Medical Literature

What’s The Story With Epstein-Barr?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

Is Epstein Barr Syndrome communicable?  If so, how is it done?  Is it considered a serious illness?  And how does one get it?  If you can answer any of these for me that would be great..Thanks

ANSWER:

The virus is communicable, mainly by oral secretions such as through kissing.  It is not highly contagious.  The infection is often called “mono” or “mononucleosis.”  It’s main symptoms are fatigue, fever, sore throat and swollen glands.  Approximately ½ of patients get a temporarily enlarged spleen.

Could Childhood Epilepsy Cause the BPD?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I am a 24 year old mother of three. When I was a child I was diagnosed with epilepsy and suffered from two grand mal seizures when I was five. I was placed on Phenobarbital and then to Tegretol when I got older. I was weaned off the medication when I was twelve, however, I still had unexplained symptoms such as twitches in the face and eyes. And periods where I would black out for a few seconds at a time. Since I have been married I have not had these symptoms as much. All my life I have had mood swings, ranging from severely happy to extremely angry. It seems lately I have been so angry that I can’t get anything done that I need to get done. Is there a chance that the epilepsy I had as a child could have manifested itself in a form of BPD? I know this may seem like a strange question but I just want to figure out what is wrong with me. thank you for any information you can give me on this subject.

ANSWER:

I’ve seen many patients with a similar story, and to me it’s clear that a predisposition towards seizure problems can cause or worsen BPD dysphoria. Since epilepsy medications work well for bipolar, the same thing may be true as well. Stress can easily trigger seizures, and lowering that stress can clearly make a difference. Since I believe the BPD is a seizure disorder in the brain’s “trapped” or “cornered” animal response, your conclusion makes sense. The BPD has been caused by head trauma, emotional trauma, and brain infections.

There are many diagnoses you should look into, including the BPD, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar. I highly recommend looking at the screening test. Making all the diagnoses and treating them comprehensively is crucial.

Is It Possible Epstein Barr Is Not The Right Diagnosis?

    Is It Possible Epstein Barr Is Not The Right Diagnosis?

    QUESTION:

    Dear Dr. Heller,

    My blood tests came back positive for Epstein-Barr.  My Dr. has prescribed Wellbutrin.  I’ve researched symptoms, but I do not have sore throat or swollen glands; just dizziness, fatigue, headache and high blood pressure (after years of very low pressure).  Is it possible that Epstein-barr is not the correct diagnosis?  Could another health problem mimic the virus?

     

    ANSWER:

    Chronic fatigue can come from many sources, and chronic Epstein Barr infections is a highly controversial topic.  My Newsletter on Chronic Fatigue goes into this at length.  Wellbutrin is primarily for depression, and for impulsive/hyperactive behavior for ADHD.  I highly recommend you do the screening test I use for my patients to give you clues regarding other possible diagnoses.

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What Can I Do To Stop Feeling So Miserable?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I was never miserable as a child.  I came from a Brady Bunch family.  I don’t know what my problem is.  For the last couple of years I’ve been depressed.  After my first love left me, I tried to commit suicide.  I felt so lost and saw no hope.  I always feel insecure and need constant reassurance in relationships.  I read about personality disorders, and connected most with dependent personality disorder.  My biggest fear is rejection.  If someone leaves me I go out of control.  I fly into a rage and feel this intense heat come over my body.  I always feel like its my fault, and end up in total depression.  Some days I have road rage so bad and feel like “so what” if someone hurts me, it will be better than feeling this pain.

Also I’ve noticed that all I do is complain about my problems, and the solution to me seems out of reach.  I read your list for mentally happy people and realized that I put my happiness second to the person whom I’m in a relationship with for fear of rejection.  I know that is not normal and it scares me.  I carry anger around with me everywhere, mainly for lacking self confidence in every aspect of my life.  I can remember as early as the second grade not finishing a project because I thought that mine could never look as good as my friends.

I know this is long, but I’ve never spoken so openly about myself.  Now that I look back at what I’ve wrote I can’t help but feel like I’m defective in someway.  I envy happy people.  I don’t want to live my life miserable and afraid anymore.

Please help.

 

ANSWER:

You appear to have some medically treatable diagnoses.  Prozac should have a profound effect in stopping some of the depression, rejection sensitivity, chronic anger and moodiness.  The screening test I use for my patients may be of help.  You possibly have the BPD as well, and I’d recommend you read http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/AskDoc/First-Do.htm

What Signs Show Elaine from Seinfeld has ADD?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

The Characters list, (*Love it btw!!!),  I do have a question.  What makes Elaine Bennis (Seinfeld) ADHD? As an adult female ADDer myself I kinda see it, but can’t explain it. Other than she can’t hold down a job…. I have a definite affinity for her.

Thanks!!!

ANSWER:

Thank you for your kind comment. I didn’t realize it when I hired them, but almost everyone who works for me has ADD. My wife does as well. It works out well since I have a great memory for what happened today and yesterday – which they’re not particularly good at, and they’re sensational at names and things from a week or more ago. Somewhat characteristic for ADD. The character list was a collection of everyone’s ideas, particularly since I really don’t have the time to watch much network TV. The reasons behind her choice were her hyperness, irritability when things go wrong, acting without thinking, speaking without thinking, the instability in her life, and her impulsivity. Incidentally, now that my shoulder is healing, look on my site shortly for an article I’m writing called “Not only is ADD not a disease, it’s a huge advantage.” If you have ADD, I know you’ll like to read it. Also, since ADD is genetic, it may help your children some day as well.

What Are The Side Effects From Stopping Effexor?

    What Are The Side Effects From Stopping Effexor?

    QUESTION:

    Dear Dr. Heller,

    What are the side effects from stopping Effexor?

     

    ANSWER:

    Venlafaxine (Effexor) can have significant withdrawal symptoms that can include: Dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sweating, lost appetite, diarrhea, sleepiness and low blood pressure.

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