Posted by Dr. Bob on October 16, 2002, at 22:56:27
In reply to Re: Anxiety Disorder -- Please Advise « MJC, posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2002, at 21:38:57
[Posted by Krysti on October 16, 2002, at 10:56:01
In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1295.html]
> Hi Mike,
>
> I was just recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. For the past six years, I suffered from terrible anxiety. It sounds somewhat similar to what you are going through. I spent a lot of time on the internet trying to figure out exactly what I had also. I had even looked up Bipolar and decided I didn't have it because I didn't feel I had the depression side. Not to mention, the thought of it scared me to death.
>
> I finally went on Paxil for my anxiety and ended up having a full blown manic episode. That was when I knew for sure I was Bipolar. Looking back on it I can see that I did have the depressive side also, I just didn't realize it. I would go through times of being extremely happy and talkative, etc. And then through periods of time where I just sat around and did nothing and didn't feel like talking to anyone. I just thought it was the anxiety causing it all. I now believe it was the other way around. I think the anxiety was brought on by feeling so out of control because of the Bipolar Disorder.
>
> My advice to you is if you think you may be Bipolar, pay attention to your moods. One thing you may want to look up is Cyclothymia. That is where you have mood swings, but they are less severe.
>
> Since I was diagnosed, I have been on a mood stabilizer (first it was Depakote, then I switched to Gabitril because of weight gain). I have been completed anxiety free since I have gone on the medication. This is unbelievable as I suffered from extreme anxiety daily for 6 years. I resisted going on medication for a long time because I thought it was a mind over matter thing. Now, I could care less that I have to be on medication. Whatever works!
>
> Good luck to you.
>
> Krysti
>
>
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:123828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/123959.html