Posted by Morgana on May 7, 2002, at 8:31:58
In reply to Re: Rapid cycling help needed!! » Morgana, posted by Zo on May 5, 2002, at 15:49:37
Zo,
It took a long time for me to be diagnosed as well. It's pretty sad actually, because I have known what manic-depression is my whole life. My father is a psychotherapist, and while he believed in therapy only, I was there when he went through college and talked about all the forms of 'mental illness'.
But based on the description of mania, I knew I didn't go 'typically' manic. I didn't find out what hypomania was until 2 years ago. Then it all made perfect sense. It was such a relief. I knew that my depression was more complicated and I didn't find any success with antidepressants. They would kick me into hypomania (what I thought was normal - finally!) and I would work and clean furiously and talk everyone's ear off. Then of course I would crash. Back to the doctor "The AD isn't working". Over and over again.
Being properly diagnosed and treated has truly saved my life. Fortunately for me I am a responder to meds - I just needed the right kind.
I'm glad Lamictal worked for you. I am always cheered when I hear that meds are working for someone. I have this deep fear that one day the meds will just stop working and life will be... So, it helps ease that fear to hear the meds work, especially when they work for long periods of time.
Take care of yourself,
Morgana, BPII - Nardil, Lamictal & Verapamil
poster:Morgana
thread:103338
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105418.html