bipolar disorder?

Question

I'm fairly certain that I am bipolar (rapid-cycling or whatever it's called). Do I really need to go to a doctor? By the way, I have been pretty sure about this for about 2 years or so, and nothing really bad has happened, but I've noticed my mood swings have been a little worse. Could it get worse/ more serious?

Answer 1

Long answer.. but it is NOT a cut and paste. (Yeah, I hate them too!)

I don't know what it is about the people on Yahoo today giving these answers in the mental health section.. this is the third post in a row I have seen that has been dominated by ignorance.. it is just really, really sad.

Bipolar Disorder is a unique experience for everyone that has it. The illness is very difficult to accuratly diagnose, and it can be confused with or coexist with many different afflictions.

I am certainly not a doctor.. But I have lived with my official bipolar diagnosis for the past 10 years. It started becoming obvious about 17 years ago.. and took 7 years for the disorder to spin out of control enough that an accurate diagnosis could be made. And it has been a real struggle to regain control it at times. I have been hospitalized twice for near death experiences (once at both ends of the disorder.)

Bipolar Disorder (or any mental illness for that matter) is not something that can be self-diagnosed.. but, at the same time,
you will not be able to take a test at the hospital that can give you a definite result either. Blood tests show nothing.. and there is no conclusive link of brain scans being able to conclusively prove anything.

A diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder can only be determined after several other things have been ruled out as possible causes.. like thyroid function problems or naturally occuring vitamin deficiencies.

Bipolar Disorder is not simply feeling good one minute and bad the next.. it is far more extreme. There is a certain criteria of signs and symptoms that must be observed before a determination of Bipolar Disorder is conclusive. There is also a strong genetic link involved, however this is not always the case.

I suggest that you work on changing the things you have the ability to control and see how that works for you.. eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, exercize regularly, and plan ahead to reduce the amount of stress in your everyday life. Meditate and try a vitamin suppliment. Do what YOU can do.

If it can be determined that Bipolar Disorder is the cause or reason for how you are feeling, by being self-disciplined and taking those simple steps you will be doing your part towards making the treatment much easier and consistent.
Yes, if you are having trouble, or if things get out of control, you will have to see a doctor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist to figure it all out. At this point, you probably have more control over it than your doctor does.
They just love to turn people into human guinea pigs with pills and tests. The side effects from the medications can be about as maddening as the illness. Some of the meds can easily do far more harm than good for some people. And, this is why it is incredibly important to be making positive lifesytle changes.

It may be different for you, but in my personal experience, it was a complicated and confusing endeavor to go to the doctor too early. There just wasn't enough known about the illness. Even today, there is a lot more known.. but it is still far more guess than it is science. However, that does not mean they can't help.

If you are suicidal.. or your mind is just going really crazy. Go get help. It is as simple as that.

There is no cure for the disorder, however it is highly treatable with lifestyle changes and finding a medication that works for you. Finding the right medication can take years of trials with different things. It often takes several weeks for your body to get used to them before they can be effective. Nothing happens overnight with this illness.. so, patience is very important.

I encourage you to do as much research as you possibly can to make yourself aware of what this illness is and how it works. All the conversations with all the doctors in the world will mean nothing if you can't understand it. From your perspective or theirs.
There are plenty of websites out there that have some very good information to work with. Here are a couple to get you started.
Good Luck with this. :)

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/index.cfm
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0049/
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/default.htm

Answer 2

Yes, it is common for teens to have BPD. I will also say there can be behavior/symptom overlap between bi-polar and BPD - so sometimes you aren't sure if its the personality disorder or the mood disorder driving the behavior. BPD rarely travels alone. Co-morbid issues are typical and many BPD sufferers have a history of trauma or abuse. The helpful thing that you need to know is that personality disorders are typically not considered curable by medication. Now, that does not mean medication does not have a place in the treatment plan. It just means that there isn't a clear cut physical abnormality in the brain which can be "fixed" with medication. You don't take meds to get rid of BPD. For this reason you REALLY need to work hard with your therapist. Ask good questions. Get the help you need to help yourself find a way of life that will be safe and stable for you in the long run. You can also Google up numerous BPD forums which have a wealth of information for you and your family.

Answer 3

I think it would be a good idea to go to a doctor..maybe you dont have bipolar disorder..maybe you have something else wrong with your hormones. I thought I was bipolar..it turns out I have problems with my thyroid and polycystic ovarian disorder..which caused me to have mood swings. Only the doctor can tell you what is up. And if you do have it, they will give you meds to control it. I had an ex bf with it, and trust me, the meds helped him A LOT.

Answer 4

I suggest going to a doctor. My brother's girlfriend is bi-polar and does things that are very wrong...and she doesn't realize she is doing them. She is fine when she's on her medication, but as soon as she gets off she does bizarre things, lies all the time, and is dishonest. To her, everything seems like a normal world, but everyone else can see what she does. She's sometimes like a loose cannon and you never know what she's going to do next. The symptoms can change and get worse...so I would suggest getting a professional evaluation if you really think something is wrong. It's a tough thing to deal with...

Answer 5

i urge you to see a doctor. i am one of the few diagnosed with bipolar as a child (i don't know why doctors don't like to diagnose children with the disorder) I'm 15 and living with it and i always will. meds help but you have to decide whether you let it control your life. find an outlet for the access emotion and energy (i do martial arts). and think about what you are going to say or do. i think before i act and barley anyone knows I'm bipolar. it is a gift and a curse but you have to stay in control!

Answer 6

My mother was bipolar. Before medication she was as emotional as a two year old. After medication she was a stable, healthy, happy, productive person. See a doctor and see if you really need the medication - you might just be going through a tough time in your life and NOT need it.

Answer 7

Yes! You should probably go see a doctor as bipolar disorder is a serious issue

Answer 8

Tell your parents/guardian about this. If you have neither, go to a doctor. If you really have bipolar, it could lead to something more serious. I'm not certain if it's curable, but it would certainly be better if you got it checked now.

Answer 9

I did a research paper on Bipolar Disorder this year. If it continues to go untreated in some cases Bipolar Disorder can and has lead to suicide.

Answer 10

It might/it might not. It depends on your mental strength. You might need to take some prescribed medication. Too bad only "doctors" can prescribe medication. Doctors see you 5 minutes, prescribe some existing medication and make $200. What a rip off!