Diagnosed as bipolar?

Question

One of my best friends has been recently diagnosed as bipolar. I've seen the depression, but never the manic part that comes with it. In a way, I almost feel as she's been misdiagnosed. I know that I'm not a doctor, but I've learned that bipolar has both extremes and not just one. I'm sort of just waiting for her snap (as a lack for better words) one day and switch to the other extreme. I was hoping that you guys could bring some insight to me about being bipolar. Maybe the manic part is something that others don't see? I'm just really confused... and scared for her.

Answer 1

First, I want to point out that the media has done a dreadful job portraying Bipolars. There is such a stereotyped view of this individual who just jumps from highs to lows and does all this crazy movie/tv story worthy stuff in between. They are rarely shown as normal people, probably like your friend, who suffer from mood swings. I would suggest asking her (if she would be cool about it) if she was diagnosed as Bipolar I or Bipolar II. Research in recent years has shown what all people associated with Bipolar have known; That there are 2 distinct sub-types of the disorder. Bipolar I patients do not suffer from the extreme forms of mania that Bipolar II patients do. They have what we call hypomania. A condition that can simply feel good (especially after a depressive stage). When hypomanic, patients may be extra talkative, need less sleep, thoughts come easily to them and they have extra energy. This state usually is not severe enough to get them into serious trouble or hospitalized. Patients usually look forward to these swings and, not seeing them as a problem, fail to report them to a doctor, who they only contact during a depressive episode. That is why it can take a long time to appropriately diagnose a Bipolar II. They experience the same clinical depression as a Bipolar I, but have never had a full blown manic episode, just the hypomania. And remember, all Bipolars I & II, are different. Each persons combination of symptoms are as unique as the individual.

There are also many great books available (try Amazon) for friends and family of Bipolars. They are quite helpful in giving you a better picture of what she is going through. You are a remarkable friend to show interest and to seek education regarding her problem. Remember, if you are scared and confused, how does she feel with all this new information? Probably overwhelmed. Be as supportive as you can, while still taking care of yourself! If she feels that she may be misdiagnosed, ask her if she would like you to come along to the next appointment. All good psychiatrists are happy to have joint sessions with people close to the patient. Not only will she possibly feel more relaxed in sharing, but you can provide valuable information regarding her patterns and behaviors as well.
Best of Luck.

Answer 2

Doctors seem to be all practicing--life is a guess, drugs they push for everything, do they look further? Maybe there is a connection to your arthritis? Body fights as best it can. Other issues might be there and they stop looking at the first sign of finding something. There has been some weird research on this by people with Bi-Polar in a good sense. Some found out through tests, they had sleep apnea, serious enough, they actually stopped breathing for a few seconds after or during REM. Once they had the proper equipment, they were able to be like they were and the real cause was a sleep disorder. Another one is also experimental. Getting off of all corn oil products, including corn starch cosmetics, etc. No popcorn, no corn flakes, no corn bread or even corn syrup. It is a hard diet, but 2 out of 10 made a change for the good, now they feel good and no mood swings. One out of the 10 also did away with mixing dairy products with chicken, beef, lamb and other meats and eliminated all nitrate products and add 42% Gallium nitrate, I think they mixed 100 cc in a liter of water and divided the water mixture into 2 days and drank daily. This person has done remarkably well. I don't know if any of the above can be your problem, we never know what chemicals we need or what we have in us that is a problem. The nitrate got rid of excessive calcium in her body & other chemical imbalances that were throwing her body into turmoil. Also, not having the right balance of magnesium and vit. D3 & calcium can make a difference, also check your levels of potassium too, low blood sugar can also mimic mood changes. So much they don't check when they find one problem, and don't keep checking.

Answer 3

There are many different types of bipolar disorder, and can have a variety of symptoms. It is possible for both phases to be demonstrated at the same time, such as Mixed State Bipolar. See the article below, it is a good description of some of the different diagnosis. Often the manic side is more visible, because the depressed side is hiding. Patients learn how to cope with the ups & downs in various ways, and it can manifest in different ways. If she has been diagnosed, the doctor will often give a more specific diagnosis and provide examples of how friends can help with the disease. Please help her the best you can, but understand there is a limit in many cases of our ability to solve this complicated problem.

Answer 4

Hello............... Your friend is lucky to have you. You could be right about the diagnosis. It is very common for doctors to misdiagnose this illness. They prescribe antidepressants which often times will bring on the mania, acting like a trigger,causing the "snap" as you put it. Talk to her about how she is doing, is she awake more, does she feel as though she is not herself since the diagnosis? If you have never seen the mania, chances are she has not been triggered yet. Once this does happen, there is no turning back. I don't want to scare you but it is crucial that she talk about the medications she is on with her psychiatrist. I speak with experience on this subject as my daughter is bipolar. One manic episode she had was due to the incorrect dosage of antidepressants being prescribed. She was diagnosed [correctly] with bipolar 7 years ago, the mania revealed itself first and is more dominant in her case, but when the depression became a factor, too much of an antidepressant was given to her and she became fully manic again. Surprisingly, her doctors admitted to this being the cause of that episode. This is when I learned that the antidepressants in fact do sometimes bring on mania in someone who has yet to exhibit any manic symptoms. Talk to your friend. Good luck to you..........take care

Answer 5

BiPolar is largely being over - diagnosed right now. It is like ADHD in the 90's.
Have your friend seek a second opinion. There are many wonderful bipolar clinics who will help to clear up confuse, and refer to a specialist.
If the diagnosis came from a gen practioner I would be very cautious to accept it at face value without seeing a specialist.

Also... re manic episodes... as with any mental health issue, patients can become very good at hiding symptoms and/or appearing normal.

Answer 6

I have bi-polar disorder. The manic side is is a real relationship killer. I was hyper talkative, hyper profane, hyper sexual and without any restrait. I cursed my parents for no reason. I cursed and lost my friends ran up all my credit cards wrote bad checks had to drop out a very good university. I thought I had a special connection with Jesus Christ himself. I thought that people on t.v. were talking directly to me. (I consider myself handsome) but in a manic state I am a complete narcissus. The flip side to this is that when I get hospitalized after a manic episode and I get back on medications I will go into a long period of depression. Normally 3-9 months or so some times even a year. During this time it's common to gain significant amounts of weight and miss out on life in general.

Answer 7

I was diagnosed as schizoaffective bipolar type I by my last 2 psychiatrists.
I was misdiagnozed 5-6 times. It is true, doctors misdiagnoze patients, but sooner or later they get it right when they see the medications aren't working right, etc

Answer 8

it must be there somewhere......I used to work with someone that was very happy and talking very loud and energetic some days and then she would not show up for work and say it was because of the rain etc.... she was bipolar and I saw it from the limited time I was in contact with her....you may be seeing it and not notice................

Answer 9

it different in everyone your case is mild. depression is the bad side of yours.

Answer 10

hopefully if she keeps on her meds you won't witness the extremes