Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Am I bipolar?

bluesyone
bluesyone
Lately my parents say that I should get tested for bipolar disorder. I know I am ADD and have anxiety, but do I have bipolar tendencies? I mean, I understand that my emotions can be turned on and off like a light switch, and I can switch from one emotion to another in a snap. But other times I can have long terms where I am happy when I should be, and sad when I should be, and so on. I take venlafaxine for my ADD/anxiety and it helps, but my parents say they can still see the mood swings. I don't want to try any medications or therapists until I know for sure: am I bipolar?
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
ADD and bipolar have many similarities... It's not just moods that make a difference ...It's a mood disorder that is episodic and very extreme

I would ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist if you don't already see one for the ADD and he/she could assess you...x
Banshee67
Banshee67
Well until you do see a doctor you wont know. So no medication, no professional observation = no diagnosis.

Why would your parents assume that mood swings are strictly a bipolar trait? There are so many other disorders.

Whatever you do good luck
dobiedots
dobiedots
Tested? what kind of test?
dancingd
dancingd
As said before, only a qualifies psychiatrist can diagnose you as bipolar.

Mood swings that go on and off like a light switch , sound more like boarderline personality disorder.

But don't jump ahead of yourself or make assumptions...se a psychiatrist

Good luck
Banshee67
Banshee67
dobie- tested is the word the "norms" use when they don't know anything about MI but are trying.... I guess.

Get evaluated would be the correct terminology that is being missed.
Nester4U
Nester4U
I passed my first "Test" when they hauled me into the mental health center for evaluation bc my mother called the sheriff to come get me. I just got asked things like who were the last four presidents.Are you a fan of Justin Beiber? and I said no and the dude said I was perfectly sane and had no mental disorder. Sadly he was very wrong!

You need to go see a professional. I can see where ADD symptoms might mimic some bp tendencies personally. Good Luck!
dobiedots
dobiedots
Thanks Banshee! I actually had a "friend" who looked horribly depressed. I gently suggested she see a doc. She said no, she didn't need one because she was "tested" for bipolar.
I nearly shit.
I kept my mouth shut because I figured she was too stupid to argue with.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Mine was diagnosed with my super duper suicide attempt of taking a whole bottle of Elavil. Buy, hey, whatever works ya know?
spacekat
spacekat
dobiedots -- that's how my schizoaffective (bipolar subtype) was diagnosed. My mom called the cops on me thinking I was going to abuse her (I would NEVER do that). I was in a terrible, agitated, angry mood and as soon as I saw the cops I freaked. An ambulance came next and brought me to the funny farm intake advisor to evaluate me.
spacekat
spacekat
This was during a suicide attempt ...
dobiedots
dobiedots
Damn spacekat, I feel for you.
How are things today...how are you feeling?
You talked to your pdoc yes?
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