Posted by Elizabeth on November 18, 1999, at 1:22:41
In reply to 2nd Opinion re: Bipolar II vs Dysthymia, posted by Marc Dyer on November 16, 1999, at 20:57:28
> When I told him I was bipolar, he said I was dysthymic, and gave me the reasons. I was a little shocked, but he made sense saying that I had no hallucinations, delusions, and I reacted to situations, whereas a bipolar would become moody out of the blue.
I don't think that's evidence. Bipolar II's do not have psychotic features (hallucinations and delusions). There is also a condition called cyclothymia characterized by frequent low-grade mood-swings. Finally, bipolar states (including, most likely, bipolar II [hypomanic] states) may be "mixed," having features of depression as well as mania or hypomania.
I'm not clear what you mean by "you react to situations." Exactly what sort of mood swings do you have?
Another question: what have your neurovegetative symptoms (eating, sleeping, feeling and acting slowed-down or sped-up, etc.) been like?
Another differential dx would be ADHD, BTW. (I thought of this because you mentioned being overly reactive and talking a lot. You might ask your doctor about it.)
> I am upset, want to get this 2nd opinion done, and was wondering what other people would do. In the meantime I am taking Lithium, Prozac and Trazedone for Bipolar II. And although the clinician that I'm seeing says that Lithium can be used for Bipolar II, I don't want to take Lithium if I don't have to.
What about Lamictal? It's been used with success for depression as well as bipolar. 2 birds, 1 stone?
poster:Elizabeth
thread:15324
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/15433.html