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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Wrong diagnosis??

frusciante
frusciante
First off, I'm a recovering drug addict/alcoholic. I was diagnosed as bipolar 11 years ago.. I was stil using and drinking, of course I never told them about that.
I've been thinking about this a while and I am thinking of getting myself reevaluated.
I have several friends that were possibly wrongly diagnosed. Of course when they were diagnosed with bipolar, they never mentioned the drinking or using. Like me. I just assumed it had nothing to do with that, just that I was incredibly fucked up naturally!!
I've just noticed this becoming a trend lately. And from my experience going in and out of psych wards for about 10 years, I know that most doctors are pretty bipolar happy...
Of course, like I said, I plan on being reevaluated now that I am sober/clean, but I'm curious as to know how much this really happens? Or if I truly am bipolar...is it the bipolar that's telling me I'm NOT bipolar?? lol

Thanks :D
mayismerry
mayismerry
It is very common for people with bipolar self medicate by abusing alcohol and drugs and becoming wild addicts. I have a co morbid diagnosis of bipolar 1 with substance abuse/ alcoholism. But I never got sober until I started therapy and skills. I got sober with Antabuse and found the right mood stabilizer. Although I use lower doses now on meds I still suffer the swings..which become aggravated with changes in restful sleep and too much light. I chose to stay on the meds that work more than half way decent instead of constant experimentation. When I was a full blown alcoholic I never stayed on routine or cared to stay on a sleep schedule. I was all over the board.
tommymott
tommymott
I don't know about docs being "bipolar happy". They typically work from the symptoms and other information presented. If you haven't been forthcoming in the past then you've been cheating yourself out of effective treatment.

There's a certain level of denial that many of us experience, that has no connection to bipolar. The important thing is to get effective treatment for your symptoms.
mayismerry
mayismerry
I used to be called a rapid cycler when I was drinking. This changed after becoming sober AND most importantly got on a routine and accepted that the sleep cycle was key.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I agree that it's very common for people with bipolar to self medicate pre diagnosis...
Some symptoms of addiction can be symptoms of BP as well.... If you think you haven't had symptoms of BP since being sober it might be a good thing to have another consultation...
On the other hand when stabilized on the right medication and without symptoms we can come to the conclusion we're 'cured' as opposed to controlled on the right meds... I hope you'll work with your doctor
I wish you well...x
chris38
chris38
I think you should tell your dr everything...good luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
my diagnosis has flip-flopped a few times now, each one a bit crappier than the last. i have also read more than a few posts here about members being initially misdiagnosed w/ depression, then going manic on antidepressants alone.

if you have doubts in your mind, then i think a re-evaluation is a good idea.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I didn't get my diagnosis until I was clean and sober. I just thought I was normally screwed.

Good luck with your diagnosis.
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