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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questioning diagnosis

deleted_user
deleted_user
I was diagnosed 2 months ago as bipolar II -- my pdoc thinks. I guess that after trying and failing at everything to treat my depression she's thinking I'm bipolar. The problem is I'm not manic or hypomanic in the classical respect. I just cycle between irritability and depression. My question is: How do I know? I've read everything I can get my hands on and I don't fit the criteria. I'm not staying up all night. (but, I have two small kids and I take a couple ativan to knock me out, so I don't know), I don't talk a lot. I never feel great about myself. I'm just angry, irritable and depressed. No med has ever work. I'm currently taking Geodon, Lexapro, wellbutrin and ativan. The Geodon helps in the morning, but at night I have lots and lots of anxiety and irritability. So, I'm thinking it's not going to work.

I guess I just wished I could know for sure at least if I knew my pdoc was right I could at least know what's wrong -- and identify with the bipolar community, but I don't know and I feel alone in it all.

Does any med ever help? If I am bipolar how long before I find something that works. How many different meds am I going to go on and off before I find the right one? (I've been on what seems a lot). Okay, I'm done, I'm just really confused. Does anyone have any answers?
deleted_user
deleted_user
i am going thru the exact same thing. i have been manic and hypomanic, but also not to a severe level...i think another doc could give you a second opinion and help a lot. good luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Greetings Erin,
I'm surprised to see that you aren't responding to your medication since you are on three medications that are used to treat depression. As far as the anxiety is concerned, it is not uncommon to see it go hand and hand with depression. Furthermore, Wellbutrin has been known to have some activating qualities and has been known to cause irritability in some individuals. Also, Seratonin reuptake inhibitors such as Lexapro and Wellbutrin have been known to cause manic tenancies in individuals who have Bipolar Disorder. Furthermore, most medications take at least 6 weeks to work.
tranquilrage
tranquilrage
I feel the same way. I would like to know how I can be sure its really confusing sometimes!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Like Juzme says, get a second opinion. I'm what they call a rapid cycler. My moods will go from irritable to depressed on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. If you have ever gone for several days without sleep. That is considered a hypomanic phase. It may take a while to find the right combo of meds for you. Most find their meds right away. I was hard to treat. I was diagnosed in 93 and finally found a combo that I would be able to stay on in 02. The only way to know for sure is to keep taking your meds and see if your moods stable out. That may take 3 to 6 weeks to work fully.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was diagnosed with BPI, nine years ago, and seen several pdocs and am currently being treated for it unsuccessfully. I've never had the highs of mania either. Just extreme irritablity. Just started going to new pdoc, was told I might be borderline, or borderline and bp, what the hell they don't know. Been on every combo known. and ect too. What the hell do they know? They know they get a good amt. of money from us nutcases, even if they can't treat us successfully. Good Luck! Sorry I can't give you hopeful advice.
deleted_user
deleted_user
just some words my doc told me. it's not the diagnosis as important as the treatment to get you better.
dobiedots
dobiedots
My small bouts of mania consist of irritability, angry and sometimes go into a rage.
I do not get that 'happy' manic people talk about. I'm bipolar.
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