Is this Bi-Polar Disorder?

Hi Guys,

My sister is being queried for BP (I think its BP1 but they are not sure) and on the surface it does sound like BP. She has depressive and manic episodes etc... but there is something that doesnt fit. She has auditory hallucinations. These cant be caused by meds as the AD she is on she has had before without any problems and she has had the hallucinations prior to starting Serequol(sp). Could this be BP or is my gut reaction right that there is something else/different going on? Also, any info on serequol would be greatly appreciated.

Darren

Yeah, people can hear things in a manic state I think. I'm only Bipolar II, so I've never really experienced that. As far as Seroquel, I just started it a few weeks ago. I can't raelly comment on any of the positive effects, but I know it does knock you nearly out cold. That wouldn't be so bad for me but it's the end of the semester so I have been sleeping through class... it's that strong. I figure my body will adjust soon enough, and It'll start helping me out.

Hi Darren,

Hallucinations can be bp in advanced stages. I'm so sorry about your sister. There is also a version of bp that is called schizoaffective disorder. Here's a link:
www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLid=54&Contentid=23043

serafena

Im not sure how often the hallucinations are as it is difficult to talk to anyone and my sister cannot reliably tell me anything. I never thought about Schizo-Affective Disorder... I will definately have a look at that.

Thanks Guys and Gals

Darren

Hi Darren

My hubbie is severely BP1 and we think he has definately had auditory hallucinations. In fact we were only discussing this with a friend the other day. However, another thing to think about is that my hubbie and I have noticed that when he is in an elevated state his hearing becomes super sensitive (apparently this is true for a lot of people in this phase) and he can hear things that I cannot. So it is a possibility with him that it is not actually having auditory hallucinations sometimes just 'better' hearing.

Also I have posted on this before but my hubbie has had (and continues to have) a very positive effect from the Seroquel. It is the only think which has worked to get him to sleep and after months of insomnia last year has literally been a lifesaver for him. He takes 2 tablets each night and within about 45 mins feels sleepy and relaxed. Also (and I know others have had bad experiences with feeling dopey the next day) he gets up and feels good pretty much straight away. He tried lots of other things and they all made him feel like a zombie the day afterwards and Seroquel luckily doesn't do that to him.

Good luck with your sis, like sukay said she is very lucky to have you.

Honey Bee

Post Edited (Honey Bee) : 12/5/2007 3:08:13 PM (GMT-7)