I've read many a report regarding IIH over the last year and a half. In many or these reports they touch on the one symptom of IIH we don't hear or talk much about....That is how IIH affects us mentally. And, I'm not talking about depression caused from having a chronic illness and losing our old selves. I'm talking about the psychological affects from the increased pressure on our brains. These studies/reports state that IIH is known to cause insomnia, depression and anxiety. I know at one time or another I've mentioned that once upon a time I had been diagnosed as being bipolar. Since that time, my doctors have questioned the reality of that diagnosis as I seem more "high functioning" than most of their bipolar patients. Several times, since my IH diagnosis, the question has come about as to whether or not I'm actually bipolar or whether or not the increased pressure is just having an affect on my moods. My doctors have been more inclined to believe the latter reasoning. That being said, I know many of you have indicated that you have had some psychological problems. I know a few of you have also been told that you are bipolar, while some have just been told that you suffer from anxiety and depression. I find it very interesting to know that there is a pretty solid chance that these mood fluctuations are caused by IIH. How has your illness affected you psychologically? What are you doing to treat this aspect of your disease...or can you (as many of the psych meds are known to cause weight gain and increased pressure)?

MM3