Hey Hooiser...... - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

kc_1309 · 11-08-2003, 10:12 AM

Hi. I had a few questions for you. You replied to a thread about "Bipolar, ocd or both"...and on that reply you mentioned something about criteria for different types of Bipolar disorder. So far this is what I have for a question- I tend to ramble when i write so please bare with me....if it makes no sense and you reply..i will do my best to fix it then. lol.

I noticed you commented on Bipolar II and something about not having to meet the criteria for an 'manic episode' and that interested me. I have been informally diagnosed, with bp disorder. The medication that I am taking seems to work for a few months (sometimes less), then my symptoms return, and they increase my medication. It's almost as if I get immune to the medication after so long.
After reading your post about everyone not meeting the 'manic episode' for BP II, I started wondering...maybe thats me. I definately meet the depressive episodes....no problem there. And it seems like my mood shifts were more rapid before I started the medication. The problem is...my doctor doesn't (and has never) discussed whether he thinks I have "Bipolar disorder" and if so...which one or how i meet the criteria. I'm not sure which way this was suppose to be done, because I realize there is no textbook case...in situations such as these.
I am just not sure I meet many of the criteria for the 'manic episodes' and frankly, that frighens me. I can say which ones I have experienced, but you lost me with all of that "how many times per day and for how long (duration)" stuff. * Sorry, I really have a hard time understand what i read...if any of you have been on wacky meds...or switched and switched...and switched...hopefully you can relate. I do get in EXTEREMLY IRRITIBLE MOODS, i most certiantly experience SPENDING SPREES that are beyond the normal shopping expedition, i have a problem with drugs (pain killers and PILLS), i tend to be AGRESSIVE, but i'm not sure if this fits because i would not say that I am ever the classic "up all night" "never need sleep" typical manic case. I don't have much information (or any as that goes) on bipolar II and your comment struck my interest. My doctor mentioned Lithium if this medication doesn't work after the next few increased and after reading what you wrote...i started thinking maybe i should look into things on my own before going onto a drug that targets primarliy Manic states.

-KC

2SarniesShort · 11-08-2003, 10:24 AM

"After reading your post about everyone not meeting the 'manic episode' for BP II, "

what is this thread called, I'm interested.
Irrtability can be present rather than happy happy joy joy, but you need to match a few other criteria as well.

HoosierBj · 11-08-2003, 10:37 AM

I think you picking up on a possible Bipolar II diagnosis shows some real initiative on your part.
Have you ever flat out asked your doctor what the working diagnosis is for you? Anyone over 18 has an absolute right to know what they have. And as far as I'm concerned anyone under 18 should too, especially if the diagnosis is certain...

Anyways, since I'm Type I and much more familiar with that I didn't end up branching out into the other forms of Bipolar Disorder in the other post you mentioned.
Instead of manic periods a Bipolor II will have hypomania, along with the major depressions and periods of normal behavior.
Here's a good description of some hypomanic behavior. Keep in mind that alot of people have some of these symptoms - and not everyone who is "moody" fits the criteria (the day/# of symptom stuff) to belong to the Bipolar Club ( you just have to pity them, huh??!!)

Hypomania

Increased energy
Increased activity
Decreased need for sleep
Increased confidence
Sexual drive increase
Poor judgement
Impulsive behavior
Euphoria or irritability
Sometimes grandiosity
Friends & relatives notice that the behavior is not usual
NO psychosis present (it's present in about 50% of Bipolar I's)

To add to the fun, you can still have mania without having EVERY single one of the symtoms for full-fledged mania...
And I couldn't spot what medication you doctor has you on presently?
Lithium can be used for any Bipolar mood disorder and actually works best on the mania or hypomania - some people need something for the depression still. I've been on Lithium since 1985 and have not had ONE manic period. (Side effects, sure, but for me they're well worth putting up with for what I've gotten in return..)
Next stop is your doctor. Ask him what diagnosis he/she is working under for you.
And thanks for wading thru all of this!!!!

2SarniesShort · 11-08-2003, 10:45 AM

yo kc,
for instance i have just had a bp rapidish cycing DX (does that make me bp II?)
anyway here's my checklist

Increased energy yep
Increased activity yep
Decreased need for sleep yep
Increased confidence yep
Sexual drive increase yes yes yes
Poor judgement yes
Impulsive behavior a little
Euphoria or irritability irritability
Sometimes grandiosity no, I am very humble
Friends & relatives notice that the behavior is not usual only when really bad
NO psychosis present (it's present in about 50% of Bipolar I's) yep I'm sane.

scary when you look at it like that!

kc_1309 · 11-08-2003, 11:08 AM

Okay...now i'm really confused. Anyhow..i will try to fill in some information. The original thread was called...."Bipolar...OCD...OR both" (for whoever asked that question.

My doc has me on Topomax. Which, in the beginning I was rapid cycling between being 'okay' (not extremely happy) and extremely sad (meaning crying all the time for absolutely no reason with little trigger. Since the Topomax...the mood swings have became farther apart...but sometimes I get really depressed and it lasts for weeks.... my doctor has never said that he thinks I have BIPOLAR DISORDER in so many words. He just gives me meds. This is the tenth one. I have been on prozac, effoxor, wellbutrin, paxil, all of the anti-anxiety meds you can name b/c i think he thought this was all in my head at one point. etc. The only thing we HAVE established is that I have a mood problem. And the only reason I know that is b/c he writes me a prescipriton for drugs when i go there.

So naturally when i read your post...i got to thinking, I don't think I ever get to the point where I don't need sleep. My thoughts race...i can't slow down my mind, YES. But I don't ever have increased desire for sex either. I have spending sprees...uncontrollable irrational ones...man i'm confused. I started to think that if i don't have the "MANIC" signs...how can i be biplar? And since my DR isn't giving me much insight...i turned to you guys.

Since he increased my topomax when its effectiveness seems to dampers, i am thinking that after so long...he is going to want to try Lithium. I have heard that Lithium targets the Manic side of Bp. So if i am NOT experience the real MANIC side...or many of the manic symtpoms...if mine are primarely depressive...bawling ...i am useless and irritable...yadda yadda...will that help me? Gosh please tell me i didn't waste my time and this post made at least SOME sense. KC