Posted by detroitpistons on March 15, 2006, at 9:27:15
In reply to Re: Never thought I'd hear this..... » detroitpistons, posted by SLS on March 15, 2006, at 7:40:42
> Some pretty heady people are now proposing that there is an affective-spectrum within which both bipolar and unipolar exist along a continuum. They propose that they really aren't separate disorders.
>Dr. Phelps
> Although there might be a few instances where someone without a bipolar disorder can be induced to experience mania, my guess is that this represents a small minority of manic reactions to antidepressants.
>I think I've read this elsewhere as well. I think it is the opinion of certain doctors too. If it's true, then I am more than likely bipolar. If I am bipolar, then I've had several episodes of depression before ever getting hypomanic. I understand that this is entirely possible. Earlier in my life, I remember certain features of hypomania--the irritable kind. There were times where I would push people away because of my irritability and anxiety and constant worry. But I don't ever remember being highly agitated, having racing thoughts, severe insomnia, etc. I do remember short periods where I had trouble sleeping. Of course, just because I don't remember doesn't necessarily mean it didn't happen.
> Manic events are not limited to hypomania as they are in bipolar II. Supposedly, we will see this bipolar III diagnosis in the next DSM.
>I agree that the next DSM will be more robust and inclusive and better recognize the bipolar spectrum.
> One way to help clarify this issue would be to identify the other signs and symptoms that cluster together to indicate bipolarity, and to determine the coefficient of correlation to determine the degree of association. For instance, with me:
>
> 1. Early age of onset - 10-13 years old
>I think I had my first major depressive episode in my early twenties. I've read that first episodes in the late teens/ early twenties is a soft sign of bipolar. In my teens and prior, I think I had mostly anxiety and dysthymia. I may have also been a bit cyclothymic.
> Can you describe your manic reaction in more detail?
Well, I started taking the Effexor and was no longer depressed after about 6 weeks, but I still didn't feel "right." I still felt anxious. Over the course of the next couple of months, it became worse. I started noticing that I couldn't concentrate on anything at work (at the time I thought I had suddenly developed ADD). I was easily distracted and I couldn't focus on one thing at a time. My thoughts were racing. I became extremely agitated, nervous, and anxious. I had much less patience and I was easily irritated. I felt like I could blow up on someone at any time, as I had done to one of my bosses in the past (while on Paxil) and nearly got fired. I just felt more impulsive, angry, and aggressive. I had way too much energy. I actually did some cleaning (I normally have a very difficult time cleaning--I wait till something is covered in dust to clean it). None of this was pleasant, however, and at the time, I had thought that mania/ hypomania was supposed to feel good. My doctor explained that this wasn't necessarily the case. I've learned a lot since then. I should also add that I was seeing things out of the corners of my eyes, hearing quick sounds, and feeling sensations in my legs like my phone was going off when it wasn't, for instance. These were relatively mild hallucinations.
> It is possible that you will need some sort of biological treatment indefinitely. One can only guess. However, it does seem that you need it right now.
>I'm up to 200 mg of Lamictal and it has calmed me down a lot.
Thanks for your response, Scott. It was very insightful.
poster:detroitpistons
thread:620137
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060315/msgs/620548.html