I know it's not 'happy one minute and sad the next' sort of thing and I know that mood swings are normal, but I have dramatic mood swings that last. It's not a usual thing. It happens maybe a few times a year at the very most and some years not at all! When I either get very depressed, I often have mild depressions so not the same thing, or I get in my 'crazed mood' it does disrupt my life socially and professionally and I believe my bad reaction to Prozac was actually a sort of mania. But while I may have had sexual and social indescretions, I've never gone on spending sprees or done anything most people wouldn't consider just "hyped up" for too long. Mostly, I get accused of drug use when I'm not.
So, when I go to see my doctor about going on Paxil for my panic attacks, yes, I have those too and my anxiety controls my life more than my roller coaster of moods, should I mention my mood swings? A doctor once suggested I was bipolar, but who knows! It's a popular diagnosis isn't it?
2007-08-14 04:40:47 · 2 answers · asked by skunk pie 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes, it is a very popular diagnosis. Many people are diagnosed bi-polar, I even have been after a 2minute conversation with a doctor. I am not a doctor so I can't tell you what to do, but I can say that the medications you mentioned, Paxil, Prozac are very addictive. You should try eating very healthy, getting tons of exercise-like at least an hour a day and stay away from sugar and caffeine. I did this in my life and it made all the difference and it also allowed me to sleep six hours a night (I had problems being able to sleep at night) Good luck! Remember there are many things you can try before you take major drugs.
2007-08-14 04:51:48 · answer #1 · answered by Ciel 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes. Talk about your mood swings. Moods can typically not swing for a long time. There are often cycles of moods.
Yes. Get as much information as possible about mood disorders. Suggestions: WebMD (webmd.com) and Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSAlliance.org).
Yes. Write down all the questions you have before you go to the doctor and ask all of them.
Yes. Make the doctor tell you what you want to know about and make him/her explain in an understandable way.
Yes. Communicate closely with your doctor about everything you're feeling and doing that feels "not you."
No. Because you think you are doesn't necessarily mean you are. Talk with your doctor to be sure. Talk about other possibilities as well.
2007-08-16 20:06:03 · answer #2 · answered by ginnyjollykidd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to a psychiatrist about ALL your symptoms. Sometimes panic and anxiety are symptoms that accompany BPD. Let him make the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate meds. True BPD is a common disorder but it also very real and is left untreated and ruin lives. Luckily there is a lot of research and effective meds out there that can bring some stability.
2007-08-14 05:25:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's not bipolar disorder. first, if it isn't an exterme enough change in mood or behavior to affect your work or social life then there no need for any medication. If you see a real psychologiost then he would probably tell you the same thing since bipolar disorder is a popular diagnosis. I have a friend who is manic bi-polar and he takes some powerfull medication and I still notice his behavior change now and again. you may have anxiety or depression, but not bipolar.
2007-08-14 04:51:59 · answer #4 · answered by Euclid 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Paxil doesn't work for some people then try something else. Go and get a few sessions with the doctor or a canceler. Some times we need to talk and see what is brothering us. That we did no about or we had forgotten about. It's ok to talk about everything that you might not tell anyone else.
2007-08-14 04:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Based on your description, I would think that it is possible for you to be Bipolar. You do not have to have every symptom (i.e., spending sprees) to be Bipolar.
Bipolar is definitely hereditary, as are many forms of mental illness. I am Bipolar, my daughter is Bipolar. My father suffered from Schizophrenia and my mother had her issues as well, but was never properly diagnosed.
2007-08-14 04:53:45 · answer #6 · answered by Vera C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out www.about.com and look for the online quizzes for Bipolar disorder or discuss with a psychiatrist.
2007-08-14 04:46:42 · answer #7 · answered by Swamy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋