Posted by jay on October 18, 2001, at 12:11:18
In reply to BP2-How do you know?, posted by Mr. Scott on October 18, 2001, at 0:15:56
>
> 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.
>
> 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..
>
> Any response appreciatedMr. Scott:
Man, you sound *ditto* to me! My problems in my youth where developmental, and I turned into a withdrawn, horridly self-conscious kid. I failed Grade 1 and 2, so was held back for a few years. I had all sorts of motor skill problems, and couldn't do math, reading comprehension, and would just break down crying.
Anyhow, I got the BP2 tag, but I am hesitent of Dx's. Like you, I rarely have anything truly *manic*, and just 'dysphoric' reactions to most meds, except benzo's. I barely get by on 37.5mg's of Effexor, and that is after four years of building up tolerance to get that dose!
Like you, I tend to sleep way too much. I find one thing helpful with that. Goto bed a bit later at night, even if you feel cruddy waking up. It is sort-of a mild 'sleep deprivation', but just letting myself get too much sleep leads to a major *horrible* feeling. Even after a few days of *power-sleeping* for 6-7 hours, you may really notice a difference. I think *oversleeping* actually also somewhat causes or exacerbates depression, and can work both ways. Just don't sleep-deprive yourself too much. Then you will feel very cruddy, and may run the risk of mania and such.
Good luck...I will share any further experience.
Jay
poster:jay
thread:81557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81589.html