Just diagnosed as Bipolar 2, I don't this I'm Bipolar, I think I have Borderline Personality, what now?

Question

My psychiatrist diagonsed me this week as Bipolar 2, but I feel as if I am failry educated on what Bipoar 1 and 2 are. I dont think that describes me. When I researched Borderline Personality Disorder I feel that describes me exactly instead. She put me on Lamictal and referred me to see a psychologist as aslo. What do I now that I feel as if I am being misdiagnosed?

I am not a teen. I am 24 yrs old. But this is the first time I have gone for treatment per say b/c I usually go once or twice then start breaking my appointments.

Answer 1

Just to let you know, this is the EXACT same thing that happened to me when I first sought psychiatric help. About 3 different docs INSISTED that I had Bipolar 2 and put me on mood stabilizers (Lamictal and Topomax to be exact) even though I really felt I did not meet the criteria for BP 2 at all and expressed this verbally numerous times. I don't know how your experience with this particular issue is, but I know I always made a specific point to mention that i had never experinced an episode of what would be considered "mania" in my whole life, because obviously that is a big factor in whether you can be considered Bipolar. Eventually, after several meds did nothing to help me and I entered an outpatient therapy program during which my issues were discussed more thoroughly, it was finally acknowledged that I clearly had Borderline Personality Disorder, not BP 2, but it is a disgrace that it took as long as it did to get an accurate diagnosis. The most important thing you have to figure out now is whether you could, in fact, have BP 2 because it does intitially present itself in a way that is similar to BPD. So you really need to analyze exactly what is going on in your life, do a lot of research, and definetely talk to a psychologist. However, one thing I know for sure is, Borderline Persoanlity Disorder involves a boat load of other psychological issues beyond just mood swings, which can include (although it should be noted that not all of these apply to everyone) severe anger problems, self-esteem and identity issues, sulf-mutilation, extreme impulsivity, self-destructive behavior, black and white thinking or "splitting", severe problems with relationships, an various other symptoms. So if you are experiencing these things, in addition to extreme swings of intense emotion, that is usually a dead give away of having BPD. Also, check out this excellent EZ board forum for people diagnosed with BPD. I am a member there myself. It will really give you a very good idea of what it is all about from people's daily experiences so you can see if this really seems like you or not. http://p089.ezboard.com/bborderlinepersonalitydisordersanctuaryforum

Answer 2

Borderline personality disorder can be difficult to diagnose, especially if you are young and in your teens. Many of the symptoms can be what some may consider a phase. I'm not so sure if I agree with this, but it may be why you feel you were misdiagnosed. If I were you I would probably ask your psychiatrist about it and get a second opinion if you feel it necessary. If you REALLY don't feel that you are bipolar 2, then I would recommend contacting them immediately so you are not taking the wrong meds. Either way, I wouldn't procrastinate :] Good luck!

Answer 3

Bipolar and Borderline can be very similar, it's true. See the link below for more extensive comparisons between the two. If you think you are "fairly" educated on what Bipolar 2 is, shouldn't you make sure you are totally educated? If you feel you are being misdiagnosed you need to bring this up with the doctor pronto, as you may be taking unnecessary medication. But educate yourself more. Be open minded but know that you are in control of what happens with you, not your doctor. The page I linked in can be a bit wordy, but tread through it. It's worth it and it's got links to other sites that could be more informative about Borderline.

Answer 4

You could see another Psychiatrist and let that person now you believe you have been misdiagnosed and ask them what they think. But go in and tell that person what you have been prescribed and you can say you would prefer not to tell them the name of the other shrink. Just that you want to find the correct fix to your particular issue.

However why not give this shink a chance to help you first, they may rediagnose you after knowing you longer. Or they may be 100% correct and their course of treatment may be perfect for you.

I am Bipolar 1 and meds do not help me at all, but that is worse than Bi polar 2 as the Manic phase is so much easier to deal with.

Good luck

Answer 5

There are enormous differences between Bi-Polar disorder & Borderline Personality disorder.

I know of no-one who would accept, let alone prefer, to have a diagnosis of Borderline PD over Bi-Polar.

Please give the Psychiatrist a chance it will take 4-8 weeks for medication to have theraputic effect.

There's no reason to stop you seeking a second opinion though.

Answer 6

I have been so misdiagnosed for 30 years and refuse to take any meds. In 1999 my Psychiatrist thought I was a manic depressive and put me on Thorazine, lithium, xanax, prozac and another that I cannot remember the name of. After 3 mo. my brain seized up and I was found walking my Rhodesian Ridgeback down the street naked and had a seizure in front of 6 policemen in Hawaii. I was taken to St. Francis where on the 7th day they were dressing me up to commit me for 1 year and a day in a nut house and my brain rebelled and my memory flowed back. The doc asked me who gave me all of these drugs and before I answered she said the his name. This was 1/2 way across the island but she said she had had many of his patients come in from overdosing on his "COCKTAILS". I saw another doc who said I was bipolar not manic, then another who said I had ADHD and put me on METHADONE for 7 years. I wish their Karma would catch up on them soon as I am just Hyper. I no longer take any drugs. Just learn from someone how to do yoga and meditate to balance your mind. Unless you are suicidal or wanting to hurt people I would get off of all pills with a holistic doc's assistance. The biggest CASH COW in the united states is kids with ADHS as they give them a cheaper version of RITILAN which is pure speed and slows them down. These kids need to be schooled differently and are usually highly intelligent, they need to learn how to meditate and control their brain, not be medicated so they can be what most call NORMAL. For many of the geniouses in our History were what they call ADHD and in Spain these people are considered ones who are multitaskers. they can do more than one thing at a time. There is nothing wrong with thisl See a Holistic doc and see if you can take Herbal remedies for this what bothers you, Best of luck and be strong for you Diety is with you.

Answer 7

They are both treated with the same medicine. They treat it with an anti depressent and a mood stabilizer. Sometimes they also give something for anxiety. I would talk to your therapist and tell them how you feel. You mentioned something about borderline personality disorder, they would see that right away and catch it.

Answer 8

Get a second opinion. I would question my doctor as why it is not a personality disorder. Maybe your over looking something, she sees or connects the *dots*. Maybe your doctor is wrong.
Just get a second opinon, otherwise, you wont rest. good luck

Answer 9

I would think it depends on how long your moods last. Keep track on how long your moods and anger lasts. You may have both disorders.

Answer 10

Get a second opinion. Doctors are people and they can be wrong.