Picali
08-04-2007, 04:29 PM
Hello to all,
I just wondered if any of you might have some thoughts on my situation? I was diagnosed with bi-polar II in the latter part of 2004. I was very depressed at the time and had experienced two bouts of depression before, once in 2000 and then again during the second half of 2001. During discussions, I thought that I had exhibited signs of hypomania prior to my depressive bouts, and the serious depression on 2003 (it lasted for 9 months) was punctuated by periods of high energy and bursts of creativity.
I was on medication for a year - lithium and a number of anti-depressants until they found something that worked. I came off the meds in 2005 and have been off now for just over two years without any problems or recurrences of mood difficulties, other than general stresses and strains of daily life.
I'm wondering if it is possible to be med-free and symptom free, particularly as the problems didn't start until I was twenty-seven? It's been seven years since the first bout and there have only been the two other bouts in that time. Most people I know with psychiatric problems have to either take the medication or suffer from relapses, usually around stressful events or major changes. Due to the fact that I've not had these problems, is it possible that I was mis-diagnosed? I personally feel that the problems I had related more to childhood issues that have at least been brought out into the open, if not resolved completely. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.
Many thanks.
I just wondered if any of you might have some thoughts on my situation? I was diagnosed with bi-polar II in the latter part of 2004. I was very depressed at the time and had experienced two bouts of depression before, once in 2000 and then again during the second half of 2001. During discussions, I thought that I had exhibited signs of hypomania prior to my depressive bouts, and the serious depression on 2003 (it lasted for 9 months) was punctuated by periods of high energy and bursts of creativity.
I was on medication for a year - lithium and a number of anti-depressants until they found something that worked. I came off the meds in 2005 and have been off now for just over two years without any problems or recurrences of mood difficulties, other than general stresses and strains of daily life.
I'm wondering if it is possible to be med-free and symptom free, particularly as the problems didn't start until I was twenty-seven? It's been seven years since the first bout and there have only been the two other bouts in that time. Most people I know with psychiatric problems have to either take the medication or suffer from relapses, usually around stressful events or major changes. Due to the fact that I've not had these problems, is it possible that I was mis-diagnosed? I personally feel that the problems I had related more to childhood issues that have at least been brought out into the open, if not resolved completely. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.
Many thanks.
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greenidme
08-04-2007, 10:34 PM
If your symptoms return- don't hesitate to contact your pdoc.
Does he/she know you are off meds? Do you see them anymore? Do you see a therapist for your childhood issues?
I'm no professional, but I do know if I go off my meds I have a relapse of symptoms that is very profound- suicidal depression in my case. So, it's nothing to play with. Hope this helps?
Does he/she know you are off meds? Do you see them anymore? Do you see a therapist for your childhood issues?
I'm no professional, but I do know if I go off my meds I have a relapse of symptoms that is very profound- suicidal depression in my case. So, it's nothing to play with. Hope this helps?
tsohl
08-04-2007, 11:52 PM
Hello,
It is always possible that a psychiatrist can make a mistake and misdiagnose. After all, there isn't a test that can be given to determine if there is mental illness present or not. Actually, that isn't quite true. You could go to one of a couple places that offer spectral imaging--these will show changes in the brain and you can see differences in the brains of unmedicated bipolars, those that are medicated and the control group ("normal" brain). This procedure is not widely used yet but it seems to be the way of the future.
It is not all that unusual to be diagnosed later in life. Statistically people wait an average of 8 years to seek treatment after noticing symtoms. Perhaps you were misdiagnosed, or perhaps you have just been extremely lucky and you haven't had a reccurence. That would be unusual but not impossible! Hope your good luck continues!!:angel:
Tsohl
It is always possible that a psychiatrist can make a mistake and misdiagnose. After all, there isn't a test that can be given to determine if there is mental illness present or not. Actually, that isn't quite true. You could go to one of a couple places that offer spectral imaging--these will show changes in the brain and you can see differences in the brains of unmedicated bipolars, those that are medicated and the control group ("normal" brain). This procedure is not widely used yet but it seems to be the way of the future.
It is not all that unusual to be diagnosed later in life. Statistically people wait an average of 8 years to seek treatment after noticing symtoms. Perhaps you were misdiagnosed, or perhaps you have just been extremely lucky and you haven't had a reccurence. That would be unusual but not impossible! Hope your good luck continues!!:angel:
Tsohl
Picali
08-05-2007, 11:48 AM
Hi,
Thanks for your replies. Green, I've had masses of therapy and I think that's the reason I feel it was 'past trauma' related - I feel so very different to the way I used to (and have done for a long time). Also, when I get stressed now I get very physical symptoms - headaches, upset stomachs and so on - I used to get 'hypomanic' or depressed.
Ts, thanks for the info - that brain imaging stuff sounds really interesting. I guess the best thing to do is just see how things go.
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your replies. Green, I've had masses of therapy and I think that's the reason I feel it was 'past trauma' related - I feel so very different to the way I used to (and have done for a long time). Also, when I get stressed now I get very physical symptoms - headaches, upset stomachs and so on - I used to get 'hypomanic' or depressed.
Ts, thanks for the info - that brain imaging stuff sounds really interesting. I guess the best thing to do is just see how things go.
Thanks for your help
tsohl
08-07-2007, 01:00 AM
Look for the work of Dr. Daniel Amen. There is an atlas of brain imaging that sounds very interesting.
greeneyedlady
08-08-2007, 11:06 PM
Hi back. Please don't give up. I was misdiagnosed for 20 years. The docs back then prescribed for every day (normal) depression. I knew that I was not right. The sleepless nights, the uncontrolable days of high energy then the drop into complete darkness, inner shakes that I know now is anxiety, expensive shopping. Does this sound familiar? I have now been working with a psychiatrist & psychologist for the past 2 years whom have LITERALLY saved my life. Now that bipolar is more prevalent going on-line and finding docs that specialize in bipolar is more easy. If you want to compare some stories of behavior, meds, anything and I mean anything I have been there. I am a PRIME example of what bipolar is. My therapist suggests I even write a book. She says I am a 5 star on recovery and others could really learn from my experiences. I have drastic stories with great recovery. :cool:
greeneyedlady
08-08-2007, 11:14 PM
Please don't go off meds. I suffered with seizures, rehabs, restraints, overdoses, alcohol abuse, suicide, severe paralyzing anxiety for 8 months after disgnosis. I played on and off with meds until I did almost die. I stopped breathing and my mom called 911 where I woke up 3 days later with tubes everywhere. Sooooooo, take your meds as prescribed. Don't play around like I did.
greeneyedlady
08-08-2007, 11:26 PM
Hello to all,
I just wondered if any of you might have some thoughts on my situation? I was diagnosed with bi-polar II in the latter part of 2004. I was very depressed at the time and had experienced two bouts of depression before, once in 2000 and then again during the second half of 2001. During discussions, I thought that I had exhibited signs of hypomania prior to my depressive bouts, and the serious depression on 2003 (it lasted for 9 months) was punctuated by periods of high energy and bursts of creativity.
I was on medication for a year - lithium and a number of anti-depressants until they found something that worked. I came off the meds in 2005 and have been off now for just over two years without any problems or recurrences of mood difficulties, other than general stresses and strains of daily life.
I'm wondering if it is possible to be med-free and symptom free, particularly as the problems didn't start until I was twenty-seven? It's been seven years since the first bout and there have only been the two other bouts in that time. Most people I know with psychiatric problems have to either take the medication or suffer from relapses, usually around stressful events or major changes. Due to the fact that I've not had these problems, is it possible that I was mis-diagnosed? I personally feel that the problems I had related more to childhood issues that have at least been brought out into the open, if not resolved completely. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.
Many thanks.
You really are off meds. I have often wondered if I would be on meds for the rest of my life. My psychiatrist & psychologist say that I will. Once truly diagnosed with bipolar always bipolar. I flare up even with my meds (which are the best ones yet). I also have to manage my stress with daily exercise, family support/understanding mood swings, private time, and other. I have issues that have surfaced from my childhood too. The issues however explain why - bipolar is the culprit. I can't believe you can stop meds. I would be so scared of relapsing. My experiences were so tragic. I have been with my psychologist continuously for 2 years. I guess I'm really deep?
I just wondered if any of you might have some thoughts on my situation? I was diagnosed with bi-polar II in the latter part of 2004. I was very depressed at the time and had experienced two bouts of depression before, once in 2000 and then again during the second half of 2001. During discussions, I thought that I had exhibited signs of hypomania prior to my depressive bouts, and the serious depression on 2003 (it lasted for 9 months) was punctuated by periods of high energy and bursts of creativity.
I was on medication for a year - lithium and a number of anti-depressants until they found something that worked. I came off the meds in 2005 and have been off now for just over two years without any problems or recurrences of mood difficulties, other than general stresses and strains of daily life.
I'm wondering if it is possible to be med-free and symptom free, particularly as the problems didn't start until I was twenty-seven? It's been seven years since the first bout and there have only been the two other bouts in that time. Most people I know with psychiatric problems have to either take the medication or suffer from relapses, usually around stressful events or major changes. Due to the fact that I've not had these problems, is it possible that I was mis-diagnosed? I personally feel that the problems I had related more to childhood issues that have at least been brought out into the open, if not resolved completely. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.
Many thanks.
You really are off meds. I have often wondered if I would be on meds for the rest of my life. My psychiatrist & psychologist say that I will. Once truly diagnosed with bipolar always bipolar. I flare up even with my meds (which are the best ones yet). I also have to manage my stress with daily exercise, family support/understanding mood swings, private time, and other. I have issues that have surfaced from my childhood too. The issues however explain why - bipolar is the culprit. I can't believe you can stop meds. I would be so scared of relapsing. My experiences were so tragic. I have been with my psychologist continuously for 2 years. I guess I'm really deep?
Picali
08-09-2007, 05:28 AM
Hi Green,
Thanks for your messages. I've been absolutely fine off meds, and it's that that makes me wonder that I was mis-diagnosed - I don't know of anyone with a serious psychiatric disorder (which of course bi-polar is) who can be med-free and problem free. People with bi-polar seem to have far worse symptoms than I have ever had, and an awful lot of problems to deal with (I don't mean that to sound rude at all). I just didn't have the same experiences that people with the disorder seem to have, which makes me wonder if I have it, particularly as I've been through some incredibly stressful experiences lately without any problems (they've been sustained as well, over almost a year now). I'm pretty sure I ought to have had an episode by now if I was bp.
Thanks for your feedback, it's given me a lot to think about :)
Thanks for your messages. I've been absolutely fine off meds, and it's that that makes me wonder that I was mis-diagnosed - I don't know of anyone with a serious psychiatric disorder (which of course bi-polar is) who can be med-free and problem free. People with bi-polar seem to have far worse symptoms than I have ever had, and an awful lot of problems to deal with (I don't mean that to sound rude at all). I just didn't have the same experiences that people with the disorder seem to have, which makes me wonder if I have it, particularly as I've been through some incredibly stressful experiences lately without any problems (they've been sustained as well, over almost a year now). I'm pretty sure I ought to have had an episode by now if I was bp.
Thanks for your feedback, it's given me a lot to think about :)