Anyone out there taking a mood stabilizer (prescription--not an all natural/herb!
Question: If so, do they really work? How would a doctor determine if you need one--actual physical medical tests, taking a family/personal history, both, neither?
Answers: If so, do they really work? How would a doctor determine if you need one--actual physical medical tests, taking a family/personal history, both, neither?
Taking a personal and family history, possibly some simple written tests. There is no medical test. Mood stabilizers are used with mood disorders where moods are so extreme that interviews are enough for a diagnosis. However, it may take a little time for the psychiatrist to be definitive. I'm on stabilizers, and yes, they work once you find the right ones.
I can range from a manic high to suicidal. Mood stabiliser, Camcolit Lithium is my stabiliser but it took years to level me out and I'm still prone to 'episodes'.
The need for mood stabilizer's are evaluated by a dr primarily through personal and family history. Some conditions that de-stabilize moods are hereditary, hence the family history. If indeed they are needed, they do work. Sometimes, however, it may take awhile to find the right dosage and/or best medication for each individual, so the patient needs to be committed to getting better and willing to work with their dr and be very honest about how the meds are working and if any side effects happen.
Your Dr. can tell by the symptoms you describe, family history (mine is from my mom) no physical or written test is given it wouldn't help. I've been on a anti-depressant for years and yes they do help. You may have to try a few to see what's best for you. And don't listen to some of these people that go on & on about addiction and anti-depressants are bad for you. If it makes you better and you are under a Dr.'s care that is what matters. Good Luck