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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 11:47:55
Has anyone been told they have this condition and what does it mean????
I recently was put on Lithium for severe suicidality and low and behold I becam manic on it. My doc increased the dose from 300 to 900 along with Nardil at 45 mg.
I am wondering if because I have had TRD, that I have had no success on AD's for very long except NArdil, that perhaps I could have been helped many years ago by being put on Lithium.
Anyone else relate to this? Although I do not think I am truly bipolar, my depression has been marked with severe mood swings and no stability for many years.
Why does the doctor I have been seeing for 20 years misssomething like this. I am angry as the last 10 years of my life have been horrible.
Star
Posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2010, at 13:18:41
In reply to Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 11:47:55
So bipolar? Phillipa
Posted by Dan_MI on July 2, 2010, at 14:57:31
In reply to Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 11:47:55
A lot of doctors don't like lithium because it requires lab work and it's fatal if overdosed.
Anyone who is suicidal should take lithium. It's the only drug proven to prevent suicide. I haven't been suicidal in 15 years. It's easy to forget how close to death I was.
Mood swings, even when they are unipolar, can occur much less frequently with lithium.
The first day I took lithium I experienced a sense of huge relief.
> Has anyone been told they have this condition and what does it mean????
>
> I recently was put on Lithium for severe suicidality and low and behold I becam manic on it. My doc increased the dose from 300 to 900 along with Nardil at 45 mg.
>
> I am wondering if because I have had TRD, that I have had no success on AD's for very long except NArdil, that perhaps I could have been helped many years ago by being put on Lithium.
>
> Anyone else relate to this? Although I do not think I am truly bipolar, my depression has been marked with severe mood swings and no stability for many years.
>
> Why does the doctor I have been seeing for 20 years misssomething like this. I am angry as the last 10 years of my life have been horrible.
>
> Star
Posted by Roslynn on July 2, 2010, at 17:26:37
In reply to Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 11:47:55
I think the "bipolar spectrum" thing means you have some bipolar features to your illness but not full bipolar. It's also called bipolar II or bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified) in the DSM.
You became manic on lithium? Or hypomanic?
> Has anyone been told they have this condition and what does it mean????
>
> I recently was put on Lithium for severe suicidality and low and behold I becam manic on it. My doc increased the dose from 300 to 900 along with Nardil at 45 mg.
>
> I am wondering if because I have had TRD, that I have had no success on AD's for very long except NArdil, that perhaps I could have been helped many years ago by being put on Lithium.
>
> Anyone else relate to this? Although I do not think I am truly bipolar, my depression has been marked with severe mood swings and no stability for many years.
>
> Why does the doctor I have been seeing for 20 years misssomething like this. I am angry as the last 10 years of my life have been horrible.
>
> Star
Posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 20:35:07
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum » stargazer2, posted by Roslynn on July 2, 2010, at 17:26:37
I becam hypomanic on Lithium but also realized I think I had some of those things happen to me before and never associated it with bipolar. I thought it was more of an agitated depression...
But my depression has gotten so much worse in the last 10 years and I felt like I was no longer getting any long term reponses from meds. I was also becoming more suicidal. I think that is why the Lithium was started.
I do not know what my prognosis is for treating this condition but I have read that the risk of suicide for a Bipolar 2 person is 50% so that worries me.
It seems my life will never be normal again. That is very sad.
Stargazer
Posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2010, at 21:46:51
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 20:35:07
I'm betting you improve and feel well. Love Phillipa
Posted by Roslynn on July 3, 2010, at 16:55:15
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 20:35:07
I think this statistic is for untreated people.
Someone help me out here???
Please don't be sad, lithium could do wonders for you.
>
> I do not know what my prognosis is for treating this condition but I have read that the risk of suicide for a Bipolar 2 person is 50% so that worries me.
>
> It seems my life will never be normal again. That is very sad.
>
> Stargazer
Posted by inanimate peanut on July 3, 2010, at 17:00:22
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum » stargazer2, posted by Roslynn on July 3, 2010, at 16:55:15
Your personal risk of suicide didn't change even if your diagnosis did. You are the same person you've always been. You are not your diagnosis, whatever that may end up being. I think your statistic is high-- where did you find it? Besides, lithium is one of the only drugs shown to decrease suicide.
Posted by jade k on July 3, 2010, at 17:10:28
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 20:35:07
> I becam hypomanic on Lithium but also realized I think I had some of those things happen to me before and never associated it with bipolar. I thought it was more of an agitated depression...
So you are saying you have had periodic hypomanic states over the years that have been characterized by agitated, irritable moods, intermixed with varying degrees of depression? Never euphoric, happy states? Either can be mania or hypomania by the way.
>
> But my depression has gotten so much worse in the last 10 years and I felt like I was no longer getting any long term reponses from meds. I was also becoming more suicidal. I think that is why the Lithium was started.
>
> I do not know what my prognosis is for treating this condition but I have read that the risk of suicide for a Bipolar 2 person is 50% so that worries me.This risk percentage sounds WAY off to me. Certainly a bipolar person is at higher risk, but not 50%. However you should be concerned if YOUR suicidal ideology and/or thoughts are increasing. Sounds like from previous poster, you may want to stay on lithium.
>
> It seems my life will never be normal again. That is very sad.When you say this do you mean because you've been depressed for so long without relief? Or because this new bipolar 2 diagnosis seems daunting? You stated that you don't believe you are bipolar. Bipolar 2 is dxed all the time, maybe this will open the doors to some new treatments you haven't tried.
I have seen bipolar be treated VERY effectively, AND very irresponsibly. I would be open to new treatment options, just be very aware of your mood states. You want to feel good, not numb.
Much comin down the pike, too. Don't give up.
~Jade
>
> Stargazer
Posted by Phillipa on July 3, 2010, at 20:06:12
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum » stargazer2, posted by jade k on July 3, 2010, at 17:10:28
Stargazer and I know you know that your diagnosis isn't who you are. You're a great person very frustrated now. And also think the statistic is extremly high. Doing better today? Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on July 4, 2010, at 9:17:50
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum » stargazer2, posted by Roslynn on July 3, 2010, at 16:55:15
I have not had one year in the last 20 that have had any happiness due to depression. That has become all I know, unfortunately.
SG
Posted by Dan_MI on July 4, 2010, at 14:15:03
In reply to Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 11:47:55
I hope things are going well with the lithium.
> Has anyone been told they have this condition and what does it mean????
>
> I recently was put on Lithium for severe suicidality and low and behold I becam manic on it. My doc increased the dose from 300 to 900 along with Nardil at 45 mg.
>
> I am wondering if because I have had TRD, that I have had no success on AD's for very long except NArdil, that perhaps I could have been helped many years ago by being put on Lithium.
>
> Anyone else relate to this? Although I do not think I am truly bipolar, my depression has been marked with severe mood swings and no stability for many years.
>
> Why does the doctor I have been seeing for 20 years misssomething like this. I am angry as the last 10 years of my life have been horrible.
>
> Star
Posted by Roslynn on July 4, 2010, at 17:19:54
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by stargazer2 on July 4, 2010, at 9:17:50
I am sorry to hear this. If you have never tried lithium it may make a difference, though. I am keeping you in my thoughts.
Roslynn
> I have not had one year in the last 20 that have had any happiness due to depression. That has become all I know, unfortunately.
>
> SG
Posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2010, at 20:32:17
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by Roslynn on July 4, 2010, at 17:19:54
Stargazer what about when you first started working again? Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on July 6, 2010, at 11:30:40
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2010, at 20:32:17
What about it? The twenty years have been more negative than positive with a smattering of some normalcy but my overall opinion has been more bad than good years. UNfortunately, if we went after the bipolar issues sooner I perhaps may have had more normalcy, right? Looking back I have had real severe suicidality that could have been treated iwth Lithium before now! I am angry with so much of what I have gone through.
Posted by Dan_MI on July 6, 2010, at 12:29:33
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by stargazer2 on July 6, 2010, at 11:30:40
Bipolar is so frequently misdiagnosed. I was told over and over again I had treatment resistant depression, I was told to check myself into a mental hospital, I was told I had a seizure disorder...until one 70 or 80 year old female psychiatrist (I mention her gender because my grandmother was a psychiatrist, ironically) had the experience and foresight to put me on lithium. When many of my problems just vanished into thin air, the jury had reached its verdict: I have some sort of bipolar disorder.
> What about it? The twenty years have been more negative than positive with a smattering of some normalcy but my overall opinion has been more bad than good years. UNfortunately, if we went after the bipolar issues sooner I perhaps may have had more normalcy, right? Looking back I have had real severe suicidality that could have been treated iwth Lithium before now! I am angry with so much of what I have gone through.
Posted by jade k on July 6, 2010, at 14:51:33
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by stargazer2 on July 6, 2010, at 11:30:40
> What about it? The twenty years have been more negative than positive with a smattering of some normalcy but my overall opinion has been more bad than good years. UNfortunately, if we went after the bipolar issues sooner I perhaps may have had more normalcy, right? Looking back I have had real severe suicidality that could have been treated iwth Lithium before now! I am angry with so much of what I have gone through.
Hi Star,
I don't blame you for being angry. I actually am stunned that you have made it through 20 years of depression, dysphoria, mood swings, and suicidal thinking without EVER a suggestion of Lithium. I can't know to what extent suicidal thoughts and ideation have been part of your overall clinical history, but it seems clear that Lithium (and a correct diagnosis) could have been very helpful for you.
I hope you use that anger to propel yourself in a positive direction aimed at confirming a proper diagnosis followed by appropriate, effective treatment. I know its easier said than done but sounds like your up for it.
I have never heard "Bipolar Spectrum" being a diagnosis itself. Rather, groups of characteristics determine a bipolar "type" and where it fits within the spectrum. I could be wrong.
I found some info here that you may find helpful as a place to start, dunno.
"Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis and Pharmacologic Treatment"
by John Preston, Psy.D., ABPP
at www.continuingedcourses.netIf your dianosis of Bipolar is correct, finding effective treatment for your symtoms should become easier. I hope so.
btw- when the "manic" part of bipolar presents as anger, irritability, even rage, it does not rule out bipolar. Many bipolars switch from severe depression to a hypomanic or manic negative mood state.
Good luck~
Jade
Posted by stargazer2 on July 7, 2010, at 23:04:55
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by Dan_MI on July 6, 2010, at 12:29:33
Are you still on lithium? How is it working, and for how long? Dose of? Other meds?
I'm hoping this is the answer as too much experimenting has already happened in my life already and I'm wearing down from trying any longer. I feel like there has never been a good appraoch to my depression.
Posted by morgan miller on July 8, 2010, at 12:06:19
In reply to Bipolar Spectrum, posted by stargazer2 on July 2, 2010, at 11:47:55
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100703/msgs/953514.html
Here is some of my story. I can definitely relate to your frustration. I definitely believe that if I knew ten years ago that I may be bipolar, I may have done things to take better care of myself and protect myself, possibly preventing a major mixed episode 2 and a half years ago and the further progression of my illness.
There is a good chance you fall somewhere under the bipolar spectrum. Though bipolar has probably been over diagnosed since behavior health professionals began to realize there was a wider spectrum for the disorder, there are many that are being properly diagnosed now that were not before. It is still a tricky illness to catch and diagnose so you are definitely not alone.
Posted by morgan miller on July 8, 2010, at 12:16:39
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Roslyn, posted by stargazer2 on July 6, 2010, at 11:30:40
You have a right to be angry. I would suggest finding a highly recommended highly qualified psychotherapist with a Phd. in clinical psychology(Yes despite my frustration with my old therapist-she was wonderful despite missing the bipolar thing). I would also consider finding a good psychodynamic group therapy. Group therapy can do wonders for just about everyone, even those that do not have any apparent reasons to go to therapy. Also, being bipolar is a genetic predisposition. There are most likely things that are within us left over from our childhood that could be influencing the illness-a good reason to go to some form of therapy.
Posted by Dan_MI on July 8, 2010, at 17:32:21
In reply to Re: Bipolar Spectrum/Dan M, posted by stargazer2 on July 7, 2010, at 23:04:55
I am still on lithium, after 14-15 years. I take 1200 mg/day and my blood level is always 0.7. I was suicidal when I started lithium and haven't been suicidal since.
My natural state is the lowest of the low depression.
200 mg lamictal
20 mg prozac
100 mg trazodoneRelatively symptom-free from the mental illness and side-effect-free from the drugs. Nowadays mood dips that occur usually happen because of something bad I did, not just because.
I do still have a problem being flexible and/or spontaneous, though. I can be capable of significant mood swings at work, but I always survive them.
> Are you still on lithium? How is it working, and for how long? Dose of? Other meds?
>
> I'm hoping this is the answer as too much experimenting has already happened in my life already and I'm wearing down from trying any longer. I feel like there has never been a good appraoch to my depression.
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
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