Posted by TexasChic on November 18, 2003, at 10:47:11
I've been researching and trying to find out more about my problems and how to help myself. The thing I keep running into that leaves me confused is the difference between a manic and a compulsive episode. How do I know if I am a compulsive shopper, or if my uncontrollable shopping spree is part of a manic episode. And how do I know if my panic attacks or extreme bouts of anxiety aren't actually manic episodes. I read about cycling and it seems to fit with my ups and downs. But yet I've only been diagnosed as with depression and anxiety. Do they even know how to tell the difference? I've been asked the question about extreme highs and feelings of grandiose, which I always respond to with a no. But what if what I am feeling could be described that way, but just not by my definition of those words. I hope this makes some kind of sense. I read this article in the Psychiatric Times that questioned the definition of mood swings and the use of mood stabilizers. It was very enlightening, but just left me even more confused about what treatment I should be pursuing. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks for listening (or reading).
poster:TexasChic
thread:280834
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031114/msgs/280834.html