Am I crazy, or what?

[November Gypsy]

Gypsy, I think that "normal" is just something we strive for. (smile) No advice from me today. Just a hug.

I have 5 kids. 2 ADD, 1 rapid (uh - rabid?? ) cylcing bipolar, 1 deppression and 1 overachiever. I just love em and then love em some more. Oh, yeah, and go really gray haired (grin).

You sound like you know what you want and Jill and Bott have given you some great info. Hope it works for you. BTW, hows pretty baby??

Thanks for the hug. I could definately use lots of them! You are a brave woman. I'm sure you did a good job. Casey's great! We are having her take another hearing test though. We think she may not be hearing as well as we thought. Thanks so much for asking!

 

[November Gypsy]

November,

for answering my questions. I can see a correlation between bipolar and ADHD in the sense that both of them can be affected by one's environment.

For example, if I'm in a stressful situation, it can cause me to rapid cycle into mania, extreme irritability or severe depression. I can also have a mixed episode where I feel exicitable, manic, severely depressed and tired at the same time.

I also want to clarify that not everyone with bipolar experiences anger as a symptom. Many people mistakingly think that the two primary symptoms of bipolar are mania and anger, but this isn't true. Some people may have manic and depressive episodes while others with a milder form of bipolar called cyclothymia have episodes of mild hypomania and mild depression. There is also a another type of bipolar called bipolar two in which a person experiences hypomania (which is more severe than the mild hypomania someone with cyclothymia has) and severe depression.

In addition, there are a variety of other kinds of bipolar such as bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified), atypical bipolar one, bipolar one or two with psychotic features as well as bipolar one or two.

It's all very confusing, I know.

Try not to worry about the specifics involved with symptomotology. Write in a journal outlining your symptoms, when they occur, their duration and how you react to them. This will help give your psychiatrist a better idea of what is happening in order to help you best.

Thanks for clearing up about the anger thing! I didn't know that. I guess it's like how Hyperactivity can be part of ADHD but isn't always. My appointments tommorrow. I'll be keeping you informed.

 

[November Gypsy]

November,

I'm glad you emphasized the fact that ADD/ADHD affects people differently. I wasn't aware of that. Like I said, I do not know alot about this disorder. Much of the knowledge I have concerns mental illness.

The same can be said regarding bipolar. Some people with bipolar only experience mania and depression while others like myself also hear voices, have delusions and paranoia.

This is why it's so important for psychiatrists to look at their clients on an individual basis (rather than a "textbook case") since no condition or disorder affects everyone the same.

It's interesting because while ADHD is often over-diagnosised in kids, I've been told it's actually under-diagnosised in adults because people don't look for the right things. Like, in children, extreme hyperactivity where they obviously can't sit still and are consistantly into things help pin point ADHD...but in Adults 'hyperactivity' would be more likely to be manifested in reckless driving or forgetting to make appointments.

 

[jillio]

November,

I understand exactly how you feel. To give you a brief example why, I was misdiagnosed as having major depressive disorder with psychosis in 1991. I was put on Lithium and Prozac, but neither of these meds helped my severe depression or voices. My psychiatrist at the time switched me to Lithium and Paxil after several weeks and this worked out much better for me. I was still severely depressed at times, but not to the same extent as prior to my being on this med.

I also had manic episodes from time to time, but since I did not see them as problematic (nor did I understand what they were), I never discussed this with my psychiatrist. As a result, I was diagnosed with unipolar depression instead of bipolar.

It wasn't until I had my first manic/psychotic episode 3 years ago that I was finally treated for all of the symptoms I've had since age 20: severe depression, mania, psychosis, delusions and paranoia. I can still remember the attending psychiatrist who oversaw my case asking me "How are you feeling?" My response was "Better than I've felt in years" and it was no lie. I felt great. I was no longer hearing voices 24/7 nor was I delusional or paranoid. I also was no longer manic/excitable/irritable and I could think clearly for the first time in years.

I had 2 different diagnoses after that point. 12 months following my diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder bipolar type (which I was given while IP in 2006), I started having problems with rapid cycling, so my next psychiatrist (outpatient) diagnosed me with rapid cycling bipolar one.

I think that was a better description of what I had although it did not account for my psychosis that I continued to experience whenever I was manic or depressed.

It wasn't until December that I was finally given an accurate diagnosis for the first time in 18 years. My psychiatrist said I had atypical bipolar one with ultradian rapid cycling and based upon an hour long evaluation of my symptoms and mental health history displayed clear signs of this disorder since age 20. It made perfect sense because it explained all of my behavior from 1991 to the present.

I was also diagnosed with PTSD in January. My therapist thinks I've had this for the past 20 years but did not know it since I never discussed my traumas with anyone nor did I know what PTSD was. He knew immediately that I had PTSD after I started discussing my traumas and my reactions to them.

As far as ADHD is concerned, there are alot of things I do not understand.

If you (and Jillio) could answer the following questions to the best of your ability, I would appreciate it:

1. How does one differentiate between ADHD and bipolar? I know the symptomatology between both disorders is similar in nature, so how does tell the difference between the two? For example, how do you differentiate between someone who is having a manic episode vs. someone who is excitable due to ADHD?

Symptoms of Bi-polar Disorder and ADHD are not similar. The difference between the two is based on the different diagnostic criteria for both disorders. Mania is quite different from the reduced attention span and hyperactivity of ADHD.
2. What kind of meds are given for ADHD? Ritalin? Adderall? Are they taken on a PRN (as needed) basis or daily?

Meds are taken on a daily basis. In order to control ADD or ADHD, one needs to have a constant therapuetic dose in the blood stream.
3. Can people with ADHD benefit from psychotherapy?

Not necessarily psychotherapy, but behavioral therapies are quite effective.

4. Can ADHD reach the point where someone's functioning is severely limited? In other words, are there degrees of severity when it comes to ADHD?

All disorders occur on a continuum.
5. Are there coping mechanisms one can use to address ADHD symptoms or are they primarily treated by using meds and/or therapy?

Therapy teaches coping mechanisms and behavioral strategies.
6. Who do you see to treat ADHD? A psychiatrist? A GP?
A psychiatrist or a neurologist should be prescribing the meds. A psychologist or an LPCC or LPC can provide therapy.
Sorry for all of the questions, but in advance to you and/or Jillio for responding.

You're welcome.

 

[Hear Again]

Thanks again Jillio.

 

[Hear Again]

It's interesting because while ADHD is often over-diagnosised in kids, I've been told it's actually under-diagnosised in adults because people don't look for the right things. Like, in children, extreme hyperactivity where they obviously can't sit still and are consistantly into things help pin point ADHD...but in Adults 'hyperactivity' would be more likely to be manifested in reckless driving or forgetting to make appointments.

This is exactly why I confused hyperactivity with mania/manic episodes. I've always thought they were similar.

 

[Hear Again]

Thanks for clearing up about the anger thing! I didn't know that. I guess it's like how Hyperactivity can be part of ADHD but isn't always. My appointments tommorrow. I'll be keeping you informed.

You're welcome. I look forward to hearing about your appointment. Good luck.

 

[Hear Again]

I know very little about ADD/ADHD, so thank you November for educating me. I appreciate it.

 

[November Gypsy]

So, here is an update since seeing the doctor yesterday.

The appointment was, to put it lightly, a disappointment. She saw me for half-an-hour (though the schedualed time was a full hour) and was in an obvious hurry the whole time. She tried to hand me a new med for ADHD without discussing anything, but I asked her about mood stabilizers...and she agreed that BiPolar was a possibility. Then she got some literature on the disorder and sent me home with it, telling me to call her and tell her whether I wished to be treated for ADHD or BiPolar. Given my confusion on the whole subject, this is not what I wanted to hear.

My husband wants me to go with the ADHD med at least once more, and, probably he is right. I don't fit all of the symptoms of BiPolar, and even if I don't have ADHD, I know I have something going on. I just didn't expect to have to decide what I was going to be using for meds. I'm a little depressed right now about this. I'll get back to ya'll when I'm feeling a little less so. Thanks for your support and advice!

 

[Hear Again]

November,

I'm sorry your appointment didn't go very well.

I would highly recommend that you seek another opinion. It was irresponsible of your psychiatrist to send you home with literature in order to make a self-diagnosis. Shame on her for doing that.

I hope I haven't upset you by saying this. I just happen to feel strongly about psychiatrists who do not treat their clients well. I've had to deal with one myself for the past 1.5 years and I will never allow myself to be treated in the same manner again.

 

[Hear Again]

I wanted to add that bipolar isn't just treated with mood stabilizers. Antipsychotics, anti-depressants, benzos and/or sleep meds are also used in conjunction with mood stabilizers.

 

[November Gypsy]

November,

I'm sorry your appointment didn't go very well.

I would highly recommend that you seek another opinion. It was irresponsible of your psychiatrist to send you home with literature in order to make a self-diagnosis. Shame on her for doing that.

I hope I haven't upset you by saying this. I just happen to feel strongly about psychiatrists who do not treat their clients well. I've had to deal with one myself for the past 1.5 years and I will never allow myself to be treated in the same manner again.

Oh, no! You havent upset me at al. It's nice to hear my own opinion echoed by someone else. I feel a little cheatedand worse, let down. This probably stems from the fact that this whole thing is super important me right now and because it takes such a lot of courage from me to work myself up to go see a doctor at all. I realy have issues with that. I am feeling very foggy and confused right now, not very good at all. Thank you fery much for your help though. It's more appreicated then you know.

 

[Hear Again]

Oh, no! You havent upset me at al. It's nice to hear my own opinion echoed by someone else. I feel a little cheatedand worse, let down. This probably stems from the fact that this whole thing is super important me right now and because it takes such a lot of courage from me to work myself up to go see a doctor at all. I realy have issues with that. I am feeling very foggy and confused right now, not very good at all. Thank you fery much for your help though. It's more appreicated then you know.

I'm glad I didn't upset you by what I wrote.

You might want to get a second opinion. That's exactly what I did in December and I'm so glad I made that choice. For the first time in 18 years I was given an accurate diagnosis and was put on a new med regimen that is working great in addressing all of my symptoms. I still experience problems with rapid cycling, mania, mixed episodes and depression, but it is nowhere as severe as it was before I started my new med combo. Hang in there and don't give up. If you're patient, you WILL find a psychiatrist who will listen to you and treat you accordingly.

By the way, I can emphasize with your confusion. As I've mentioned in a previous post, I've had 5 diagnoses over the past 18 years. Thanks to my new pdoc, I now have an accurate diagnosis which accounts for the symptoms I've had ever since 1991. While a diagnosis isn't everything, it feels good knowing that I am no longer fighting an invisible demon. Once you know what you are dealing with, it's much easier to educate yourself on your disorder, illness, condition, etc. and comply with treatment.

 

[Hwy99]

Hear_Again,

You say that you take the prozac? My mom is taking that medicine. I wonder if her kind of major depression could affect me since I was born from her? I was asked by her if I ever been depressed for no reason and I told her yes, she said that she felt the same.

And November, glad that you found out

 

[Hear Again]

Hear_Again,

You say that you take the prozac? My mom is taking that medicine. I wonder if her kind of major depression could affect me since I was born from her? I was asked by her if I ever been depressed for no reason and I told her yes, she said that she felt the same.

And November, glad that you found out

I take Prozac for my bipolar depression and it works pretty well for me. I've had a depressive episode for the past several days, but I'm feeling better now.

Depression is genetic, so if your mother has major depression, there is a possibility that you could develop it as well. It's also possible that you won't.

There are alot of factors that go into determining who will or won't experience depression or any other form of mental illness. Environment and stress can also have an implact.

Some people who have a history of depression, etc. in thier family never go on to develop depression themselves.

I wouldn't be too concerned, but if you notice a change in your mood, you may want to see a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

Note that GPs (medical doctors) do not know alot about psychotropic meds (like Prozac) or how to treat mental illness and/or depression, so that's why it's best to see a psychiatrist.

I hope this helps.

 

[Hwy99]

I take Prozac for my bipolar depression and it works pretty well for me. I've had a depressive episode for the past several days, but I'm feeling better now.

Depression is genetic, so if your mother has major depression, there is a possibility that you could develop it as well. It's also possible that you won't.

There are alot of factors that go into determining who will or won't experience depression or any other form of mental illness. Environment and stress can also have an implact.

Some people who have a history of depression, etc. in thier family never go on to develop depression themselves.

I wouldn't be too concerned, but if you notice a change in your mood, you may want to see a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

Note that GPs (medical doctors) do not know alot about psychotropic meds (like Prozac) or how to treat mental illness and/or depression, so that's why it's best to see a psychiatrist.

I hope this helps.

Okay thanks, I will keep my eyes on that.

 

[Hear Again]

Okay thanks, I will keep my eyes on that.

You're welcome.

 

[jazzy]

Dogmom and Jazzy: thank you for your input. I definately get where you are coming from. Don't worry too much. I'm not sitting here self-diagnoising myself. I'm just trying to get some ideas, as much to allievate the anxiety I sometimes I have over it. There is something that isn't working 'correctly', that I know. I also know that I have never desired to be like everyone else (if such a thing is really possible) so it's not that I want some magic pills and a label so I can get back to normal. I don't know what normal is. I just want to be able to be me in a safe, healthy way that allows me to be the best me I can be. Right now, I am not at that point. Thanks so much for the advice!

Yeah I remember the feeling being normal and I wish I still have it everyday but it does not work this way. I still have out of control hormones, and the medicines are no longer work so I will see my specialist next month. I will probably have to take stronger medicine which will make my stomach ache and possible more moody. I do know stress do effect my mood disorder so are sugars. I took mood stablizer for few weeks and it is not normal for me cuz there is no yes/no in it. Just feel nothing and empty and no mind of own. Just say yes to everything and it is more dangerous to me IHMO. Plus mood stablier caused alot pain in my arms.
My husband has anixety disorder and is on anti-depression pills because of his chronic pain. I had to made him to take those medicine cuz I can not stand see him sit in the corner and cry for no reason. We went to pain managment doctor last week and I told her, stay same medicine and not need to increase dose for him to take it. Till medicine is no longer work for him then increase dose. His doctor told him as long as he has pain he will always be in deep depression so he may have to take anti-depression for rest of his life. So I do understand where you are at right now. I am sorry you have to deal with it and hopefully you do not have bi-polar just alike everyone is trying to tell you just like they did try to tell me that I had bi-polar because I had mood swings. I still have it but not bad as it was before.

Good luck finding balance within yourself.

May I suggest, take yoga class or mediation to feel peace within. It wonder work for me.

jazzy

 

[Hear Again]

jazzy,

You may want to let your doctor know that you feel emotionless while on a mood stabilizer. Your dose can be adjusted accordingly. I felt the same way after I started taking Depakote 3 years ago for my bipolar. Fortunately, this gradually disappeared within the first 2 weeks of taking my initial dose. Having said that, I'm just now finding out what it feels like to experience true emotions. Until now, I always felt flat and could not cry even if something was very upsetting or disturbing. Thanks to my new med regimen, I'm able to feel emotions for the first time since 1995 after I lost my hearing.

 

[Hear Again]

I would like to re-emphasize the fact that no one here is diagnosing November. All we are doing is suggesting that she seek another evaluation from a psychiatrist in order to receive an accurate diagnosis. It is not professional of a psychiatrist to send their client home with literature and request that they diagnose themselves. Whoever that psychiatrist was ought to have their medical license revoked.