Posted by Racer on August 10, 2006, at 22:42:41
In reply to Re: Bipolar? Self diagnosis..., posted by jealibeanz on August 10, 2006, at 17:04:41
> You don't think so at all? What makes you say so? I've read that many unresponsive, chronic anxiety/depression patients are misdiagnosed, especially since there's now such a wide spectrum for BP consideration.
I'd also say you don't sound bipolar to me. And there are a fair number of psychiatrists out there who don't believe that the new broadening of the bipolar spectrum is actually helpful -- some say that a lot of people with comorbid anxiety and depression are being put into a new category, without nearly enough evidence to support it.That said, what it sounds like to me is anxiety, not bipolar. Maybe OCD. You wanna know why I feel as though I can say that? Because I have done the same thing: "Oh no! Maybe this means I'm bipolar." It's taken up a lot of energy for me, and I've even brought it up with my T, in hopes she'd refer me for psychological testing. She didn't, said she never would, and that it's a manifestation of my anxiety/OCD. And that it was something better explored in therapy, rather than having testing done.
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> The sleeping issue isn't normal. I don't feel like I should be able to function as well as I do. Also, people who are BP are prone to concurrent seasonal disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. My initial onset of insomnia started when I can home from studying abroad. Can this be some sort of trigger?While all of that is true, as far as it goes, none of it means you're bipolar. Many people are prone to concurrent seasonal disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. Guess what? Those are all part of my dx -- which is not bipolar. Sleeping too little and being able to get by with some coffee? That pretty well describes an awful lot of students in this world, many of whom are able to get pretty good marks.
Do I remember correctly that you also have a history of anorexia? That would certainly go far towards explaining the ability to get by with less sleep. It would also support the idea of OCD, you know...
Stopping Strattera made things worse? I found it a pretty friendly little A/D, for whatever that's worth. It might be worth trying it again.
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>(I just notice the major depressions), which would be common to BP patients to block out or ignore such instances or patterns.Again -- it's also common that people with anxiety disorders who haven't yet started obsessing about whether they're bipolar... ;-)
I know, I'm teasing you. I remember very well how hard it is, though. Heck -- I called GG the other morning, on my way to school, with one of those obsessional "OMG! Do I have this? Or is it that?" questions. (GG is a great friend to have, and I'm very fortunate she likes me, too. Are you reading this?) It's horrible to feel that way, and it's hard for me to accept that this really is OCD, that it's really about anxiety, etc.
As for mood stabilizers, and A/Ds, and weight gain -- how long have you actually been on any one drug or combo? And were you actively eating disordered at that time? Those things will make a difference, you know.
I'm too tired to make any sense. I just wanted to tell you that I don't think you sound bipolar, that it's worth talking to your doctor, you're not alone, and to wish you luck.
poster:Racer
thread:675442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060810/msgs/675534.html