Posted by shoebox on September 23, 2003, at 20:25:08
In reply to Re: Depression or Bi-Polar: How do I know? » prodgirl, posted by katia on September 23, 2003, at 14:46:48
It can take a long time for bipolar disorder to fully manifest; I was treated with antidepressants for ten years or more, and finally had a manic episode in 2000 (after a severe depression and subsequent massive doses of SSRIs), at which point my psychiatrist diagnosed me as Bipolar II. Insomnia is a hallmark of bipolar disorder. I know this is true for depression also, but the insomnia I suffered during the years I was "only" depressed would ebb and flow. My insomnia as a BP is constant. If I do not take some sort of sleep medication, I cannot sleep. Whether or not it's psychological is a moot point, really, because it doesn't take much for a "physical" insomnia to become a psychologically-based insomnia. The same could probably be said for most mood disorders.
Your insomnia could very well be a symptom, Bipolar disorder is VERY complex--there really is no "official list" of symptoms. There are different types and subtypes, with variations in severity, cyclical nature, overlap with personality disorders--the only way to really "know" you are bipolar is to try a mood stabilizer and see if it helps. In all the years I was on ADs, I felt "better" to a greater or lesser extent, but I can't say i ever felt "good" for long. For one thing, ADs tend to cause anxiety. After being so depressed you can't get out of bed, having that AD "jazzed up" feeling can seem like a good thing, but over time it wears you thin. I never felt truly serene until I was put on a mood stabilizer. I am still tweaking my ADs, but the mood stabilizer (I am on Lamictal now) has taken the "AD edge" off.
I wouldn't worry so much if I were you about the "name" of what you have--treating the symptoms and getting better are what matter.
> Hi,
> How old are you now?
> it's tough to figure out. I'm bipolar after a year of being on ADs to no relief, I finally figured it out. What helped me was this board, reading up on it from websites like www.psycheducation.com? I think that's the address. Read the parts on bipolar and see if it sounds familiar. And also by finding the right doctor.
> good luck trying to figure it out.
> Katia
> > I have shown symptoms of depression since I was 10 or 11 years old. Seven months ago, I finally decided I was not living my life, and my depression had taken over me.
> >
> > I started on Lexapro, having to up the doseage twice because it "pooped out" on me. We then changed to Effexor XR, which I am at 150mg a day. My mood is tolerable, but certainly not "myself". Although I take Tradazone, I still have problems sleeping. In fact, I take it every night, as I don't sleep well without it.
> >
> > I have been told that the reason the meds are not working is because I could be BiPolar. In my research, I definately do not fit the textbook description. It's only been seven months and two different meds. I know it will take time, but I'm just wondering if I am telling my shrink the right things, maybe I am BiPolar with long cycles and just don't see it.
> >
> > Comments from the peanut gallery?
> > prodgirl
>
>
poster:shoebox
thread:262548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030923/msgs/262772.html