If you have highs that last for days to weeks as well as depression, talking to your psychiatrist about the possibility of Bipolar Disorder type I or Bipolar Disorder type II might be a good idea. Bipolar disorder medication is treated inherently differently than unipolar depression, where you only have low moods without the highs. Bipolar disorder requires a mood stabilizers. usually, antidepressants like Prozac can have negative effects effects on mood. First line treatment is a mood stabilizer, and only at that point could your psychiatrist consider adding an antidepressant for anxiety or medication for ADHD.
Common Mood Stabilizers
Getting the diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be quite disorienting and fear-inducing. However, there are many successful programmers, attorneys, and even physicians with bipolar disorder. Additionally, there is a connection between bipolar disorder and creativity that is undeniable, even though it has yet to be fully explored. Read The Midnight Disease by neurologist Dr. Alice Flaherty of the Harvard Medical School to learn more.
Treating bipolar disorder is one of the best parts of my job, because while it can be debilitating, with the right medication people feel better and quickly become more successful, effective, and happier. I like being able to help someone find their true self again.