Does anyone else think alot of people are being diagnosed bi-polar?

Question

I mean back in the days of manic-depression there were far and few between. you didnt hear about it all the time. My father was manic-depressive all the way back in the 50's or 60's my sister was diagnosed in the 70's. I have been diagnosed in 2002 but i knew and my family knew i had it long before. I have been told by professionals that it takes a while to diagnose bipolar disorder because it is soo similar to alot of other disorders. so my question is do you think because of all the new drugs the companies are pushing dr's now adays that more people are being labeled bipolar then they really are? i mean they might have symptoms of bipolar but not full on could be something else. Would like opinions .

I know bipolar is a debilitating disease. I have it i just think alot of people are being diagnosed rather easily is all.

Answer 1

There are several factors here, I think.

Firstly, attitudes have changed and more people are going to doctors with their problems. Years ago, you just grinned and bore it and only got diagnosed if it was so bad you were admitted to a psych ward.

Second, I think that the ever increasing pace and pressure of modern life may (and I stress 'may') be triggering more latent bipolars into the more obvious stages of the illness.

Third, I think it has just become a trendy diagnosis: all it takes is a few stars to 'come out' about how they have suffered for their art and suddenly everyone including my cat is bipolar. Then people start using it as an excuse for their lousy behaviour

Finally, I think there is pressure on doctors to diagnose. Where someone may be cyclothymic (i.e. 'sub-bipolar', and able to cope without meds), they expect to be given meds when they see a doctor.

I was diagnosed in 2005, but with no family history (or none that anyone will own up to).

Answer 2

YES. I totally agree. I have bipolar 2, and it is a daily struggle. However it does seem like it is being so easily diagnosed these days. Bipolar (both one and two) are very serious mental conditions, and are not being treated seriously. There are other things such us ADD & ADHD that have similar bipolar traits, and many people are being diagnosed with bipolar and really only have something like ADD.
With bipolar 2, my depression is constantly out of control. EVERY day is spent struggling and sleeping off the pain, and going into a rollercoaster of not-so-depressed, then way low, then spiked a little high, then WAY low. I struggle with suicidal thoughts and self harm, and it is just a complete nightmare. It angers me to think that something like this is being diagnosed so loosely.

Answer 3

Manic-depression is Bio-Polar. and yes more people are being diagnosed as such. That explains why so many people have mental issues more now than ever before. In the old days not much was known about it to treat it. It has been being studied more these days and if treated properly there is help. All cases differ and some are treated with meds and some with just therapy. It is nothing to be ashamed of. I think the reason more and more people are being diagnosed is because there is so much more abuse in families today. Some physical, mental, sexual.

Answer 4

Being bipolar is a debilitating condition, not only for the sufferer, but those who must care for the person. Thanks to advances in the field of medicine, it has become somewhat treatable. The disorder is still largely misunderstood by the public, and efforts should be made to educate more people about it.

Answer 5

I've thought of this a lot myself. I've been diagnosed as bipolar, depression, and a bunch of other crap. Makes me wonder if these doctor really know what their talking about.

Answer 6

It's not impossible that incorrect or hasty diagnoses are being made...somewhat like all the kids with ADD that are on meds, when chances are all they need is discipline and a change of diet.

Answer 7

i know what you mean, they told me i was bipolar...and sometimes i believe it bc of my random moods swings and depression issues.

but i do agree with you a lot of ppl are being diagnosed, and it makes me feel like we arnt that important anymore.


(and for some reason a lot of ppl have ADD & ADHD too...i think its just an excuse to not have to do well in skool.)

Answer 8

My boyfriend additionally has bipolar, and he gave me a e book to examine that has helped me comprehend it so lots extra. somewhat, the completed factor of the e book became that not something different than drugs can get it below administration. lots of folk are lured right into a faux experience of thinking they're extra helpful and can supply up drugs, or attempt to self medicate, yet that would not artwork. Bipolar is a lifelong affliction, and if he isn't keen to bypass into scientific care, it somewhat is going to easily make him experience worse. in line with risk the medicine he became on weren't ideal for him. My bf had to bypass by some different combinations of drugs in the previous he got here across what's worked for him. He additionally never have been given into the completed scientific care difficulty (perhaps it somewhat is a guy difficulty!). it is likewise extremely substantial for him to locate a doctor that knows his needs and is keen to artwork with him while he tries different drugs. additionally, you probably did not say how long precisely he became on them, yet oftentimes "an exceedingly jiffy" isn't sufficient to truly comprehend how they are going to help. sure, he would experience worse in the previous each and every thing as a results of fact he may well be used to the classes of mania that make him experience impressive and invicible. drugs inhibit those thoughts, yet additionally they inhibit the sentiments of melancholy, frustration, and hopelessness. between the indicators of mania may well be paranoia, and which would be worsened with alcohol, so as which would be why he keeps accusing you of those terrible issues. For the sake of you and your unborn toddler, you will desire to consult from a doctor regarding the final scientific care plan for him. in line with risk in case you provide him some info approximately his affliction and tell him which you basically want the final for him and you and the youngster, he may well be a sprint extra receptive. easily try traveling some psychological wellness web pages, extremely those with boards on the grounds which you would be able to locate somebody who has so lots extra journey with this than I do. sturdy luck, and please in case you think of he's ever going to do something to harm you or the newborn, get removed from him till he decides to start scientific care. i comprehend you like him, yet while he does something whilst he's in a manic or depressive cycle, then it could have terrible consequences.