Posted by krazy kat on July 3, 2002, at 9:42:24
In reply to somebody please help me, posted by Mr. Scott on July 3, 2002, at 0:32:51
Mr. Scott:
First off, I am really sorry to hear about your pain, partly because I have been unaware of it in your other posts. Your post is "oh so familiar" to me and you've expressed the actions and feelings so well. I still find it amazing that women and men who have this illness can be so similar. So, yes, imho, you are Bipolar. I personally don't see any indication of ADHD, though you may find that a stim helps When on a mood stabilizer as it has me.
I am diagnosed "manic depressive" - was BPII at first, then changed to BPI because of the psychosis I have during mania. Your grandiose beliefs are probably "enough" to fit you in that category.
> I have had problems with my mood and behavior my whole life,
I'm glad you noted "behavior" here because BP is both a behavior disorder and a thought/perception disorder, not just mood, imo.
> although I’ve managed to be successful independently.
If it is BP, it gets worse with age, as I imagine you've heard, so bravo for seeking help now.
> As a child I was the fire starter, early drinker, drug user, violent tempered vandal punk with the BB gun and fireworks. At the same time I also had and have serious anxiety issues if you can believe such a combination.
That's not odd at all. What age are you indicating by "child"? BP usually starts in teenage years, though it can start earlier.
> I have a chronically bad mood that is irritable and anxious,
As an adult, I have too...
> in parts because I think it’s punctuated with a mild grandiosity and belief that I can do anything he/she can do. And often I find that I am as or more capable than others but have no ability to sustain it over time. I get bored,
Do you get bored, or do you get tired? The increase in your work and this grandiosity sound BP. My guess is you're actually cycling and the mania is evening off...
> I drink too much
Me, too, though it's better now... stabilizer helps.
> I am by definition EXTREMELY intense often very funny yet in terrible pain.Mania? I would say so.
> Sometimes I’m scared to go outside
This can be a component of depression - I have this too.
> Any reasonable amount of antidepressant makes me want to gnaw off my fingers in total agitation.Me too...
> And maybe its an undisciplined life, or maybe is bipolar disorder with substance abuse and anxiety… I don’t care anymore. Just somebody please help me.
Mr. Scott, this sounds so much like me. You are blaming yourself far too much. Go to your appt. Be sure to express how bad this is right now - I always made it seem like it was better than it was.
I think it's BP. I think (you know I'm not a Dr. or medical advisor, just a fellow sufferer) you need to take Lithium or Depakote (I take Depakote) with a stimulant since AD's are bad for you. I take Dep. + Concerta + Neurontin.
I did not do well on the newer stabilizers - you might. If the is some ADHD in there, the stim should help.
Let us know how it goes.
- kk
poster:krazy kat
thread:111259
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020628/msgs/111280.html