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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 11, 2002, at 10:37:14
So now that medical causes for my memory problems have been ruled out, I have visited a Psych to talk about possible meds to 'help me.'
He had seen me at the onset of my symptoms 2 months ago, when I was having high anxiety.
He said that he didn't want to rule out the possibility that I'm bipolar and having a manic episode.
My symptoms in addition to memory problems are that I've been very revved up, had a low attention span (like never before), have been unable to sleep (even though I want to), and have missed lots of work/school due to medical testing. I've spent an unusual amount of money, mostly due to the medical stuff.
I think -- except for the severe insomnia and inability to stop thinking -- that my symptoms are situationally based, not mania. I don't feel the elation one would normally associate with mania. What would you suggest?
Elisa
Posted by judy1 on May 11, 2002, at 12:48:12
In reply to Does this sound like a manic episode?, posted by bookgurl99 on May 11, 2002, at 10:37:14
Bipolar is kind of like the 'designer' label right now- it is overused and abused. No, as one who has experienced numerous hypomanic and manic episodes- you do not sound like you have bipolar disorder. When manic I am hypersexual, overspend (like 10's of thousands of dollars- once buying the same pair of shoes in EVERY size in case I needed it for presents- weird stuff, lose all inhibitions, am grandiose, etc. Eventually I get extremely irritable and psychotic (true mania) and land up in the hospital. Not everyone gets manic, but even those with hypomania do not sound like you. I think your doc is stretching here, and what happened to the conversion disorder dx? Take care, Judy
Posted by Zo on May 12, 2002, at 6:26:32
In reply to Does this sound like a manic episode?, posted by bookgurl99 on May 11, 2002, at 10:37:14
Yeah, it kinda does, to me. Hypomania. Have to disagree with Judy, but I think that's only because she has flaming mania--buying the shoes in every size--whereas my lowgrade hypomanias were not remotely as interesting, but just wore the hell out of me--all the more for remaining undiagnosed for so many years. And years.Inability to sleep and racing thoughts. . .
It's a common misperception, too, that mania = elation. Maybe true mania, but I only wish. . .There is irritable hypomania, agitated hypomania. . .Mixed states are really nasty, and partly what delayed my diagnosis. Doctor after doctor turned me away because I wasn't *elated.*
. "severe insomnia and inability to stop thinking. . " Just be watchful if you start to go down. Get in touch with your pdoc immed.
Zo
Posted by Zo on May 12, 2002, at 6:27:43
In reply to Re: Does this sound like a manic episode? » bookgurl99, posted by judy1 on May 11, 2002, at 12:48:12
Posted by judy1 on May 12, 2002, at 15:04:48
In reply to Re: In case you need SHOES for PRESENTS?? ;o) (nm) » judy1, posted by Zo on May 12, 2002, at 6:27:43
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 13, 2002, at 12:07:42
In reply to Re: Does this sound like a manic episode? » bookgurl99, posted by Zo on May 12, 2002, at 6:26:32
>
> . "severe insomnia and inability to stop thinking. . " Just be watchful if you start to go down. Get in touch with your pdoc immed.
>
> Zo
Start to go down -- as in start feeling really depressed? Which I am, despite or because of my inability to sleep.I really miss my regularly scheduled life. . .
Elisa
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 13, 2002, at 13:06:06
In reply to Re: Does this sound like a manic episode? » bookgurl99, posted by Zo on May 12, 2002, at 6:26:32
OH Zo,
How have you able to get these mixed states under control and function?
My pdoc has me on a low starting dose of Zoloft (under the assumption that I'm experiencing severe anxiety) right now. I don't have an appt. top see him for another 5 weeks.
Also, how long do these 'states' last?
Elisa
Posted by ST on May 14, 2002, at 3:48:01
In reply to Re: Does this sound like a manic episode? » bookgurl99, posted by Zo on May 12, 2002, at 6:26:32
Hypomania is tricky. Full blown mania can more oftentimes be spotted. Like Zo, my hypomanias were very seldom about elation but rather anxiety and racing thoughts, uneasiness. In the beginning of my hypomanic episodes, I would be chatty and "the life of the party" but it would soon disintegrate in to road rage and irritability and fun stuff like that.
Sarah
>
> Yeah, it kinda does, to me. Hypomania. Have to disagree with Judy, but I think that's only because she has flaming mania--buying the shoes in every size--whereas my lowgrade hypomanias were not remotely as interesting, but just wore the hell out of me--all the more for remaining undiagnosed for so many years. And years.
>
> Inability to sleep and racing thoughts. . .
>
> It's a common misperception, too, that mania = elation. Maybe true mania, but I only wish. . .There is irritable hypomania, agitated hypomania. . .Mixed states are really nasty, and partly what delayed my diagnosis. Doctor after doctor turned me away because I wasn't *elated.*
>
> . "severe insomnia and inability to stop thinking. . " Just be watchful if you start to go down. Get in touch with your pdoc immed.
>
> Zo
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 14, 2002, at 10:35:53
In reply to Yeah-mania doesn't always = elation, posted by ST on May 14, 2002, at 3:48:01
How long would a manic episode normally last?
I've had a few 'normal' days in the last 2 months, but mostly (I think) hypomanic-style symptoms. Would the illness set on this way?
Posted by Krazy Kat on May 14, 2002, at 10:40:51
In reply to Yeah-mania doesn't always = elation, posted by ST on May 14, 2002, at 3:48:01
Thanks for pointing that out - I totally agree.
Also, mania means a crash will be next. You can't go up without coming down.
Posted by ST on May 16, 2002, at 4:08:41
In reply to Re: Yeah-mania doesn't always = elation, posted by bookgurl99 on May 14, 2002, at 10:35:53
Although I've never technically had a "manic" episode, only "hypomanic", I would assume they both can last around the same amount of time. Mine usually were about 2-5 days when unmedicated.
Yes, I think the illness can set on with hyomanic symptoms. Mostly bi polars go and get help when they crash and get depressed, not when they are hypomanic. I've heard statistically there are more cases of this. Usually when one is hypomanic, one doesn't really feel they need as much help as when one is in the pit of depression! So I think it's a common misconception that mani-depression only starts with depressive episodes. I think it just gets to a point where it's so dark that the person finally seeks help and then is diagnosed for the first time, perhaps, with manic-depression.
Also, bi polar illness manifests itself differently in every person. (As you probably know, bi pollar I is characterized by manic - not hypomanic - episodes as well as depression) As far as bi polar II goes, from what I understand, some have major depressive episodes with few hypomanic episodes (like me). Others have almost continous hypomanic episodes with small intervals of depression. Usually these people are realy success driven and/or are workaholics (I have a friend like this who sleeps 3 hours a night, is a raging, agitated b*tch to everyone and runs a successful thetare comapny in a major US city. She's unmedicated, obviously!). And some have long periods of time when they feel "normal", interspersed with hypomania and depression.
I have to point out that the fact that you feel you may be hypomanic at times is a good sign. You're aware of what's going on with you and this type of awareness will really help you find the best treatment.Good luck!
Sarah
> How long would a manic episode normally last?
>
> I've had a few 'normal' days in the last 2 months, but mostly (I think) hypomanic-style symptoms. Would the illness set on this way?
Posted by krazy kat on May 16, 2002, at 10:57:02
In reply to Re: Yeah-mania doesn't always = elation » bookgurl99, posted by ST on May 16, 2002, at 4:08:41
Sarah:
Again, I think that's agreat point! I am not aware that I am manic, or hypomanic, when I am. My husband and doctor have had to point it out to me. I can see afterwards, but not during.
This can be really dangerous.
So, having a sense of it, is a good sign, and a good time to check with a Dr.
Also, remember that Bipolar Disorder is progressive and I have certainly experienced that. And, some people do cycle really rapidly - I can cycle within a day.
- kk
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2002, at 14:41:06
In reply to Re: Yeah-mania doesn't always = elation » bookgurl99, posted by ST on May 16, 2002, at 4:08:41
I had a nice talk with my therapist,and she let me know that -- from having worked with me for two years -- she does not think I'm bipolar.
She does agree that I may have memory loss (which is pretty severe and came on suddenly) from a medication reaction and a psychological breakdown of sorts.
So, that one's cleared. Off to the naturopath.
This is the end of the thread.
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