Posted by Leighwit on April 26, 2002, at 16:05:57
In reply to Re: Is Dysphoria an Actual Diagnosis? » Leighwit, posted by Chris A. on April 26, 2002, at 14:16:28
> If you don't mind my asking, how well controlled is your diabetes? Unstable BGs can contribute to dysphoria and mood symtoms, which I'm sure you already know.
>
> Wishing you the best,
>
> Chris A.I don't mind at all ~ it's an intelligent question. My A1c (glycohemoglobin test that is the mainstay for determining average blood sugars over a few months time period) is in the stable zone. I'd like it to be even better, but haven't felt good enough mentally to put the additional time and effort into getting it there.
Having experienced depression for over ten years I know that for me, the two are not related, and my endocrinologist and Pdoc concur. I've been diabetic for most of my life (34 of 44 yrs) though ~ so I follow your chain of thought:
Hypoglycemia often involves irritability as a symptom; and hyperglycemia almost always causes lethargy.Both symptoms, however, go away once the conditions are treated, particularly low blood sugars. There's no lingering around ~ a glass of orange juice and the testy disposition disappears as soon as the blood sugar returns to a normal level ~ gulp and it's gone. While it takes longer to recover from ketosis (linked to hyperglycemia) the extreme lethargy also lifts pretty quickly after blood sugars return to normal ~ usually one feels better in a day or two ~ sort of like recovery from a bad virus.
Not so with the irritability that evidently accompanies some forms of depression and/or is a side effect of Wellbutrin. I can't seem to shake it at all.
The more I think about this, the more I think that irritability and anxiety have always been a part of my condition ~ but more of a backdrop than a "star" symptom. The despair and lethargy were more prominant.
It's hard to admit to being angry without motive, perhaps for years. I'm not sure I'm ready for this. On one hand I want an accurate diagnosis, on the other hand ~ low-boiling anger is a tough thing to look at in the mirror without a person, place, thing, (or medication) to blame it on.
poster:Leighwit
thread:104108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104222.html