Posted by Cece on June 25, 2001, at 4:19:19
In reply to Confused, posted by MM on June 23, 2001, at 4:06:59
I'm BP II- also never did the classic manic bit, just had periods of heightened productivity which evolved into hellholes of not being able to live in my own skin,then crashing depressions. All of which I managed to hide from all but my closest friends. Now I know that that was hypomania.
I tried a stimulant (Cylert) a few years ago as a possible anti-depressant, but after a few days of feeling grateful that I could finally think again, I began to go nuts and it took quite awhile to recover.
But since then my mood stablizer combo has gotten much more effective. A few months ago, something I said got my doctor's attention and he raised the possibility of ADD. I decided to try Adderall in addition to my other meds (I take many). It has really helped me regain some mental clarity and energy. Whether or not I really have ADD is unclear, and actually not very important to me. Mostly I just care that this med has helped.
No, you would not be able to tell if you are BP by going on Lithium. Lithium was the first but now is just one of many mood stabilizers, and it takes a lot of trial and error to find one that works. Everybody is different. I also take other meds- a complex "cocktail" worked out over 8 years. It's not perfect yet, I still have some chronic low-grade depression, but I'm very much better overall.
BPII is a complex diagnosis- harder to treat usually than BP (but much more successfully treated if spotted at an early age, like 18). It's also possible to have both BPII and ADD. If you have good reasons to not trust your pdoc, find another- or get a second opinion. But also be patient. By the way, if the only mood stabilizer that your doc is considering is lithium, then definitely get more/other input. Much has happened in meds since lithium, although it is still the most effective treatment for some people.
Good luck,
Cece> I've been reading through this site about A.D.D. and Bipolar, and now I'm really starting to doubt the BPII diagnosis. The sleep thing (I've never gone more than one day without sleep, and it wasn't fun) especially makes me think I'm ADD (without hyperactivity) rather than BPII. Does anyone know of useful articles, websites, information? I'm starting to doubt the pdoc. It seems like since I'm only 18, he should be especially careful in his examination, and it seemed too quick to me. Would I be able to tell if I have A.D.D. instead of BP by going on lithium? ANY help would be appreciated.
poster:Cece
thread:67566
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/67779.html