Bipolar.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

In past blog posts, I mentioned that one difference between people with Bipolar disorder and people with unipolar depression was the way that people with Bipolar Disorder sometimes react suddenly and dramatically to medications, especially anti-depressants. I came across this article on a new trial of drugs being conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health. Thought this might be of interest to some of you. But please folks, don’t try this at home. New drugs should only be tried after consulting with your current provider and medication should always be supervised by a medical professional. If any of you are involved in this trial or hear more about it let us know what you find out.

NATIONWIDE RECRUITMENT–BIPOLAR DISORDER RESEARCH STUDY: ANTIDEPRESSANT RAPID EFFECTS OF KETAMINE

Individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be able to participate in a trial designed to understand the causes of depression and rapid antidepressant response. Specifically, this study is testing whether ketamine, a drug that affects glutamate in the brain, will improve symptoms of depression within a matter of hours.

Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and previously failed to respond to treatment may be eligible for an inpatient trial designed to bring about a rapid antidepressant effect. After completion of the study, the participant is transitioned back to a clinician in the community. In addition, all research participation is without cost and NIMH will cover all transportation costs from anywhere in the United States. Compensation is provided for study procedures. To find out more information, please call 1-877-MIND-NIH (1-877-646-3644) or email moodresearch@mail.nih.gov. For more information on research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD click here http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov.

The photo above is from Wikimedia and is not the drug they are talking about for the study. You will probably need to cut and paste the link above. Short post tonight but more is on the way. Until next time, have a happy life. David Miller, LMFT, NCC.