Posted by brynb on September 17, 2012, at 12:57:05
I've been struggling with the "type" of mood disorder I have. I don't mean to get hung up on labels, I just think it would help explain a lot of things, and there's also some comfort in putting a name on something that has consumed my life.
I've seen many pdocs over the past 10 or 12 years, and I was typically diagnosed with MDD or MDD with GAD. A few have suggested Bipolar 2. I don't know that I've ever really worked with someone carefully and long enough to make a definitive diagnosis. That is my intention with my current pdoc.
I'm reading "Why Am I Still Depressed?" by Jim Phelps, MD. He states "one of the most important markers" of bipolar is "depression that keeps coming back." He also claims that people with "true Major Depression" only experience one or two episodes a lifetime. Based on these statements, it seems MANY of us here fall somewhere on the bipolar spectrum. I usually have around three or so depressive episodes a year. And while Lexapro helps with day to day symptoms, it never prevents an episode and always poops out if used alone.
So, how much clout does this theory have? What are your experiences? Feedback?
Thanks, all.
poster:brynb
thread:1025873
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120912/msgs/1025873.html