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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jturner795 on May 16, 2003, at 13:18:55
Long story short.. been on A/D's and adderall for add. going through counseling for some deep-seeded psych issues from my childhood. I have always had days where it feels Im living in bizzaro world. I know it is not reality and that only my perception is distroted but I feel paranoid and alone and that everyone in the room hates me, I disassociate with everyone including my wife and kids, I asked my therapist about this yesterday but she said It was just a defense mech. Does this sound slightly bi/polar? I have a close friend who shares many or my symptoms all-around has add, and is diagnosed bi-polar. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am losing my mind! Thanks, Jared
Posted by Mark H. on May 16, 2003, at 20:08:42
In reply to PLEASE HELP!!!! Need a B/Polar persons opinion!, posted by jturner795 on May 16, 2003, at 13:18:55
Hi Jared,
For $10, you can access on-line self-diagnosis tests at www.mentalhealth.com. Taking the whole battery (all categories) takes about 45 minutes, and the results may help you rule out certain diagnoses as well as offer *possible* diagnoses that you can share with your therapist and physician. Some people do have *both* ADHD and bipolar symptoms, but most of us are more one or the other.
Another resource that I found helpful was an article called "296 vs. 314", which looked primarily at the differences observed between ADHD and bipolar disorder in children. You can search on "296 vs. 314" on this site (or through a Google search) to find the article in a prior post.
Please know that many of us have experienced some if not all of your symptoms and know how frustrating and painful they can be. It is a wonderful sign that you are able to recognize that it is your perceptions that are distorted.
I hope it is not presumptuous of me to suggest that you may want to ask your physician if it would be appropriate for you to try Zyprexa. Speaking strictly from my own experience, it provides tremendously welcome relief from some of the symptoms you describe.
Regardless of your diagnosis, it's great that you're in therapy AND working with your doctor to find the most effective meds.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
Posted by jturner795 on May 17, 2003, at 0:00:31
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP!!!! Need a B/Polar persons opinion!, posted by Mark H. on May 16, 2003, at 20:08:42
Thank you mark, You know, this sight really is a beautifull place. You can really feel everyones sincere interest for each poster and postee. I will ask my PSYdoc tues about that drug. And I will also research those articles you described. Thanks Again, Jared
Posted by judy1 on May 17, 2003, at 11:25:15
In reply to PLEASE HELP!!!! Need a B/Polar persons opinion!, posted by jturner795 on May 16, 2003, at 13:18:55
Dissociation can be a very uncomfortable feeling, but it is an effective coping mechanism. It is not a symptom of bipolar disorder, rather a response to trauma in one's life. Have you taken the tests that Mark suggested? Do you have hypomanic/manic episodes? take care, judy
Posted by jturner795 on May 17, 2003, at 11:52:34
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP!!!! Need a B/Polar persons opinion! » jturner795, posted by judy1 on May 17, 2003, at 11:25:15
I have many deep-seated issues that Im dealing with in counseling. ie,. death of my mother when I was two, some sexual exploitation/abuse at the hands of older cousins that continued for a few years, ect. So yes I do have a self loathing type of thing going on. I knew I wasn't bi-polar because I never have the "up" feeling only the pit of despare part. Is that manic depression? Thanks for ya'lls help. And I have already begun researching Marks suggestions. Thank you so much Judy for your thoughts. Jared
Posted by judy1 on May 17, 2003, at 12:10:38
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP!!!! Need a B/Polar persons opinion!, posted by jturner795 on May 17, 2003, at 11:52:34
Having a hypomanic or manic episode is a prerequisite for a bipolar diagnosis. With your history it sounds like you have some type of dissociative disorder, and the key is having an experienced therapist to help you. there are several of us on the board also dealing with this and if you have any questions or feelings you want to share, please do. take care, judy
Posted by noa on May 21, 2003, at 17:32:34
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP!!!! Need a B/Polar persons opinion! » jturner795, posted by judy1 on May 17, 2003, at 12:10:38
Maybe what you are thinking is manic/hypomanic is really anxiety/panic/agitation?
How is the therapy going? Do you feel "safe"? Ie, do you feel like it is a safe relationship and forum in which to explore the issues without getting too overwhelmed by them?
Do worry about trying to rid yourself of the dissociation too fast. It probably has served a really good purpose in helping you survive trauma. Seek to get to know it better, to explore it. And the therapist, hopefully, will help you develop tools to manage it better.
Good luck. Keep us posted.
This is the end of the thread.
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