[mjmdesk]

Regarding depression & delayed sleep phase disorder, I have recently experienced some positive results regarding DSPD.
First of all I would like to detail some of my history. I also suffer from Bipolar Disorder. Since the beginning of my diagnosis of Bipolar illness, some 19 years ago, I have had some negative effects from anti depression medication. My first really debilitating side effect was a couple of months after my initial diagnosis. I went into a delusional state one morning where I thought I could feel the earth shaking like an earthquake. It wasn't until I received an anti psychotic drug at the hospital that the trembling went away. I have been fighting with DSPD ever since... staying up until four or five in the morning before feeling sleepy enough to settle down.
Last week, I did some research on the net about DSPD and discovered that many people who suffer from Bipolar illness and take anti-depressants, have trouble getting to sleep.
To make a long story short, I discussed this revelation with my psychiatrist and he agreed that in my case, the anti-depressant I was taking was making me MANIC. He took me off the medication and to my surprise, I was able to get to sleep by 11 or 12PM. I was able to get up on my own, without an alarm clock after eight hours sleep. This has been going on for about eight days now. I am convinced now that in my case, I can stay balanced with just the mood stabilizers. Anti-depressants are now out of the question for me. I will also add that the anti-depressant I was on was the least potent of all available, which goes to prove my sensitivity to anti-depressants period.
Now I am not suggesting that all people with bipolar illness who suffer from sleep deprivation go off their anti-depressants. I am only suggesting that they discuss the issue with their health care provider and ask if a reduced dosage of anti-depressant might be warranted.
The key here is communication and dialogue with your doctor.