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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on October 13, 2004, at 11:22:01
I have the ups and downs of bipolar...but the ups and downs tend to all remain below the "center line" between hypo and hyper.....80% of the time it is depression, and that tends waver in intensity...to very depressed to just slightly.....then every once in a while ill have a short period of time when i actually feel very happy and social, but the depressive episodes FAR outweigh the happy ones. Does this sound accurate?
thanks
(there is no apparent regular rhythm to the cycles, they seem to be random, although as I said, 80% on the depressed side, varying in degrees).
Posted by boomarang on October 13, 2004, at 11:36:06
In reply to Am I Bipolar?, posted by becksA on October 13, 2004, at 11:22:01
it sounds like your 'up side' is not high enough to be considered mania. i haven't seen you in this state so i am just going by what you said.
that being said, there are so many versions of bipolar now that you may range further down the line like bipolar II or III, etc. Just my opinion.
~sara
Posted by Ritch on October 13, 2004, at 13:11:07
In reply to Am I Bipolar?, posted by becksA on October 13, 2004, at 11:22:01
> I have the ups and downs of bipolar...but the ups and downs tend to all remain below the "center line" between hypo and hyper.....80% of the time it is depression, and that tends waver in intensity...to very depressed to just slightly.....then every once in a while ill have a short period of time when i actually feel very happy and social, but the depressive episodes FAR outweigh the happy ones. Does this sound accurate?
> thanks
> (there is no apparent regular rhythm to the cycles, they seem to be random, although as I said, 80% on the depressed side, varying in degrees).
It may depend a lot on your age. If you were in your 40's or 50's I would strongly doubt it (esp. since the "highs" sound very mild to me), but if you were 20 then you might be onto something. Another thing to check would be others' reaction to you when you think you are on your "high" side. Do you ever have anybody make a comment like: "I wished I had some of what you are on"? Any folks think that you had a drink or two or smoked some weed when you haven't? ...
Posted by becksA on October 13, 2004, at 18:08:28
In reply to Re: Am I Bipolar? » becksA, posted by Ritch on October 13, 2004, at 13:11:07
I'm 22, and no it's not like that...I just feel....happy. not euphoric, just happy....then ill slip back into the depressive state. how far i dip, that always varies. in any case, my doc is going to start me on lamictal in a couple weeks.
Posted by B2Chica on October 14, 2004, at 13:16:49
In reply to Re: Am I Bipolar?, posted by becksA on October 13, 2004, at 18:08:28
i've read a few things that state that some persons with bipolar their "hypomania" is seen more as a reprieve because their depression is so bad, they may not get euphoric but just above 'normal'. However, this is a fine line and i would suggest not jumping the gun on this (or any) Dx.
like ritch mentioned, there are many varieties of bipolar, including cyclothymia, which is a low level of bipolar (bp3). that doesn't mean you suffer less, but typically it does not majorly affect(disrupt) job abilities, or relationships.
and you may have a major depressive disorder with 'remissions'. To me that would be my guess...ahem..i am NO doctor and would never assume to dx you.
But those are some thoughts and maybe some questions you should ask your pdoc.
most importantly ASK QUESTIONS. if he puts you on another drug, make sure and ask him why, and what you should expect, and any side effects...etc.Best wishes
B2c.
> I'm 22, and no it's not like that...I just feel....happy. not euphoric, just happy....then ill slip back into the depressive state. how far i dip, that always varies. in any case, my doc is going to start me on lamictal in a couple weeks.
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