What do you know about Bipolar Disorder?

[ChangingMyName]

I just wrote up a perfect explanation for this thread and my computer shut down ONE SENTENCE FROM THE END. Given the title, you can probably guess that I WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS. At this point, I'm not in the mood for writing but I refuse to give up on finishing this. Here it is: I believe I'm Bipolar (in its mildest form). I have a lot of the symptoms. I've jacked off about finding a shrink who can presribe meds (I take Effexor but that's only good for the depression phase of Biploar). I have plans for how to proceed but unfortunately things don't always go as planned. I'm wondering what everyone thinks about Bipolar Disorder? Do you think people are over/under diagnosed as being Bipolar? Any other thoughts?

[shakran]

Why do you think you're bipolar? What, specifically are your symptoms.

If you truly are bipolar, lithium is widely known as the wonderdrug for the condition. It'll take some time to get the dose just right, but once you do, your symptoms will pretty much vanish. Again, that's only if you are, in fact, bipolar.

I should point out here that many people who read diagnostic texts, be they mental or physical (DSM or Merck), end up misdiagnosing themselves in a big way. We've all heard of the med student who decides he's got some rare disease that will kill him in 3 weeks. It's no different on the mental health side of things. Read enough psychology texts and you, too, will think you're schizophrenic

[Da Munk]

I've never had any personal experience with bipolar disorder, so I only know what I learned in my psychology class. I would have to say that it is most likely under diagnosed, or at least commonly misdiagnosed as depression. People tend to only see their doctor when they are going through a depressive phase, because they feel so much better during manic phases that they see no need.

You should definitely consult with a professional as soon as possible, they're the only ones qualified to diagnose something like this.

[ChangingMyName]

Hi shakram...Well, if I'd have managed to post my original explanation, you'd know that's part of my problem. I've also though I had ADD/ADHD but something always blew my theory outta the water. So far, nothing's blown the Biploar Disorder theory, except that if I have it, it's VERY MILD. From what I understand, that's rarely the case. All I can say for sure is, I've always felt there was "something wrong with me." Specifically, in that odd sorta way you can't put your finger on.

I'm not disagreeing with anything you said at all. In fact, what you commented on is part of what I'm interested in. I guess I'm trying to decide how likely it is that I am Bipolar. Thanks for the response...

[Ch'i]

I agree with shakran that you should give us some examples of behavior that make you think you have it.
My mom has her masters degree (currently going for PHD) in psycology so I could probably answer alot of your questions via her, or her research materials, about bipolar disorder.

[ChangingMyName]

Originally Posted by Ch'i

I agree with shakran that you should give us some examples of behavior that make you think you have it.
My mom has her masters degree (currently going for PHD) in psycology so I could probably answer alot of your questions via her, or her research materials, about bipolar disorder.

Well, I don't have the list of possibilities in front of me right now but what I can think of, off the top of my head, is:
- Periods of depression/manic episodes, again in a mild form. For ex, I KNOW
I can't jump off my roof
- The rate at which the depression/manic phases rotate are referred to
as "cycling". I cycle very quicly, which as I understand, is also rare.
- When I'm in a manic phase I'm more upbeat, I have more energy and attack
bigger projects. I'm also more interested in sex.
- I cry during either phase & then pick up where I left off like it never
happened.
- The list goes on

[Ch'i]

Hmm. Could go either way. I think you should just go get tested by your psycologist.

[Gilda]

Are you self medicating with the Effexor? That's really not a good idea. I can understand why you might do so; I know more than a few people without medical insurance who self-medicate, but it really isn't safe.

You should be careful with it, as it can have some very intense and long duration withdrawl symptoms, possibly the worst of the SNRI's.

The best answer to your question is to see a doctor, preferably a mental health professional. He/she likely can't prescribe medication, but can give you a referral. Setting aside the medication issues for a bit, a decent couselor will be able to help you work through how to handle your problems. Failing that, at least see a GP and talk to him/her about your symptoms.

I've been depressed for several years and tried the do-it-yourself route. It didn't work, and doesn't for most. The most effective treatment for this class of emotional disorder is therapy and medication in concert, and if mild, the medication may not be necessary.

Please see a professional, a doctor or mental health professional.

Gilda

[Willravel]

Originally Posted by ChangingMyName

Well, I don't have the list of possibilities in front of me right now but what I can think of, off the top of my head, is:
- Periods of depression/manic episodes, again in a mild form. For ex, I KNOW
I can't jump off my roof
- The rate at which the depression/manic phases rotate are referred to
as "cycling". I cycle very quicly, which as I understand, is also rare.
- When I'm in a manic phase I'm more upbeat, I have more energy and attack
bigger projects. I'm also more interested in sex.
- I cry during either phase & then pick up where I left off like it never
happened.
- The list goes on

Even with Tilted therapists roaming around here, your best bet is to see a professional. I or someone else could try to diagnose you, but frankly it wouldn't be a reliable diagnosis.
Did a bit of searching and found some psychologists in or around Poughkeepsie, NY.

[Demeter]

I agree with willravel. Please see a professional. Bi-polars have a tendency to medicate themselves. Your doctor/psychiatrist/therapist will have a lot of info & some choices for you to handle and/or control your illness.
I was married to a bipolar man, and I feel for you, it's a terrible thing to not be able to control your mind.
I hope you find the right treatment.

[Willravel]

Also, NEVER SELF MEDICATE. I cannot overstate this. I beg you to stop taking any kind of perscription drugs without being carefully monitored by a trained professional.

• Do not take Effexor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the past 14 days. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions have occurred when these medicines were taken at the same time and they must not be used together with Effexor.
• You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are 18 years of age or younger. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking Effexor you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
• Contact your doctor if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
• It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better. Do not stop using Effexor without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking Effexor suddenly.


• Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Effexor.
• Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, other antidepressants, and medicine for seizures). They can add to sleepiness caused by Effexor.
• Effexor can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.


• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
• Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
· feeling light-headed, fainting;
· increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
· seizure (convulsions); or
· fast or slow heartbeat.
• Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
· drowsiness or dizziness;
· nervousness or anxiety;
· dry mouth;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
· decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
· headache, blurred vision;
· sleep problems (insomnia);
· tremor or chills;
· increased sweating; or
· changes in appetite or weight.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

[pornclerk]

The thing you have to be careful with is doctors try to diagnose things to lightly. I went to see a psychiatrist one time because I was having a lot of family issues. She really pushed the meds on me saying I had an anxiety disorder. Did I really have it or was I anxious and depressed because of my environment?
Think about it, aren't we all a little bit bipolar? I mean I've had days where I am feeling down and days where I'm feeling good, which, I can assume other people have had too. Does that make everyone bipolar?
I would take a serious look around you. Maybe there is something that is making you feel depressed sometimes and good at other times. Just because you have feelings about certain things does not mean you need to medicate them.

[Ch'i]

Self medecation is definately a HUGE NO, especially when you are not even certain if you have bipolar or not. Educated guesses are not good bases for medicating with a psychological affecting drug.

[ChangingMyName]

I had seen a therapist when I went thru postpartum, then again when I separated from my husband. The Effexor was prescribed for anxiety when I separated from my husband a few years ago (prescribed by my GP, as I was seeing a psychologist who can't prescribe). As I mentioned it HAS helped. When I realized I might be bipolar I also realized that Effexor is probably only helping with the depressive state.

During the 2nd stint with my therapist I shared my theory with her. She asked me for specifics so I brought the book in & gave her examples of my symptoms for most of the symptoms described in the book. She agreed that it sounded like it. Since then I've been trying to make an appt with a psychiatrist (again, who can prescribe) but something always stands in the way (time, insurance issues, I'm in a "manic" state so I'm happier than usual and don't really think about it). A couple weeks ago I actually found some names through my insurance company. I've been working a ridiculous number of hrs. so I'm shooting for making the appt. after the project I'm working on is complete (Sept 9). Right now, I'm struggling to make calls that I really HAVE to make. At that point I'll have NO reason to not follow thru.

Anywho, I'll letcha know what happens. Thanks for the input.

[shakran]

Originally Posted by pornclerk

The thing you have to be careful with is doctors try to diagnose things to lightly. I went to see a psychiatrist one time

And that was your mistake. Psychiatrists are MD's who go through the usual med school stuff. Psychologists start from the beginning in the mental health realm, and since they can't prescribe stuff, they're much less likely to recommend drugs as the proper treatment unless drugs are truly indicated. The preferred course, IMO, is to go to a psychologist, who will refer you to a psychiatrist/GP if she determines you need drugs.

Originally Posted by ChangingMyName

I had seen a therapist when I went thru postpartum, then again when I separated from my husband. The Effexor was prescribed for anxiety when I separated from my husband a few years ago (prescribed by my GP, as I was seeing a psychologist who can't prescribe). As I mentioned it HAS helped. When I realized I might be bipolar I also realized that Effexor is probably only helping with the depressive state.

I should point out that your symptoms are in line with other conditions as well - - -menopause being one of them. And don't be insulted if you're not "that age" yet - some women get early onset menopause. I know of one who went through it at 28.

[thingstodo]

Based on having a son that was mis-diagnosed ADD when he was 7, I have a lot of experience with bi-polar. Also, my mother-in-law has the same thing.

You for sure don't want to engage in any form of self medication. That is a slippery slope to drug addiction. 80-90% of drug addicts have a mental illness and most bi-polar or depression.

You need to see a shrink for the meds and a therapist for the mental part of things. And you need to be totally, 100% open with these people as they are there to help you. Find someone you can build trust with.

And for God's sake, the only advice you should take from anyone here is to see a doctor!!

[Elphaba]

ChangingMyName, thanks for clearing up the fact that you are taking Effexor under your doctor's care. I want to emphasize what Gilda has already mentioned; DO NOT STOP Effexor cold turkey because of the possibility of very nasty side effects. If your doctor decides to discontinue Effexor, it will be done over a slow reduction of the med.

I agree with everyone on getting a Psych eval. You state that your manic behavior is mild, and if that is true you may not require medication. Mild manic behavior does not have negative consequences and you are still functioning well in all aspects of your life.

[Zar]

One thing I've found when dealing with mental illnesses, is that it can be somewhat easy to first self-diagnose yourself based on reading you've done, then convince your psychologist/psychiatrist to agree with you. I went through a phase where I was absolutely convinced I had bi-polar disorder. I ran through the symptoms I had read about and told my therapist how I thought I had it. She basically said, "yep, sounds right." And referred me to a doctor to get a script. As it turns out, I most definitely do NOT have bipolar disorder, and the medication funked me up in numerous ways until I figured out what was going on. I'd fallen into the easy trap of self-diagnosis, and my therapist helped me along the way.

Essentially, find a therapist that's willing to evaluate you critically and seriously, not a lazy one looking for ways to speed patients though as quickly as possible.

[Gilda]

Originally Posted by Zar

One thing I've found when dealing with mental illnesses, is that it can be somewhat easy to first self-diagnose yourself based on reading you've done, then convince your psychologist/psychiatrist to agree with you. I went through a phase where I was absolutely convinced I had bi-polar disorder. I ran through the symptoms I had read about and told my therapist how I thought I had it. She basically said, "yep, sounds right." And referred me to a doctor to get a script. As it turns out, I most definitely do NOT have bipolar disorder, and the medication funked me up in numerous ways until I figured out what was going on. I'd fallen into the easy trap of self-diagnosis, and my therapist helped me along the way.

Essentially, find a therapist that's willing to evaluate you critically and seriously, not a lazy one looking for ways to speed patients though as quickly as possible.

Good point. When my sister began therapy for her gender identity problems, the therapist told us right off that, no matter how obvious it is initially, proper diagnosis takes a minimum of three months, and this is for a condition that is nearly always self-diagnosed.

Part of the therapist's job is to help you, and a big part is to protect you from harming yourself through harmful behaviors like self-diagnosis and treatment.

Gilda

[Zeraph]

The manic state is the most telling part of bipolar disorder. Here are some symptoms:
# Extreme irritability
# Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
# Distractibility, can't concentrate well
# Little sleep needed
# Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
# Poor judgment
# Spending spree
An example might be painting the house in the middle of the night(or some other chore not normally done), or suddenly taking the rest of the day off from your job to go shopping or gambling.

"When I'm in a manic phase I'm more upbeat, I have more energy and attack
bigger projects. I'm also more interested in sex."
Arn't really symptoms of mania. Everyone has normal mood cycles, women even more so.

My advice would of course be to still see a professional (if you feel it's disrupting your life) but from what you've said it doesn't sound like bipolar. And like the others have said, don't self-medicate in a case like this. It's true, bipolars really need someone to guide them because they'll think theyre cured, go off it, fall back again, and its a cycle.

You also need to ask yourself why you need to be medicated? Are you losing jobs or friends over this? Not that it has to be that bad to want medication, but if it's not that bad I would recommend more thought on it or therapy first.

[Elphaba]

An example might be painting the house in the middle of the night(or some other chore not normally done), or suddenly taking the rest of the day off from your job to go shopping or gambling.

One of my clients spent an entire day buying up all of the garden wind spinners he could find and that night decided he didn't like the facia on his fireplace. He had the fireplace seriously torn up before his wife called for help. It sounds funny from a distance, but there is nothing funny about it in how it affects the family and his job.

[MINCKEN]

From ’67 until ’97 I had some problems. 40+ jobs, 2 kids, night sweats,
night mares, I suffered no pain, I was always happy……nothing really wrong.

I went to the Veterans Admin for a visit to a psychologist, turned over to a Psychiatrist…I was confined for 6 weeks, during which time I was confronted by family, friends and a hell of a lot of things that I did not want to remember. I spent another 14 months getting ‘adjusted’ five days a week as an outpatient and now see a Psychiatrist

For 30 years I had been diagnosed by MDs and Psychologists as ‘temporarily depressed’, ‘just a little irritable’ here have a few of these, just call in I will refill.

The Psychiatrists diagnosis? Bipolar II and PTSD. I lost 30 years to numb because …………o hell, a lot of reasons that were no longer consequential, until I read your post.

Get off your ass and call your local mental health assoc. Do Not Stop there. Look for any other Mental Support Groups that you may find. Do Not Go To Reverend Billy Bob, you need real help! Does self diagnosis work? For pimples or bloody nose yes, NOT that gray pulp in your dura mater.

Good luck

MINCKEN