Are auditory hallucinations a symptom of Bipolar disorder?

Question

My mom has bipolar disorder and I've read it's genetic. I have most of the symptoms so far and I decided to try and self diagnose myself...I hate phychiatrists...anyways... I have auditory hallucinations occasionally, so I wanted to know if this might be a symptom of bipolar or maybe a symptom of something else. I usually don't preoccupy myself with labeling something as abstract as my own thought processes....but...I was curious. Also I've been diagnosed with OCD...if that means anything...

Answer 1

Yes. Hallucinations are non-specific and can occur in a wide variety of disorders. Whoever said "Any hallucinations of any type are schizophrenia" is utterly misinformed. They need to start reading their DSM-IV. The most common causes of auditory hallucinations are schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and psychotic major depression. They can occasionally be caused by other things though. When hallucinations occur in bipolar disorder they are accompanied by symptoms of a full manic, mixed or depressive episode.

Answer 2

Auditory Hallucinations Bipolar

Answer 3

Hi:

I have Bipolar also and yes but it is rare for me to have auditory hallucinations. Very rare in my case, but it has happened.

Instead of taking the huge risk I think you are taking by trying to self diagnosis Bipolar. Only a doctor can diagnose that, not even the patient. The patient mostly knows one way or another but it must be confirmed and treated by a physician.

Since your Mom is Bipolar, it does not always mean that their children will have Bipolar. Yes it is hereditary/genetic, but there is no guarantee that yes you do have it or no you do not.

Please, don't take such a serious risk and responsibility upon yourself even though you sound very intelligent and you seem to know your stuff around disorders such as Bipolar, OCD and the such. You are a smart person, pick the smart choice and see your physician. Do not be your own diagnosing physician.

Be Well

Answer 4

Auditory hallucinations are a primary symptom of Schizophrenia, however you must have both positive and negatives symptoms to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia, unless you hear more than one voice talking -then you can be diagnosed from positive symptoms only. (hearing voices are a positive symptom of Schizophrenia)

All Schizophrenics have hallucinations but not all of them suffer from the auditory type.

Other people with OCD have told me that they hear voices sometimes when they have dwelled too long on certain problems they have in their life. They have told me that it seems as if their mind becomes weak after they think too many hours about problems. Most say they take Zyprexa (Olanzapine) to treat it and that it is a fantastic medicine for OCD.

Answer 5

It is not uncommon to have bp1 and have auditory hallucinations. Sometimes the voices give commands and sometimes not. It can be daily or come in clusters. Hallucinations are also associated with schizophrenia but they are not necessarily a smptom of that.

Answer 6

Hallucinations are most often associated with mental illness schizophrenia. However, they may also occur for those with bipolar disorder when either depression or mania has psychotic features.

Mood-congruent psychotic features occur in approximately 50% of manic episodes and often consist of grandiose delusions or auditory hallucinations. About a quarter of persons with mania develop hallucinations.

Please do see a psychiatrist for diagnosis though.

Answer 7

You could discuss it ith your family physician if you do not want to go to a psychiatrist. Auditory hallucinations are not only from being bipolar.

Answer 8

NO NO NO... Dont worry. Even I have auditory hallucinations but its really normal. I met a phyciatrist nd she says its completerly normal. Well any how these hallucinations are intresting!

Answer 9

They can be for some people with Bipolar.

Answer 10

Any hallucinations of any type are schizophrenia. You, above anyone, need to see a psychiatrist to start medical therapy before you end up in a psych hospital with the hallucinations. Treating yourself would be better than being forced to be treated.