Posted by Yardena on September 6, 1999, at 21:20:02
In reply to Re: Thanks for the encouragement, James, posted by Noa on September 6, 1999, at 21:08:22
I, too, have found this board to be a blessing. So much support. And information.
The cyclothymia question is an interesting one. I don't feel I know enough about the nuances of what constitutes a hypomanic phase. I ask the same questions about myself. There is definitely variation in my mood, but no moods of elation or grandiosity. No spending sprees, or anything. I am irritable sometimes, but it feels more like depression than hypomania. Like Noa, when at work, I am able to function, most of the time (except when in the worst stages of depression). I get involved in stuff at work and briefly forget my own woes. I feel better at those times, but only because I am buoyed by the external structure, the feeling of being needed, the distractions. On my own, my initiative wanes and I become very passive and unmotivated (I read in one of the posts that the hippocampus is involved in motivation...and my hippocampus is probably shriveled up by now after all these years of untreated or partially treated depression). As far as the cyclothymia question, I guess I need to do some reading. Hey, Dr. Bob, it would be great if we could have some Q&A exchanges with an expert on cyclothymia/hypomania, etc. to help us learn more.
poster:Yardena
thread:11004
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/11143.html