Do you think I might be bipolar?

Post Reply New Topic

Bipolar is difficult to diagnose because, like Asperger's, it is a spectrum disorder.

It would be good to talk to a doctor so that they can run tests because sometimes there is a metabolical imbalance that can cause bipolar-like symptoms so it is good to have that tested.

I will try to make a semi-diagnosis to determine whether you have clinical depression or a form of bipolar. I will ask a few questions. The more detail you give me on the answers the better I can tell.

1. Do you ever have any manic episodes where you feel euphoric and have a tendency to do things you normally wouldn't do?

2. Do you sometimes have intermediate episodes between the manic and depressive episodes?

3. How long do the depressive or manic episodes usually last if you have them?

4. Do your sleep patterns change during a manic or depressive episode?

If you are bipolar, you are probably better off taking lithium than Paxil.

Hi ebec, ask for something besides paxil. It has terrible withdrawal symptoms. I've been taking it since 92 and have tried to quit several times. It's awful.

Fishface is right that paxil is the wrong drug for bipolar. The drugs for that are anti-convulsants or lithium. I take lithium and it works well for me.

Bipolor is the current trendy diagnosis. I worked in a psych hospital and saw how diagnoses change frequently. They are never actually sure what someone has. It's all just a guessing game. Expirement and use what works for you. The doc doesn't really know, sad to say. It's not an exact science.