Posted by Mitch on October 18, 2001, at 1:50:48
In reply to BP2-How do you know?, posted by Mr. Scott on October 18, 2001, at 0:15:56
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> What are the tell tale signs that any of you Bipolar type twos used to figure out you were bipolar type two? I have a growing suspicion and a so called expert recently diagnosed me as such. For some reason I am having a hard time buying it, yet in some ways it makes a lot of sense.
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> I haven't responded long term to any AD's. I have a history of substance abuse and acting out behavior in my youth. I tend to oversleep rather than under sleep. I can get cranked off 37.5mg of effexor and a cup of coffee. I have had ALL of the anxiety disorders at one time or another. Previous Dx of ADD. But I've never had any clear MANIA, and it's difficult to tell if hypomania is just feeling really good for few hours/days. I need my sleep to function at all and never have gone without it. I am nothing like a true bipolar is described... I am erratic in my moods however..
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> Any response appreciatedMr. Scott,
The number one tell-tale sign is hypomanic responses to antidepressants. Also, BPII's are more med-sensitive (and med intolerant) and generallly require lower dosages of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, etc. for reasonable control of symptoms. Also, there is a confirmed high correlation to past substance abuse, high comorbidity with anxiety disorders: OCD/GAD/PANIC/Social Phobia, and often comorbid Adult ADD or ADHD. Also there maybe a history of *paradoxical* reactions to anxiolytics, i.e., that is consonant with ADHD. I had rage reactions to steroids, diazepam, buspar, for example. But became quiet, focused, and had great sleep architecture/consistency on psychostimulants.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:81557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81565.html