Living with Bipolar Disorder - part 1

Courtesy of http://www.genericforyou.com - Patients talk about diagnosis and living with Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder, which is also referred to as bipolar affective disorder or manic depression, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes. The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes, or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood; but, in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to such psychotic symptoms as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Bipolar
• Disorder
• manic
• depression
• patients
• psychiatric
• diagnosis
• spectrum

[DarKool81]

There seems to be an "I want to be bipolar" craze happening at the moment. Whether it's because they identify it with the artistic temperament or because they want an excuse for having a fucked up life, I don't know. It is a serious mental illness. Those people who really have it, don't fucking want it.

[lilithrozz]

the bad thing about the mania is that i cant sleep :/

[GlenEricFM]

Medication is not good for some people!

It's a terrible method for some!

It's chemicals remember that!

I am Bipolar 1 Severe, I have been taking meds for YEARS!

I am off them and doing things that I have never done, and I am so talented in things I never knew!

It's because I found someone who supports me.. and cares...

I have ADHD and uploaded some videos of me doing MULTIPLE things at once while performing paintings on my computer without knowing I had the talent!

[ThisIsAutism]

@TheSunOceanMoon You are welcome. If you ever have any questions on mental disorders or psychotropic medications you can ask me. I won't always know the answers but if I am unsure or don't know I will do my best to find it and direct you toward accurate and reliable information. I am not a medical professional and I do not give out medical advice. I just share information.

[TheSunOceanMoon]

@ThisIsAutism THANK YOU FOR CORRECTING ME!!

[ThisIsAutism]

@ThisIsAutism Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are possible in both types of bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling and ultra rapid cycling can also be present in both types, which can make it difficult for doctors to distinguish between them unless the patient has been hospitalized for mania. Also, if a patient has experienced a mixed episode, then they are automatically diagnosed with Bipolar I. The information I have posted here is based on the current diagnostic guidelines.

[ThisIsAutism]

@ThisIsAutism In Bipolar II the patient has to have experienced a hypomanic episode as well as a major depressive episode. Bipolar I patients are not required to have experienced a major depressive episode although there are few people who only have mania. The criteria for a hypomanic episode are the same as for a manic episode except that it has to last for at least four days and does not cause significantly impaired functioning or result in hospitalization.

[ThisIsAutism]

@TheSunOceanMoon Actually, the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is the severity and type of manic episodes. In Bipolar I, the patient has to have experienced a manic episode that either lasted for at least a week and significantly impaired functioning or that resulted in hospitalization. Bipolar I can also be diagnosed if the patient has experienced a mixed episode, which is when the criteria for both mania and depression are both met every day for at least a week.

[ellebassable]

@lilithrozz I hate having to take the sleeping pills!

[ellebassable]

I find my anxiety so much greater now that I have been diagnosed. When I'm manic i focus so much on not letting others hear my ramblings and confusion I get panic attacks constantly. On the other side, when I'm depressed I focus on my thoughts to make sure I'm not suicidal that I start getting panic attacks. Yeah! Bipolar! :) Gotta laugh about it while I can!

[BecciT089]

Because of the 'Bi-polar craze' I can't get the help I need. I was supposed to start on Quatiapine. but I changed doctors, so they put me on Lustral that is a major depressive tablet.It made me manic and I lost my house..Now I have no help. My boyfriend finds it hard.. I'm loosing everything, I'm loosing my mind..I want the help now, but by the time I get it I'm manic and I don't need their help. Everyone around me is wearing me thin They keep on about getting help but what can I do??