Tag: Childhood

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WILL WORK FOR MY DID? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WILL WORK FOR MY DID? Question: I’ve been diagnosed with DID for some time now.  Every time I have an insurance change, I have to go through the entire diagnosing process over again and causes serious disruptions in therapy.  Do all diagnosis have to go through that?  I always get stuck taking a MMPII and I’ve never had valid results.  I’ve told them that’s what happens.  The psychiatrists and psychologists ask me why.  The last time I wrote to the manufacturer who stated it doesn’t test for dissociation.  But I know some DID’s are able to take ‘valid’ MMPI’s.  Do you know why some can take valid MMPII’s and other DID’s can’t? Your theories on medications are interesting.  I’ve had several bad experiences with Prozac.  Paxil did very little.  Zoloft, nothing.  Effexor, nothing.  And Celexa didn’t get a fair trial because I started Adderall at the same time which felt like they canceled each other out.  My problem with Prozac occurs in about 6 months.  Eating disorders kicked in and other self destruction problems that normally aren’t an issue for me without very extreme stress, including suicidal.  Typically I don’t display a lot of BPD symptoms without being under extreme stress and even then, I don’t identify with the feelings associated.  Relationships are stable, sticking with therapy hasn’t been a problem, haven’t had cutting urges or been hospitalized, no threats, etc.  But for now, I’m assuming that a BPD part could become dominant–that I haven’t had to deal with much yet.  Previously, I went through 4 trials with Prozac with different providers–7 to 10 years ago.  I was at maximum dosage almost immediately. I tried the Tegretol for about a year and it just put me into a ‘knock out sleep’ which I wasn’t fond of.  Towards the end, my blood pressure and cholesterol raised to dangerous levels, pointing to additional medication and normally they are extremely low (“you’ll never have heart disease”).  Some of my discomfort was probably due to the fact that I use frequent switching to mask changes and slowing that down was disruptive.  I’m not sure if masking changes was to prevent others from noticing DID or to keep me from being aware of DID, since I was fairly newly diagnosed at the time. I discovered I was a ‘non-absorber’ decades ago, trying to get medication for my asthma under control.  The doctor wondered where the medication was going.  That hasn’t changed.  I’m at maximum dosage within a month or two for pretty much any medication.  Tegretol makes me nervous because it doesn’t take a lot to cause a serious problems.  I had one experience where several parts came out in succession and took it without me realizing it.  I think I’ve got that fixed, but it makes me nervous now. What did work was 400mg of Wellbutrin and 90mg of Adderall daily.  The Adderall was a godsend, literally.  It calmed me down and I could fall into a nice sleep during the first 20min.  I could focus.  My friends notice immediately when 4 hours is up just based on my spaciness.  Several therapists have been surprised the Adderall worked because they didn’t notice signs of ADD or ADHD.  The therapists seem to be more aware of the differences between ADD/ADHD vs. PTSD than the psychiatrists have been. What was suggested to me was that my ‘normal’ anxiety level is routinely high and the Adderall adds enough to kick my brain ‘over the edge’ to shut it down, creating the sedating effect I experience.  In other words, I’m beyond the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome– which calms me.  At the time I started taking it, I was ‘freezing’ and had been out of therapy for awhile.  The medication change allowed me to function again.  Well, now I’m back in regular therapy and I’m freezing up with or without the medication.  I’m wondering if that might mean I’m better (less anxious) when the medication can’t put me ‘over the edge’ as well. I feel like I’m living in flashbacks of half present and half past.  There’s no difference for me between 5 minutes, 5 years or 40 years ago, emotionally and I can’t keep up with it daily to keep track of, process, or contain (whatever I’ve just remembered) at that rate. I don’t have a psychiatrist familiar with or one that ‘believes in’ DID.  (You’d think DID was a religion).  That also means I don’t have a psychiatrist that I can be too honest with.  I’ve gotten used to that and I’ve adjusted by doing my own basic research into the direction I want to take with medication.  I can usually give them the idea of what to prescribe and let them make the final adjustments.  I know this isn’t ideal or standard.  It’s just the best I can do under the circumstances.  I’m grateful I have access to that much. I realize you can’t make specific recommendations because you haven’t seen me, but I would be interested in hearing the general direction you might take with such a situation and why. I think your basic concept that there’s a continuum is interesting (PTSD -> complex PTSD -> BPD -> DID).  I’ve heard it’s impossible to have DID without PTSD, and in that way, it would make sense for the same to be true for BPD as well.  The other theory I’ve heard developmental age related since DID (and BPD?) required developing during childhood, unlike PTSD and DID tended to form at an earlier developmental age than BPD.  As far as I can tell, my abuse began very young (< 3).  DID formed before a personality did, resulting in chronic dissociative states and BPD formed after some sense of identity was formed (the terrible two’s) resulting in transitory dissociation. The reason why I bring that up was because that might alter therapy somewhat.  For example: your website made me aware that I honestly don’t have the vaguest concept of what ‘safety’ is or feels like.  I used to teach English as a second language to Hmong people from Cambodia.  They don’t have a written language at all.  Just instilling the idea that what they spoke could be put on paper and read was 90% of my efforts.  When I explained the challenge to friends, I’d say it was like explaining what the color looked like to a person that had been blind from birth.  If someone had a basic identity allowed to form, then they might also have an instinctive concept like what safety feels like.  I didn’t know if you had additional thoughts about that since that’s also part of the theory behind ISSTD’s guidelines. I’ve had a couple of therapists test me for DBT and I wasn’t able to keep consecutive track of what was happening enough.  They explained it as I was too ‘compartmentalized’ and information isn’t flowing between the barriers.  I’m not sure how ‘retraining’ the brain would help resolve that, but I haven’t finished reading your website yet.  My ‘self help’ library is frightening and it’s like movies, I never have to worry about reading or seeing something twice.  It always feels like the first time.  Obviously, your website has given me information already. Dr. Heller’s Answer: I’ve treated approximately 15 patients with DID, diagnosing another one this week.  Virtually all have done very well compared to their baseline condition.  It’s not uncommon for me to ask if any particular personality has needed to come out since our last visit.  This is difficult for the occasional individual who don’t remember the episode.  DID is usually a disabling condition, although some are able to maintain employment and families (it is usually extremely difficult).  The right medications really make a difference, especially the correct “as-needed” medications. It’s caused by profound abuse and has lots of interesting phenomena, such as one personality having breast cancer and another one doesn’t.  There’s far more that’s not known about the DID than is known.  Virtually everything is theory based on minimal good research. The principles of treating DID are the same as I use on everyone, with the addition of Remeron (mirtazapine) and techniques to help the individual feel safe.  Make all the medically treatable diagnoses and come up with a comprehensive plan to treat them all. Every one I’ve treated had the BPD.  Remeron (mirtazapine) is needed for all of them due to its PTSD effects, particularly sleep and nightmares.  I usually recommend a motion sensor over the bedroom door that will squeal if anyone gets into the room.  A large dog can be helpful as well and made a huge difference for one of my DID patients. In my experience, the MMPI is useful for following treatment, not for making diagnoses. The other personalities are there to protect you.  I don’t try to “integrate” the personalities or get the individuals to “fight” the other personalities.  I try to help individuals with DID understand they are there for protection.  What makes the other personalities stay away is having the individual doing well emotionally and feeling safe. You jump to a lot of conclusions about medications, why they work, why they have side effects, etc.  Most of them are probably incorrect.  An example, the Adderall could have triggered a hypomanic episode that made you feel great.  It’s not just the medications, but the right medications, in the right sequence, and at the right doses.  There is no “mental health” pill.  Prozac doesn’t “stop working”.  What likely happened is you either went into a BPD dysphoria episode or temporarily needed Wellbutrin (buproprion). Being a poor absorber of medication (such as after gastric bypass surgery) complicates the treatment, but liquid medication can usually be used, and blood levels can be monitored for Tegretol. 50% of those with the BPD have ADHD.  The cognitive generalized anxiety disorder (genetic worry – the “caveguarder gene”) is also very common and if it is not treated properly will cause most medications to have adverse effects. Not everyone has the same symptoms.  20% of individuals having a heart attack do not have chest pain.  While symptoms are important, it’s the diagnoses that are the most important.  From there, adjustments to medications can be made based on symptoms and side effects. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ASPERGERS AND THE BPD? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ASPERGERS AND THE BPD? Question: Dear Dr. Heller, I am in the process of becoming a LMHC.  I have had several clients and associations that have Borderline that seem to also display autistic/Aspergers as children and young adults which has led me to wonder, could there be a connection?  I know and believe that Borderline is a biological condition and given that autism is also biological and those children are sensitive to sensory overload, and react to stimulus in many of the same ways that Borderlines do.  What are the chances that an autistic/Aspergers child who does not get their needs met spirals into full blown borderline?  I would love to have a conversation with you on this to find out what you know about this. My main consideration on this is my own child who is now 25 and we have gone through so much together.  She had all the features of Aspergers and was diagnosed as AD/HD and dysthymia when she was 12 and bipolar when she was 15 and hospitalized for self-mutilation at that time.  She was expelled from school in 10th grade because she had a knife and a minute amount of cannabis on her, but the real reason is because she has always refused to conform, dressing gothic and not paying attention to the rules.  The other kids thought she looked mad all the time, when in reality, she was just shy and had a low affect. Substance abuse has been an issue since she was 15 and by the time she was 18 we put her in a reputable treatment center which she didn’t participate very well with.  Everywhere she goes, people always act like they have never encountered anyone quite like my daughter.  In the meantime, she is witty, smart, and intelligent and has a lot of insight into everybody else’s issues but no clue for herself.  Psyche evaluations indicate that she has significant issue with her executive functions and decision-making capacities.  She had a bad car accident when she was 19 that complicated the problem with brain injuries in addition to crushed bones and a very long and painful recovery. On at least 2 occasions she has been admitted in the psychiatric ward for dysphoric episodes, self-mutilation and suicide ideation.  It was there that she received the borderline diagnosis.  She has also been through an enormous amount of psychotropic meds over the years. Currently, at 25, she has an 8 month-old baby boy who seems to have changed her life immensely.  Although, just until her baby was born, she was still going through intense dysphoric episodes causing her to break windows, etc.  She is now somehow better able to control herself than she has ever been in her entire life.  Even though she still complains of feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, she does care about this baby above anything and wants to give him a life better than her own. In the meantime, I have a 15-year-old son that displays many of the same symptoms for Aspergers that my daughter did and many of my aspergers clients.  He too seems to go into dysphoric episodes, as both have since they were very young.  We never supported this and made them leave the room or left ourselves until they were able to get hold of themselves.  My son has always been very apologetic for these episodes once they pass, but there seems to be little to keep them at bay once he falls into one. I know this is a lot of information, and I am not sure what, if anything, you could do to help me with that.  I just want to know if you have seen similar issues with Aspergers and Borderline, or am I mistaken and all of these individuals were borderline from the start, or is it the other way around and they are all suffering from untreated autism.Please let me know your thoughts and any referrals you can give me for help.  Thank you so much for your time Dr. Heller’s Answer: It sounds like you’ve had a very rough time.Substance abuse is frequently a mental illness symptom (self-medicating) or a primary problem.  There’s no reason ADHD can’t co-exist with multiple other diagnoses. I’m a long way from being an expert on Aspergers or autism, but I do believe they are very different disorders from the BPD.  Some interesting studies from 5-10 years ago implied that “oxytocin” may be low or deficient in these individuals and high oxytocin is found in very outgoing individuals.  We need a revolutionary medication for this neurotransmitter like Prozac (fluoxetine) was for genetic depression and the BPD. The BPD appears to be a malfunction of the glial cells that support the nerve cells in the brain’s “trapped, cornered, wounded” instinctual areas of the limbic system.  Prozac is far superior to other SSRI’s primarily because of its effect on glial cells.  Serotonin deficiency may be part of the problem, but low levels of serotonin metabolites in the spinal fluid are only seen in completed suicides (with or without the BPD) and impulsive murderers, not just the BPD. The BPD starts at puberty, when the limbic system goes into hyperdrive.  There are many possible causes of the BPD including head trauma, genetic predisposition combined with emotional trauma, abuse, untreated or undertreated ADHD or childhood onset bipolar, and sometimes genetics alone is to blame. Any psychological or physical trauma can cause the release of pain oriented neurotransmitters (such as substance P) which likely damage the glial cells and possibly neurons and/or their connections.  From this perspective it’s easy to see how both autism and Aspergers can result in the BPD at puberty since they are both painful conditions.  Once someone with Aspergers and/or autism reaches puberty however, if BPD symptoms become present the BPD is now likely to be an additional diagnosis, especially when self-mutilation is present.  Prior to puberty, childhood onset bipolar would be a more likely explanation for raging and out of control. http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/BiPlrKid.htm 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

HOW CAN YOU DISTINGUISH ASPERGERS FROM BIPOLAR IN A 6 YEAR OLD?

Question: What’s the difference between manic depression and Aspergers? I am wanting to know for my 6 year old son. Thank you. Dr. Heller’s Answer: Aspergers involves poor non verbal communication skills.  Sometimes clumsiness and language problems are an issue. Childhood onset bipolar is completely different.  This is the questionnaire I use for parents of children with childhood onset bipolar:

Childhood bipolar questionnaire: (Please circle any arrow that fits your child)

>>  Difficulties in infancy (such as being overactive in the womb, reduced need for sleep).

>>  Separation anxiety (as if the child was still attached to the umbilical cord)

>>  Precociousness (doing everything early, with extra enthusiasm, “early adults”)

>>  Night terrors (not just bad dreams but vivid bloody.  Not waking up just before being stabbed, but actually witnessing the blood, guts and gore, mutilation)

>>  Fear of death and annihilation

>>  Rages

>>  Oppositional behavior (first reaction is “no,” deliberately breaking rules)

>>  Rapid cycling (definite cycles sometimes in days, sometimes within the day between high energy and depressed)

>>  Oversensitive to stimulation (colors, noises, clothes intolerance – especially collars, labels, and things that don’t feel right)

>>  Out of sync (unable to adapt to changes or “go with the flow”)

>>  Problems with peers

>>  Temperature regulation problems (including taking clothes off because of heat intolerance)

>>  Craving carbohydrates and sweets

>>  Bed-wetting and soiling

>>  Abrupt onset of “excessive” and/or inappropriate “happiness

”>>  Increased sexuality (sexually inappropriate behavior – particularly for age).

>> Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there)

>>  Suicidal thoughts

>>  Breaking things out of anger.

>>  Sadistic impulses (wanting to see others hurt)

>>  Staying angry for hours

>>  Extraordinary speaking and artistic skills.

>>  Having no memory of tantrum

>>  “Regression” when angry (baby like, disorganized thinking and language, etc.)

>>  Raging when told “no”

>>  Morning irritability

>>  Morning fuzziness

>>  Morning physical symptoms (like headaches and tummy aches)

>>  Being a bully

>>  Depression a major symptom

>>  Intentional misbehavior

>>  Deliberately seeking risk

>>  Neglect of normal hygiene or grooming

>>  Sarcasm

>>  Inappropriate humor

>>  Racing thoughts

>>  Threats of hostile behavior

>>  Inability to hold a normal conversation

>>  Extreme persistence towards accomplishing tasks

>>  Head banging

WHAT ABOUT NEUTRACEUTICALS OR BRAIN SURGERY? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WHAT ABOUT NEUTRACEUTICALS OR BRAIN SURGERY? Question: Thank you so much for the work you have done in trying to find help to patients with the devastating illness!!!  I have three children, two with mental/biological illnesses.  My son is 16 years old and was Dx as bipolar this past May after being hospitalized with an acute psychotic episode.  He is on Lithium and Risperdal with excellent results (as long as he takes his medication).  It is so apparent when he doesn’t because his personality changes drastically. My daughter is 20 years old and since puberty, at age 10, has had a difficult life.  Initially, we were told she was the “queen of manipulation” and we were not strict enough.  Of course, stronger discipline made things worse.  Oppositional defiant disorder was the next Dx, then depression, then bulimia with ADHD, then bipolar with extreme anxiety disorder, then borderline personality disorder and finally, after being hospitalized in her senior year, she was Dx bipolar with borderline traits and extreme anxiety disorder.  She has never responded as well to the medication as my son. I have done years of research and know from living 24/7 with my children that their illnesses are very different.  My son has immediate improvement on the medication.  My daughter never has.  After years of trying various medications with many side effects she is now so frustrated she refuses to take all medication.  She sees a psychologist when she feels like it.  Her life is in a constant turmoil with one crisis after another.  She has no true friends, etc. I work managing clinical research studies.  In researching for other illnesses we have seen the benefits of nutraceutical products, i.e. Omega-3, B- Complex and minerals.  Many employees I work with are using VIBE, a product from Eniva Corp. (www.enivaqualtiy.com, www.eniva.com).  What is your opinion VIBE and these products benefitting borderline personality disorder or other mental illnesses? Also, I did not see the recent segment on Prime Time Live, this past week, but I understand brain surgery, similar to the procedure for epilepsy, has been successful for some people with mental illness.  What are your thoughts on this new procedure? Dr. Heller’s Answer: Clearly getting the diagnoses correct is the most crucial aspect of helping your daughter.  If her symptoms began as a young child, then childhood onset bipolar was likely the diagnosis: http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/BiPlrKid.htm. If the symptoms began or dramatically worsened at puberty, the borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a likely diagnosis.  Everything a person has wrong with them makes everything else that’s wrong with them worse.  ADHD, BPD, and bipolar can coexist.  The screening test (http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/screen.htm) may be of assistance to your daughter.  If she does have the BPD, http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/AskDoc/q1.htm may be useful. I’ve never seen a patient be treated successfully more than a few months with supplements or neutraceuticals – and I’m not sure a placebo effect wasn’t the true explanation.  The improvement on the correct medications when patients have been taking these supplements is dramatic.  Omega 3’s have shown to be of help with bipolar, but I’ve never seen any significant improvement in any patient.  I have seen an adolescent who didn’t respond to medications who actually had mercury poisoning, and he responded dramatically to chelation. Surgery is a long way off.  I don’t believe the BPD is located in any particularly structure.  For example it’s not an “amygdala dysfunction.”  The BPD is due to a specific inborn instinct that malfunctions (the “trapped, cornered, wounded animal” response).  I’m suspicious that multiple areas within the limbic system and possibly the frontal lobe are involved.  No one has a serious clue as to which specific brain areas are actually involved.  Until that is identified and proven to only be involved in this disorder, surgery will not be an option. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

DOES MY 2 YEAR OLD HAVE BPD? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness DOES MY 2 YEAR OLD HAVE BPD? Question: I have a 2 yr old little girl and I think she might have a anger problem.  I know it sounds weird for a two yr old to have anger issues but her father has anger problems and he’s violent now.  My daughter is very defiant and she argues with other children at her day care and she beats them up, scratches their face, punches them, & slaps them.  She won’t eat.  She kicks and screams when I try to put her to bed at night.  Now she’s only been doing this for about 6 months but she wasn’t doing any of this stuff before.  I’m really worried about her and the other children. My question for you is do you this she has BPD or do you think she’s just being “two”?  If you think she does have BPD what should I do for a two yr old with that? Dr. Heller’s Answer: The BPD starts at puberty.  Your daughter likely has childhood onset bipolar disorder, although just a severe depression is possible. There’s a terrific book on the subject: “The Bipolar Child” by Dr. Papolos The questionnaire I use for my patients regarding the possibility of childhood onset bipolar can be found at:http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/BiPlrKid.htm 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

WILL LEXAPRO MAKE ME BETTER OR WORSE? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WILL LEXAPRO MAKE ME BETTER OR WORSE? Question: I have been diagnosed with BPD, PTSD and GAD.  I have been treated with SSRI’s which cause increased irritability and poor rage impulse control.  After taking your screening test, I see I also have untreated ADD.  (My son was diagnosed with ADHD as a child.) I had one psychotic episode at age 16 where I believed I was characters in different famous childhood stories, like Snow White.  I was severely abused as a child.  (I’m now 44.)  I had symptoms of derealization as a child.  I’ve had persistent problems with paranoia (thinking that people are talking about me) and social anxiety.  For the last few months I have not been able to sleep through the night, waking up 4 – 5 times and laying awake for 1 – 2 hours each time (I stay in bed over 12 hours in order to get 5-6 hours of sleep.) I am taking a very small dose of Lexapro now, 5 mg, which has caused me to start losing my temper.  My doctor has suggested Abilify.  What do you suggest?  Thank you very much, Dr. Heller. Dr. Heller’s Answer: Lexapro will also make you worse.  The key medication is BuSpar (buspirone).  For most people with the GAD and BPD, two weeks of BuSpar first will allow you to take SSRI medications like Prozac and Lexapro without them making you worse. Remeron (mirtazapine) could help you sleep well and protect against BuSpar making the PTSD worse.  In situations like yours I usually continue to prescribe Remeron for 6-8 weeks and then stop it as long as Prozac (fluoxetine) is also being taken. You may need to take Tegretol (carbamazepine) for a while, particularly at night.  I usually wait until the patient is on Prozac (fluoxetine) for a week first. Of all the atypical antipsychotics, Abilify is the one I prescribe most for continuous use.  It seems to cause the least weight gain.  Most individuals with BPD don’t need chronic treatment with atypical antipsychotics like Abilify, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, etc. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)