Hypomania or just a normal mood swings?

Hey everyone!!

So I am 16 years old and have been diagnosed with depression. I have tried two different antidepressants but both made me experience what my psychiatrist called manic episodes. I do experience mood swings quite frequently and always thought they were due to normal teenage hormones, but today while doing some research I came across the term 'Hypomania' and I found myself relating to all the symptoms (racing thoughts, bouts of energy, decreased need for sleep, heightened senses, confidence boost etc). Another thing I have noticed is when I am manic due to being on antidepressants, I experience hallucinations, which is something I also experienced as a child.

I have mentioned all of this to my psychiatrist but she has put it down to normal teenage mood swings. But if they were, why would I be experiencing depression? I am just so confused about whether or not to be concerned about the moods wings, or if they mean something more and can be related to the mania I experience when on antidepressants. I don't want to keep bringing it up to my psychiatrist when we have already discussed it, but I can't help but going over it in my head. Aren't I experiencing the symptoms of Bipolar 2, or am I just thinking too much? Arghh!

Thanks for any replies... this whole thing is probably confusing but I just need some advice or at least for someone to understand! Thanks again :)

-Tara.

tortoise,

Thanks for your reply. I know that drug-induced manic episodes don't count towards the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but I guess from my point of view it seems odd that I experience hypomanic symptoms when not on medication and experience full blown mania when on medication, but I'm probably just over thinking things. It just seems like the medication supposed to be helping me is making me worse in a totally different way and it's so confusing!

I think a mood chart is a great idea and I will definitely try it.

Thanks again for your reply,

-Tara

It's Genetic,

Thanks for your reply. I guess I have all these concerns about my mood swings and if they are actually mood swings or hypomania. I have expressed these to my psychiatrist but she has already written them off as normal. My biggest worry is whether or not to trust her and accept that they are normal mood swings and try more antidepressants, or go with my gut instinct and keep pushing on with my concerns. I am just worried she'll think I don't trust her as a doctor if I do that - and there's no way I can get the right cocktail of meds if I don't have the correct diagnosis.

I'm just very confused about what to do in this situation!

-Tara.

It's just hard because I can't even treat my depression as I just go manic when on antidepressants. But you're right - I should trust my doctor and I will take the medication that is given to me and tell them the truth and hope they can help me!

Thanks for your reply,

-Tara.

fadingstar said...
It's just hard because I can't even treat my depression as I just go manic when on antidepressants. But you're right - I should trust my doctor and I will take the medication that is given to me and tell them the truth and hope they can help me!

Thanks for your reply,

-Tara.

Hi Tara,

I'm not sure what antidepressants you have tried and I'm sure your psychiatrist is aware of medication side effects, but many antidepressants have black box warnings for young people under the age of 18 or even 21.

Here's a quote from a posting on NIMH:

In response, the FDA adopted a "black box" label warning indicating that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and adolescents with MDD. A black-box warning is the most serious type of warning in prescription drug labeling.

The warning also notes that children and adolescents taking SSRI medications should be closely monitored for any worsening in depression, emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior, or unusual changes in behavior, such as sleeplessness, agitation, or withdrawal from normal social situations. Close monitoring is especially important during the first four weeks of treatment. SSRI medications usually have few side effects in children and adolescents, but for unknown reasons, they may trigger agitation and abnormal behavior in certain individuals.

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/antidepressant-medications-for-children-and-adolescents-information-for-parents-and-caregivers.shtml

Please don't feel afraid of sharing your symptoms and concerns with your doctor. The more information your doctor has, the more they will be able to help you.

And give yourself a pat on the back for getting help for your mental health at your age. Early detection and treatment can only help you in your future:)

Fading star,
1 st,congratulations on dealing with these symptoms at such an early stage of your life..I think it is great..You have saved a lot of turmoil for yourself and the people you love. My life could have been a lot different if I would have been diagnosed sooner.
My symptoms began at age 14, I was always diagnosed with "severe depression" or ADD to account for the racing thoughts etc..I was just diagnosed at 35.
I had to try several medications before one helped but until it did The medication would make me manic, very manic, and the ones that did not help sent me into a spiral of depression. Once i did find the right medication and it took full effect I have been found to actually be a very pleasant, relaxed, "normal" person..people are just amazed.
I actually take a small dose anti-depressant, a mood stabilizer,and something for the ADD.
I got lucky finding a good doctor when dealing with some other health issues. I reiterated and reiterated what I was experiencing..only you know your body. If the doctor is not listening there are plenty of others out there that are great. Don't be afraid to bring it up again and again ..
Good luck seriously and will keep you in my thoughts..
Leslie

CamanoGirl said...
I have read statistics that it take's approximately 10 years to get a diagnosis of Bipolar. I have been on and off medications for my 'emotional' problems since I was 10. I was not diagnosed with Bipolar I until I was 36 years old. So hang in there. Keep track of your mood's, menstruation, and sleep. Keep coming back to this forum, lots of smart people to bounce idea's off of. Good luck.

I have read similar.  It was 17 years for me!!!!!