how do i get this through??? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

SuchGreatHeight · 05-25-2006, 08:13 PM

I have Schizoaffective d/o, type unclear. I was told that antidepressants wouldnt help me (by my pdoc), but yest he still claims he completely agrees with the schizoaffective dx. So maybe he is leaning toward an actual re-dx of bipolar type?

Anyway...basically, he is trying to tackle one thing at a time. In which psychosis is the major part at the moment. However, this sparks problems. My moods fluctuate, and fluctuate hard. I seem to be a ultra-rapid cycler, so it is getting pretty ***** rediculous.

My depression is the bigger problem, (hypo)mania being a second, when it comes to my moods. And the last time I was on Effexor it shot me up into hypo-land.

How can i hurry things on on my mood stablizers? Any info for the doc? for me? The parental dont believe my mood is a problem, being my mania is nothing compared to most and my depression is in shorter episodes (being before major depressive episodes lasted for years). so count them out on helping.

Getting..a..bit...frustrated......with everyone

Thanks,
SGH

cinemachick · 05-25-2006, 10:02 PM

I can see your frustration! My doc won't put me on anti-depressants because I am schizoaffective bipolar type with the ultra-ultra-ultra rapid cycling

. The moods are quite intense, but everyone recognizes that as being a problem. I go into hypomania, but it is dangerous because I feel absolutely fine and will stop taking meds. BTW, Effexor did the same thing to me.

Mood stabilizers, at least to me, seem to take forever to work. Unfortunately, after about a few weeks of them working, they die on me. Hopefully, that won't be the same case for you.

What helps is having a support group. Waiting for medications to kick in might make you feel helpless or depressed.

I heard that rapid cyclers are the hardest bipolars to treat. Anti-depressants make the cycling worse, and sometimes mood stabilizers don't work either.

I hope everything turns out all right. Let me know how everything turns out.

SuchGreatHeight · 05-26-2006, 02:55 PM

Thanks, cinemachick.

I am also usually an ultradian cycler. I had my first three-four day hypomania period a few weeks ago, then following a huge major depressive episode.

I'm kind of hoping the hypomania days will help the doctor decide whether or when he should start mood stabilizers.

I've also heard that ultradian/ultra-rapid cyclers are more treatment resistant. I just need to actually find out if that is the case for me. If it is, aleast I'll have my foot in the door. Right now Im just hanging.

And I'll make you a deal? I'll keep you updated if you do the same? Our experiences seem much of the same.

SGH