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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 8/28/2010 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm Jo C.  I'm looking for a little more information on Bipolar.  I have not yet been definitively diagnosed.  I have another appt. w a Psych on Wednesday.  I have suffered from mood issues all of my life.   Anorexia, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality disorder and Dysthemia have all been indicated but I have never been actually "diagnosed" with anything.  I work as a Pharmacy Technician and I have studied mental illness and medications looking for some answer to my problem for years.  My husband has suggested Bipolar in the past.  Depression has been a big problem through out my life but my anxiety has become worse and worse over the years to the point where I often feel that I am being paranoid.  I recently quit a job because some one made a comment about something that had been said about me that was untrue.  That kind of thing goes on and I guess most people just deal with it but just decided that all people are to difficult to deal with so I would just stay home.  I have chalked it up to horrible PMS for years but have noticed when charting that it doesn't ssem to only be before my period anymore.  Anyway.  I am really nervous but at the same time I'm not even sure I trust a diagnosis.  Sigh. So this is where I'm at.  Confused and feeling like I need help but don't know what kind.

Jo C

Posted 8/28/2010 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jo!

No need to worry. What is likely to happen is if your symptoms appear to be more than borderline, but they don't exactly fit diagnositc criteria for BP 1 or 2, you'll get a diagnosis of cyclothemia or Bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified).

Whe I first got that, I was insulted and offended. I felt like I wasn't being taken seriously and I stopped seeking treatment for several years.

It's not like that. They believe you have a mood disorder, but they haven't seen the rest yet.

If I remember right, there is a member here who was recently diagnosed Bipolar NOS, and then went into a full manic (possibly) mixed episode. So now that person would meet diagnostic criteria and will get a more accurate diagnosis at her next appointment.

My NOS diagnosis became "possible cyclothemia" after my therapist and psychiatrist starting talking. After I was hospitalized, I was diagnosed Bipolar II. My lates psychiatrist did a more thorough intake and changed diagnosis to Bipolar I. At my last appointment he was like "IF bipolar is the correct diagnosis and it's not borderline personality disorder" ARG! I don't fit the diagnostic criteria for that anymore - that was 6 years ago from a psychiatrist who spend all of 10 minutes with me. He also mentioned some "suicidology personality disorder" which I can't find a reference to ANYWHERE, but said I don't fit diagnostic criteria - probably because I've never had a really serious determined suicide attempt. I've come d*mn close twice in the last week. (But all is good now.)

Anyway, relax. Report your symptoms as accurately as possible. Don't try to make your symptoms fit a particular mold or disorder. That basically discredits everything you say. There is a whole lot of variety in mood disorders, and your diagnosis DOESN'T really matter so much - the medication options are the same for all mood disorders.

I hope you get some answers - and more importantly - treatment that works!
Posted 8/28/2010 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. The last time that I had a REAL test was when the said BPD and there was also Cyclothemia and Dysthemia on the list but the BPD was highest. That was a good 15 years ago so I don't know how accurate it is now.
The last year has been horrible. I nearly left my husband and have lost several friends so I just want someone to tell me what the heck is wrong with me finally!
I appreciate the info.
I love your Seroquel-Epic Fail. As a Pharmacy person that makes me laugh.
Posted 8/28/2010 3:01 PM (GMT 0)

   Hi there and welcome.  there is alot of great help on here.  I unfortunally dont have alot to offer when it comes to this subject. However it does seem that you are getting alot of good advice. 

   Again welcome

   Bill

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