irritability as a symptom - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

americandancer · 06-08-2005, 10:41 AM

I have read reesie's newbie primer, but I am still confused. Can you just be irritable and that be considered manic, and then be anxious or sad and that be the depression side of bp? I know some on the board were misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and then find out they are bp. Is that the norm? If an anti-depressant is not helping the anxiety or depression, then does that mean a mood stabilizer is needed instead or in addition to the ad? Do you have to be on both? Is zyprexa a mood stabilizer?

Human Child · 06-08-2005, 12:31 PM

Americandancer,

Greetings.

I'm no expert (just recently dx a few months ago) so I'm hesitant to offer my two cents worth. But for what it's worth - my understanding is that irritability canbe/is a symptom of mania. Also, can be a symptom of mixed and depressed states.

I would look to see if other symptoms of mania are present along with the irritabilit. Decreased need for sleep, pressured/rapid speech, impulsiveness, risky behavior, promiscuous behavior, impaired judgment, racing or irrational thoughts - etc.

Feeling sad can be part of depression. Again, consider other symptoms -such as isolating from others, failing to find pleasure in things that normally bring pleasure, feeling like everything is too much work and everything is pointless, etc.

Best wishes
HC