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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CAN BP AND PTSD S/S BE CONFUSED AND MIS DX?

arlene17
arlene17
I just wonder since I am newly dx since June and am working through several very painful things that maybe I have been misdx as bp and actually have s/s of PTSD?

Does anyone know if this is a common occurance and are the signs and symptoms similar to PTSD?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know of one person who was dx with BP for a few months only to find out a few months later it was PTSD so yes a misdiagnosis can occur. I don't know how common it is, but it did happen to someone I know and that's pretty close to home for me.
arlene17
arlene17
Thanks for the comment, I am going to ask about this at my next pdoc appt. Because this is really coming more clear as I work through some things.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sure that is possible. I have been diagnosed with both. In my case the trauma occurred during formative childhood years, so the PTSD symptoms manifested first. Hyper vigilance, avoidance, depression & panic attacks got really bad in adolescence which forced me to first see the pdocs. Then in my late twenties the bipolar symptoms started really showing up, particularly the mania & insomnia & I was officially diagnosed in June. Also there is a strong family history of bipolar. For me personally, the PTSD responds better to therapy while the bipolar has to be medicated. I understand everyone is different, but I hope this helps. Also see this:

http://www.bipolarworld.net/Phelps/ph_2002/ph836.htm
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am also confused on this issue arlene, as it applies to my 18 yr old daughter who was dx bipolar 3 yrs. ago. When I asked her doc she said that BP people often have trauma responses due to things that happened to them when they were manic. This makes sense for my daughter. She got herself into some very scary situations when she was newly hormonal and manic (think internet, older man etc.) She also hears voices..which can go along with either diagnosis.

But in the end, her doc says and I agree, the idea is to get stable. The right meds (esp. Lamictal) and a great therapist have really helped her. I wish the same for you!!
BTW, I'd be interested in what your doc says if you feel like sharing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know that my past trama affect my BP. I know I suffer from BP because my meds HELP me live... but definantly my other mental problems definantly help control/affect my bp. Does that make sence?
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