Bipolar Disorder, Hypomania, Cyclothymia, Unipolar Mania????

Reecently I have been seeing a therapist and am going to see a psychiatrist soon.  They think that I may have Bipolar or possibly a less severe form like cyclothymia.  I have started doing research and am skeptical.  I definintely have the mania part, without question.  I go through cycles (and am just comingo ut of a 3-4 week one) where i only need about 2-3 hours of sleep a night and am still WIRED.  But I question the depression part of it.  I get "down" and feel blue but I don't think I'd describe it as depression.  A little sad - yes, down in the dumps - yes.  Depression - not so sure...

Does anyopne have any experience with these disorders?

Hi, Minie13,

I'm bipolar and have been probably my entire adult life. I'm a 56 year old chickie. I know exactly what you are referring to as only requiring a few hours sleep and being wired, I used to call it "flying". I too, experience very little, if any, periods of depression. I have been on many different kinds of medications over the years for both the "hyper" stages and the "depression" stages. I don't take anything for depression now because it would just throw me into a bigger stage of hyperactivity. I now take Invega 8 mg. 1 pill in the morning, it is a fairly new medication for treating bipolar and schizophrenia. And, I take Seroquel 400 mg. at bedtime. My biggest problem is I have mind racing and have a really hard time going to sleep. The Invega and Seroquel are both good for mind racing and mood stabilization. What medications are you on?

How old are you and when were you diagnosed? I have two brothers who are also bipolar. One brother takes a pill only for depression, he enjoys his "hyper" stages. And, my other brother takes no meds at all, he likes his "ups" very much and has no real "downs" that considers problems.

There are times when just the idea of being bipolar, and not being able to get a handle on my symptoms, times when my medication was not helping control my mind racing or my mood, that in itself was depressing to me.

Tell me how you are feeling..., it is a baffling disease, I'll be honest there.

Take care of yourself, that is very important. Write me back when you have a chance.

I'll be thinking about you, and keeping you in my prayers. I've added you to my friends list, so I can keep writing to you, if that's OK.

Linda

I just bounced back and read your bio, and noticed you are listed in the migraines group. I also have migraines. I think that is common with bipolar, atleast that's what my neurologist tells me. I'm taking 200mg of Topamax at bedtime. Since I've started with the increased dosage I haven't had a migraine, knock on wood.

Good for you all that running. That exercising is great for mood stabilization. I do resistance weights and recumbant bicycle. I used to run (years ago), I've got kind of crumby knees, not good for running now. I wish I could still run, I loved it!

You go girl!

Linda

It's me again. What is cyclothymia? I've heard of it, but never knew anyone who might have it. Is it like bipolar? I'm confused (which doesn't take much, hee,hee,hee).

Linda

Hi! I have rapid cycling Bipolar I disorder. Being diagnosed with a mental illness has the same phases of grief as being diagnosed with any other disease. I suggest you continue your research and go into your psychiatrist with a lot of questions and an open mind. If you don't click with him/her then find another doctor. Having a great psychiatrist is integral to wellness.

Depression for me manifests in sleepiness. I have a beautiful life and take medication (Lamictal and Seroquel), however similarly to Diabetis, medication is for management, not a cure. I still cycle, and I know I'm "depressed" when I "need" more sleep. I'll get my normal 8 hours, but will feel lethargic, difficult to motivate to do basic tasks (showering, dishes etc) & want to nap.

Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:

• loss of energy
• prolonged sadness
• decreased activity and energy
• restlessness and irritability
• inability to concentrate or make decisions
• increased feelings of worry and anxiety
• less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
• feelings of guilt and hopelessness
• thoughts of suicide
• change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
• change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_I llness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDis play.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23037& ;lstid=325

Here is an online screener: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pa gename=about_screening_screeningcenter

This is another fun website: http://www.crazymeds.us/

Good luck!

Original Post by lillybelle52:

 One brother takes a pill only for depression, he enjoys his "hyper" stages.

 I felt I needed to address this since SSRI's trigger manic episodes with Bipolar disorder. SSRI's and Bipolar disorder do not mix.

My doctor just put me on Lamictal and gave me Ativan for anxiety as needed.  Does anyone have experience with Lamictal?  Any good or bad experiences?

Bump...no experiences with Lamictal?

I have a very good friend who has spent more than a year recovering from a serious depression related disorder.  I'm actually going to help her set up a website for her to share resources soon.   I'll ask about it next time I see her (Wednesday)

Edit:  In the end, some amino acid therapies are what did the trick for her.

My friend had a very bad allergic reaction to Lamictal.  She had a horrible skin rash, and as a result needed steriods that made her mental condition much worse.  Different people will react differently, but....just something to look out for.

A diagnosis of Bipolr type I = either mania only , or mania and depressive symptoms.

A diagnosis of Bipolar type ii = hypomania (less severe form of mania) only, or hypomania and depressive symptoms

Rapid cycling = more than 3 episodes of either mania or depression in any one year

Clothymia = less severe form of Bipolar type II which is more chronic and episodes tend to last longer, but as less severity

Lamitcal - i have been on this, it seemed to work ok, but i doubt my diagnosis of rapid cycling BP - II. I had many hypomanic episodes as a teenager but now only struggle with severe depressive episodes which tend to occur twice a year like clockwork.

Every medication works differently for everyone. One side effect is a rash that is life threatening without treatment. Most docotrs will advise you to be aware of this fact and if you develop a rash to seek medical help.

I take Lamictal & it works great for me. I also take Seroquel for sleep & to control mania.

Managing Bipolar disorder is like managing parkinsons. You can relieve some symptoms, but you will always have the disease & some days will be better than others. At times it's fustrating, but living life is worth it.

I hope you feel better soon! Zyprexa Zydis worked great for me before my Lamictal kicked in. If you start to "slip" call your doctor, they will be able to px you something that works accutely.