds like SSRIs on their own would be a bad idea under the circumstances.

I've just run this by my DH who specialises in mood disorders. SSRIs are used in bipolar, BUT he's used them twice in 10 years and only for treatment resistant patients. They should never be used as first line treatment and never without a mood stabiliser otherwise you run the risks of the problems the pps have experienced.

And, yes, ECG and blood tests are standard tests

Thank you Girls, that's really helpful :)

It depends on the nature of the bi polar. I am diagnosed with big polar 2 and my lows are worse than the manias. I have been on an ssri for a few years and it really works. I have been advised to reduce the dose if I start getting high but I am now aware of triggers and behaviours and have managed this reasonably well.