Posted by phidippus on January 25, 2014, at 22:32:17
In reply to Re: Tofranil-PM, posted by Christ_empowered on January 25, 2014, at 4:22:23
> My current diagnosis is Bipolar I, I think with psychotic features
Its just Bipolar I. No need to point out psychotic features.
>I was angry...pissed off, but not so lethargic...
High dose Adderall?
>recurrent psychotic depression with fits of hypomania and very, very rare trips into mania
You're making things complicated. These symptoms are classic Bipolar I symptoms.
>(even then, my 1 major, 6 month manic crack up started out with dysphoric mania before leading into euphoric psychotic mania, so I'm not classically bipolar).
dysphoric mania is also known as a mixed state and again is classically Bipolar I. A manic state with psychotic features is also Bipolar I.
> Touch of dissociative disorder, worse during mood episodes.
What are the symptoms you experience?
>Anxiety and agitation, but that could just be the recurrent psychotic depression.
If you had psychotic depression alone, you would not have ever experienced mania and mixed states. Your psychotic depression is recurrent because of the nature of your Bipolar disorder.
How did you come about your understanding of Bipolar disorder?
>I'm hoping that Tofranil will: even out my sleep, reduce agitation, reduce anxiety, and put a little pep in my step. That's asking a lot, but...
If any of your symptoms worsen while on the Tofranil, its probably working against you.
With bipolar disorder, the symptoms of anxiety and agitation are often treated with adequate mood stabilization. What mood stabilizers have you been on?
>old school depression, which is what I seem to get.
Old school bipolar depression, more likely. A slightly different beast to treat, especially since you have psychotic features with it. Have you ever tried any NMDA antagonists?
>but they don't do a whole lot for depression when there's agitation
SSRIs, with the exception of Luvox, have always helped me with the agitation I get from my OCD.
With a little better understanding of your illness, I'm sure you could get a handle on your symptoms. I'm sure from the symptoms you described that any doctor would diagnose you with Bipolar I disorder. Getting hung up on the idea you have 'recurrent' psychotic depression is just going to work against you. Focus on getting your mood stable then f*ck around with things like antidepressants and Abilify.
Eric
poster:phidippus
thread:1059254
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140123/msgs/1059523.html