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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by amyaub on November 26, 2007, at 21:49:01
Anyone know if it's common to be diagnosed with Depression and ADD when it's really Bipolar II? I have had a hypomanic episode for the last few days (a couple of friends noticed my behavior was really erractic over the weekend--fun and hyper, but very erractic for me--and suggested I called my doc). This doc is not the one who originally diagnosed me. When I called today, she wanted to see me as early as 8 AM tomorrow morning so I see her then.
Just wondering if my diagnosis might change.
I also have a father diagnosed with Bipolar (well, when it was manic-depressive disorder).
There's much more bevaior to the story, but I just can't put it all down in txt. LOL!
Posted by pstrait on November 27, 2007, at 1:49:54
In reply to Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis, posted by amyaub on November 26, 2007, at 21:49:01
For what it is worth, I have been diagnosed with bipolar II and ADD. I know that they are often comorbid.
Incidentally, this isn't as exact a science as we would like it to be. While each diagnosis has specific definitions in the dsm-iv (you can read the definitions and decide if you have ever had a definitional hypo-manic period), it is not like each diagnosis can be traced back to something objectively distinct, like antibodies for a specific virus or something. All of these disorders involve highly interrelated subsystems and chemicals within the CNS. They all present somewhat differently in different people, and they have both genetic and environmental causes.
The key question is really not whether the diagnosis is perfect (although this helps a lot), but if the treatment resolves the problems. In this case, it seems like the key question is whether or not a mood stabilizer is needed. IMO, if you figure that out, it is irrelevant what the diagnosis says.
Posted by pstrait on November 27, 2007, at 1:50:01
In reply to Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis, posted by amyaub on November 26, 2007, at 21:49:01
For what it is worth, I have been diagnosed with bipolar II and ADD. I know that they are often comorbid.
Incidentally, this isn't as exact a science as we would like it to be. While each diagnosis has specific definitions in the dsm-iv (you can read the definitions and decide if you have ever had a definitional hypo-manic period), it is not like each diagnosis can be traced back to something objectively distinct, like antibodies for a specific virus or something. All of these disorders involve highly interrelated subsystems and chemicals within the CNS. They all present somewhat differently in different people, and they have both genetic and environmental causes.
The key question is really not whether the diagnosis is perfect (although this helps a lot), but if the treatment resolves the problems. In this case, it seems like the key question is whether or not a mood stabilizer is needed. IMO, if you figure that out, it is irrelevant what the diagnosis says.
Posted by Polarbear206 on November 27, 2007, at 9:33:30
In reply to Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis, posted by amyaub on November 26, 2007, at 21:49:01
Some Stimulants used for ADHD can exacerbate an underlying bipolar disorder. This can be very tricky to diagnose, esp. if you are young. You are on the right track for proper diagnosis. Good Luck.
PB
Posted by Phillipa on November 27, 2007, at 11:43:58
In reply to Re: Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis » amyaub, posted by Polarbear206 on November 27, 2007, at 9:33:30
Still don't get how an add med can help bipolar. I'd think it would make the hypomania worse. Or if young what looks like bipolar could be ADD????Phillipa
Posted by Racer on November 27, 2007, at 13:30:06
In reply to Re: Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis » Polarbear206, posted by Phillipa on November 27, 2007, at 11:43:58
> Still don't get how an add med can help bipolar. I'd think it would make the hypomania worse.
PolarBear wrote:
"Some Stimulants used for ADHD can exacerbate an underlying bipolar disorder."
From Merriam-Webster online:
exacerbate
Main Entry:
ex·ac·er·bate Listen to the pronunciation of exacerbate
Pronunciation:
\ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt\
Function:
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):
ex·ac·er·bat·ed; ex·ac·er·bat·ing
Etymology:
Latin exacerbatus, past participle of exacerbare, from ex- + acerbus harsh, bitter, from acer sharp — more at edge
Date:
1660: to make more violent, bitter, or severe
Posted by pstrait on November 27, 2007, at 14:41:16
In reply to Re: Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis, posted by Racer on November 27, 2007, at 13:30:06
If you genuinely have ADD comorbid with bipolar II, then the stimulant should not cause hypomania (assuming you are on a mood stabilizer). Obviously, stimulants and ADs by themselves can cause hypomania if there is no mood stabilizer to prevent this.
I tend to get a little sleepy when I take adderall, which is definately not in the direction of hypomania. But this underscores the fact that we are all different and it is important that a psychiatrist is there to closely monitor reactions one might have to different treatments.
Posted by Phillipa on November 27, 2007, at 19:10:05
In reply to Re: Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis, posted by Racer on November 27, 2007, at 13:30:06
Racer I'm well aware it can bring it out. Others as above say the two can exist together. Won't take this personally. Phillipa
Posted by UGottaHaveHOPE on November 30, 2007, at 20:21:54
In reply to Bipolar II vs Depression/ADD diagnosis, posted by amyaub on November 26, 2007, at 21:49:01
Read this website, does great job of explaining things in laymen's terms ....
This is the end of the thread.
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