Posted by JahL on July 29, 2001, at 14:34:55
In reply to Re: Bi-polar II- diagnosis on the rise? » JahL, posted by shelliR on July 29, 2001, at 13:52:25
> Actually, generally when my condition worsens it affects the depression part more. Like I don't get out of bed at the worst times, and I don't know why the worse times are happening. When the anxiety is up, there is generally a reason--too much work and occupanying responsibility, moving, being around too many people for too long a time, etc.> So are the only times you have experienced hypomania, AD induced?
Yeah, tho Lamotrigine briefly did the same.
> And if so, the diagnosis of hypomania can be given soley on that basis?
Apparently so (@ least in my case). The difference btwn the constant, 'normal' me (dysphoric, unsociable & slow of brain) & the euthymic/hypomanic me was incredibly pronounced. Different person. I don't have 'good' days & so this wasn't a possible explanation.
> > Anyway, 1 of the most striking features of my BP is the accompanying psychomotor retardation, which makes stringing a sentence together difficult
> But this is during the depression, right? Because that wouldn't go with the social talkative element of hypomania......Absolutely. My mind 'frees up' during these episodes. I've had 'before & after' psychometric testing. The guy estimated that my condition knocks 30+pts off my I.Q.
I also become very socially adept; refreshing for someone with s. phobia.
> It still seems sort of strange to me to base a diagnosis on a reaction to a drug.
There's a bit more to it than that I think. Something about the nature of my condition; dysphoric as opposed to depressed; agitated, anxious, & confrontational as opposed to weepy & submissive. Lots of unfocussed anger.
>But it sounds like getting that diagnosis was helpful to your treatment. True?
I'm not in good nick right now but I'd hate to think where I'd be w/o mood-stabilizers. These were first prescribed by a US pdoc who suspected BP. They are probably the reason anxiety predominates; they don't touch this, but do keep the depression at a level at which I can function. W/o them I'd have the can't-get-out-of-bed type depression you describe above. The BP dx also explains why AD monotherapy has been so bad for me, & so shld at least prevent things from worsening.
J.
poster:JahL
thread:72292
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/72381.html