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Bipolarism and histrionic personality disorder?

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 6/23/2009 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
In my continued effort to determine whether or not I am bipolar, I was wondering if anybody here experienced the following.

When I'm in more manic states, I tend to become very histrionic (as in histrionic personality disorder) to the point where I'm wondering if what I really have is depression with a side of HPD. Now, I actually enjoy this state, and I think I'm at my best whilst in it. But I'm still curious if this is a common feature of bipolar or not?
Posted 6/23/2009 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hellandhightide,

I have to be blunt and tell you that searching through the DSM-IV isn't going to help you feel better. You won't be able to diagnose yourself and you're only going to drive yourself in circles trying to figure out which symptoms suit you and which don't. The symptoms of all of the personality and mood disorders overlap so closely that it really takes a trained doctor to be able to tell which one you're dealing with. For instance, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder are often misdiagnosed for one another.

What do you enjoy about feeling histrionic? Why do you say you are at your best then?

All my best,
serafena
Posted 6/24/2009 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Well, what I enjoy about it is that I feel more alive, more witty, more charming, and more entertaining. My mood is elevated, and if I have an "audience" I can apply my talent for theatricality to amuse both them and myself. At times when it doesn't amuse others, it still amuses me.

I'm craving the ability to express myself creatively. But in the absence of ways to do that, I take the opportunity when I'm in a manic mood to stretch those performance muscles in everyday situations. So that's why I enjoy it. Really only the depression gets to me.
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