How common is this? I know Liane Willey said 70% of Aspies are depressed, but how common is a dual diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome and bipolar disorder? It certainly makes things difficult... (and makes my 'meltdowns' extreme)
I've heard quotes of up to 30% (NAS site and Donna Williams but they may be quoting the same source or each other).
If the depression is reactive to their circumstances, is it surprising? Depression is common among people who are chronically ill (due to co-morbids) and unemployed. Being chronically unemployed or underemployed could make someone depressed. Having no friends and dealing with constant harrassment could make someone depressed.
Bipolar has cycles that seem to change at regular intervals (every four months)???? that are not reactive to circumstances. So if someone was in a manic phase and some tragic event in their life happened would it trigger depression or would they just continue in their manic phase? Otherwise if someone who usually seemed depressed was very happy on occasion, they might be diagnosed bi-polar. There is not lab test for it? It is just a psychiatric label. Lithium prescribed to my friend made her gain 40 lbs in one week. She had already been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. I think possibly she had autism somewhat. Some of us just can not be figured out.
My doctors avoid lithium like a poison. They prescribed Depakote and Abilify for the bipolar unstead. (The Abilify is supposed to help with my autistic meltdowns too...)
you sound like you have sensible doctors. lithium is sometimes effective but if you have to use it for long periods then the side fx would outweigh the benefits.
there is research going on into managing bipolar with circadian rhythm therapy, sometimes using melatonin to regulate swings.
i think many major and minor problems would be helped by this, regardless of diagnosis.
becca