QUESTION:

I don't know how to get thru to my doc, that something is wrong. Can you help me determine if I have something more serious wrong with me than he is understanding? My marriage, kids and my job are all being affected by my moods. It's like I can feel it coming on but can't control it. Like a little voice is telling me hey you just hurt your husband's feelings, but I don't stop. I go hours without talking because I'm afraid of what I will say next. I don't feel like a very nice person anymore.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

It sounds classic for the borderline disorder (BPD). The official criteria can be found at: DSM Criteria.

The BPD is a neurological disorder - a form of epilepsy in the brain's instinctual "trapped, cornered, wounded animal" response. Prozac (fluoxetine) at the right dose will stop the unprovoked mood swings, chronic anger and irritability, emptiness, boredom, and markedly reduce the rejection sensitivity. Additional medications may be necessary, particularly Tegretol (carbamazepine). This combination is miraculous for many individuals. As needed medication, such as Haldol (haloperidol), can stop these spells in 10 minutes.

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