Posted by Tabitha on June 7, 2002, at 4:42:16
In reply to Re: rediagnosis: bipolar II, posted by LRS on June 6, 2002, at 19:33:57
I had a similar experience to LRS, for many years diagnosed unipolar depressed instead of BPII, since I kept the details of the upswings hidden from the doctor. I think it was embarrasement over the behavior and also true ignorance that the symptoms were actually "symptoms". I only knew about the symptoms of full-blown mania, which I didn't have.
I don't notice any effect of mood stabilisers, just the absence of hypomanic periods.
I also tried going on and off treatment several times, but the depression was unbearable. I haven't tried going off the stabilisers though, too afraid of wrecking my relationships and reputation with nutty behavior. Whenever I start doubting that I need the stabilisers, I look at my journal writings from my last upswing. Scary crazy obsessed babbling!
poster:Tabitha
thread:108402
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020602/msgs/109040.html