I was diagnosed with Bi-polar, But I don't have the gene for it. neither my mother or father or siblings have it.
2006-07-27 11:50:26 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
you know, it is true that the illness usually is an inherant illness. Perhaps you should think about going to a different doctor. I can't help but wonder how if affects you, does it help? Many people simply don't want to be branded as having anything wrong, and actually like the manic stage of the conditon. I hope you can find a good balance. If you really feel you do not need it, please find another doctor and get another opinon.
2006-07-27 11:59:15 · answer #1 · answered by MotherKittyKat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would strongly suggest a 2nd opinion. I was diagnosed with Bipolar for over a decade when I truly had a developmental disorder. I also had no family history of Bipolar.
Taking Lithium when you don't really have Bipolar can be dangerous. I now exhibit more Bipolar symptoms than I ever did before taking Lithium and antidepressants.
If you do truly have Bipolar, Lithium is always the best course of treatment to start with because it is not a chemical concoction.
It should also be kept in mind that true mania is not something most people with Bipolar experience. It is much more common to rapid cycle between depression and feeling normal or hypomanic.
One of the problems with Bipolar diagnosis today is that guidelines are far more relaxed. When I was first diagnosed, at least one inpatient hospitalization was a prerequisite set by the DSM. Since that was removed, far more individuals than ever are being diagnosed. This is either the result of more cases really existing, or the industry looking for more profit. It simply depends on how you feel about the mental health care structure. I subscribe to the latter.
2006-07-27 19:08:56 · answer #2 · answered by pure_genius 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't mean you don't have it. It can be caused by other things besides genes. You might be the first in your family to have it. Try it. It might make you feel a whole lot better. And if it doesn't talk to your doctor about other options. But give it some time to work. P.S. Nothing bad will happen to you from taking it.
2006-07-27 18:55:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my sister was diagnosed with it after spending 45 Min's with a psychiatrist I know she definitely does not have it as i have lIved with at least 4 people who do have it and ive never seen my sis on a high so maybe if you dont think you have it either you should ask for a different doc. its not always inherited tho
2006-07-27 19:03:37 · answer #4 · answered by RACHEL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would see if it makes a difference in your systems which have to do with bipolar disorder and if it is making no difference or having negative effects stop taking it
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/esk1231.shtml
check out that website
2006-07-27 18:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by tustudent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋