Posted by SLS on March 19, 2005, at 22:04:32
In reply to Re: Need help with Diagnosis... » SLS, posted by jasmineneroli on March 19, 2005, at 20:24:45
Hi Jas
> > You might have a sort of bipolar disorder. What I would like to know is how often you "cycle"?
> Well, it's kind of hard to say how often I cycle.> First, I would call it more of an "energy" cycle, than a mood cycle.
It doesn't sound like this is a true mood cycle. It is what is known as a "diurnal variation".
> I get progessively more cheerful and energetic throughout the day.
It is common that someone with unipolar endogenous depression to feel worst in the morning.
> Often in response to what is happening during that time.
It is uncommon that someone with unipolar endogenous depression be mood-reactive.
> However, there is also a seasonal aspect, which includes mood. EVERY March for the past 4 years, I get more depression, more insomnia, more rage attack type anxiety, more emotional lability, and do what might be considered "unusual" or "rash" things.
I'm sure you are familiar enough with seasonal affective disorder to know that many sufferers experience mania in the spring. This might include mixed states. Although mood stabilizers aren't generally chosen to treat SAD, it might make sense to try if you are seasonally bipolar. I'm suprised the medical literature doesn't say more about this.
What does your doctor call "hormonal surges", and how did he suggest to treat them?
> Thanks a lot for your interest Scott. What do you think?I think that it will take quite a bit of work with a skilled psychiatrist to tease out the salient information from your descriptions to be used to make a diagnosis and choose treatments. There is just so much going on here. However, that doesn't mean that the answer couldn't be as simple as taking one medication.
I wish I could have been more help.
:-(
- Scott
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Winter SADDepression
Loss of energy
Social withdrawal
Increased sleep and sleepiness
Loss of interest in sex
Overeating, especially foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating and processing information, especially in the afternoonSummer SAD
Anxiety
Insomnia
Irritability
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
poster:SLS
thread:470832
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050317/msgs/473024.html