The case study by William P. Carter, MD (“Three weeks to mood stabilization,” February), while certainly competent psychopharmacologically, completely ignores psychological dynamics and never considers the obvious need for psychotherapy.
Steve Nickoloff, MD
Birmingham, Mich
Another diagnostic possibility not mentioned in Dr. Carter’s case study is posttraumatic stress disorder. This diagnosis could explain the 40-hour amnestic episode via a dissociative period, and could also explain the patient’s reluctance to discuss her past and the family’s policy of “self-reliance.” She may be hiding family secrets.
Treatment from a medication standpoint seemed appropriate, except why wasn’t another atypical antipsychotic tried instead of repeating olanzapine?
Why wasn’t cognitive behavioral therapy or another form of psychotherapy provided by the psychiatrist along with the medication? A carefully developed alliance should have allowed her to discuss uncomfortable issues. Even managed care companies are beginning to realize that combined medication and psychotherapy by a psychiatrist is the most cost-effective treatment strategy.
Finally, if these and other strategies still fail in the future, why not consider electroconvulsive therapy?
Steven Moffic, MD
Professor of Psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wis
Dr. Carter responds
Dr. Moffic’s comments enhance the case discussion in several ways. First, his reminder about a possible diagnosis of PTSD broadens the differential diagnosis to address an amnestic episode for which no definitive explanation ever emerged.
His reminder about the efficacy of combined treatment is also apt. While not addressed in the review of the patient's pharmacologic treatment, the patient did receive concomitant psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral treatment with both the psychiatrist and a consultant, and a longer-term, exploratory psychotherapy with the psychiatrist.
Turning to Dr. Nickoloff’s concern about treatment, I would agree that the indication for psychotherapy for this patient is “obvious.” I would welcome a psychoanalytical counterargument in a future case study.
Regarding Dr. Moffic’s inquiry about the possible use of another antipsychotic, I would cite the data supporting the use of olanzapine in both mania and treatment-resistant depression. Then, specific to this case, I would highlight the striking earlier response to olanzapine and the urgency from the patient’s stated, credible timeline, which offered us little time for experimentation with novel treatments. Current speculation about the potential antidepressant properties of ziprasidone raises the possibility of an untested alternative for augmentation.
Finally, the option of ECT should certainly have been addressed.