Posted by Ritch on January 3, 2005, at 9:51:59
In reply to Re: Those are hypomanias, posted by banga on January 3, 2005, at 1:35:37
> Hello!
> I was just perusing your exchanges....I dont know if you are going by the DSM IV definitions, to distinguish mania, hypomania and mixed episodes--but in a nutshell, mania and hypomania differ in two aspects alone--duration, and its effects on your life. Manic episodes-last at least 1 week--- or less if they necessitate hospitalization. This then makes it flexible--if it is really out of control, or if you have hallucinations that split you from reality (i.e., you werent hospitalized but maybe it might have been a good idea)--its a manic episode. And mania is defined as MARKEDLY interfering with functioning in social or work life. Hypomania lasts 4 days or longer, and is not strong enough to interfere significantly with your daily functioning. The symptoms are the same, it's their intensity that differs the two.
> If you have ever had a manic episode, you are by DSMIV Bipolar I. If you have never had a full manic episode but have episodes of hypomania, youre Bipolar II. A mixed episode is if you simultaneously meet FULL criteria for a manic episode and full criteria for a depressive episode for at least a week.
> Sorry if you knew all that and are going by some other diagnostic system--just it seemed someone was wondering whether they are Bipolar I or II--.
> Technically, going by the DSM system, probably most of us fall under "Bipolar Disorder not otherwise specified" or "Major depressive disorder NOS", as the DSM criteria are pretty strict.
> And having said all that, if you go by the less clear-cut classifications going around these days, I still am not sure if I have just Major Depression or rather Bipolar in a softer form--
> Sorry for butting in , good comments by all;
> And good luck to all of you!
No problem, thanks for printing the info. I've read that before. I suppose I'm curious about the "qualitative" aspects of the symptoms more than the "quantitative". Without meds I've definitely exceeded the "4 day limit", even the "1 week limit", but the intensity was low enough that I could still drive (maybe 10-15mph over the speed limit), get work done, talk to people on the phone (get hung up on a couple of times though). Another thing I might mention is the "atypical" nature of it. I did get a dx a few years back from a neurologist that simply put me down as "atypical bipolar". The continuousness requirement of the "episodes" I think can be misleading. It is kind of like the breaker box is generally running hot for a week or so, but you only have to go and reset a breaker here and there for a few days in a row, but you don't get pitched into jail or get fired, etc......
poster:Ritch
thread:435630
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050103/msgs/437172.html