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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rnny on April 23, 2010, at 23:41:37
In reply to do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by obsidian on April 22, 2010, at 21:40:27
If you are anything like me, I have asked similar questions many times over trying to get a pulse on "what is wrong with me". If only I knew, that would make everything better. All I have looked for is reassurance that I am worthy and loveable. And I can say this about you: you are worthy and loveable. Now, that may not have answered your question about if you have a mood disorder. But I think if anyone suffers from real depression and not just the 'blues' then that is considered a mood diorder, isn't it? I have a mood disorder. Recurrent major depression. You happy now? haha!
Posted by MadelineRun on April 24, 2010, at 3:57:20
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by rnny on April 23, 2010, at 23:41:37
I don't know if this is helpful, but something that I've recently learned about myself is that I tend to get angry (sometimes extremely angry) at different people, although lately it's been my therapist, because I am avoiding feeling other, more prominent feelings. For example, I might get upset/angry at my therapist for something she said, when really I am feeling disappointed or hurt or whatever other feeling. I think anger is a often a go to feeling--meaning that some people automatically feel the anger instead of feeling another different and often uncomfortable feeling.
Posted by obsidian on April 24, 2010, at 9:59:57
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » obsidian, posted by Dinah on April 23, 2010, at 11:33:28
>Mainly I have an anxiety disorder.
anxiety has probably been my biggest problem
> Do you get migraines? IBS? Agitation?
I have experienced all three of what you mention, though thankfully the migraines were just a few and when I was a child. They were ridiculous. I never want to experience that ever again.
lamictal helps, and klonopin, the effexor helps with depression, but can also make things worse in terms of anxiety and agitation for me.
> (What did your consultant say?)
bipolar spectrum
> Are you worried about this in terms of pregnancy? I went with no medications during pregnancy and was just fine.
YES. as of now, I am being told that I have to likely get off most of everything, though that does remain to be seen. So, I cried a lot. I am afraid that I will find it hard to function, but I also wonder if I might be just fine. So, here is the questioning of what it's all for anyway. I might just have to go through it to find out. Either way, I have to become healthier in any way I can, and consider everything.
thanks dinah,
sid
Posted by obsidian on April 24, 2010, at 10:00:51
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » obsidian, posted by BabyToes on April 22, 2010, at 22:45:10
> You sound like a normal human being to me. I think everyone experiences these things at one point or another.Yeah, I suppose I am
Do these things interfere with living the live you want to live?
sometimes, yes
Posted by obsidian on April 24, 2010, at 10:09:28
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by rnny on April 23, 2010, at 23:41:37
thanks :-)
perhaps we should all just refer to ourselves by the diagnostic codes from the DSM
you are 296.3x....who am I?
296.89 vs. 300.02 vs. 296.3x vs. 300.23 vs. 305.20 vs. 301.82that's bipolar II, major depression, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, cannabis abuse, avoidant personality disorder, not in that order
Posted by obsidian on April 24, 2010, at 10:11:25
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??/anger, posted by MadelineRun on April 24, 2010, at 3:57:20
yeah, anger can be protective in a lot of ways. I hate it. I have learned to stuff it quite a bit, to my own detriment as it manages to find a way out.
thanks,
sid
Posted by rnny on April 24, 2010, at 16:47:32
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » rnny, posted by obsidian on April 24, 2010, at 10:09:28
ROTFL!!!!!!!!
Posted by morganator on April 25, 2010, at 0:23:11
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??/anger, posted by MadelineRun on April 24, 2010, at 3:57:20
It also may be that you actually have a lot of anger inside you and it is being redirected at other things/people. I believe the majority of us carry anger inside us that manifests in different ways. If things were not so great in one way or another or several for a period of time or the entire time we were developing, it is likely that we carry anger inside of us that needs to be dealt with. Your therapist may be aware of this but does not want to push you too hard.
Posted by morganator on April 25, 2010, at 0:27:03
In reply to do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by obsidian on April 22, 2010, at 21:40:27
It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep open to the idea that you may fall somewhere under the spectrum of bipolar. I wish I had known a long time ago. If you are bipolar and you do not treat yourself the right way(and I'm not necessarily talking about medication) or protect yourself, your bipolar could develop into something worse than what it is now.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 25, 2010, at 1:55:22
In reply to do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by obsidian on April 22, 2010, at 21:40:27
I thought mood disorder encompassed everything, like depression, anxiety (that isn't a mood disorder?), bipolar variants--and then, okay, question number two, are 'personality disorders' (an infuriating term) also mood disorders?
And sid, I was afraid to have a child--I put it off until the 11th hour of my biological clock. He seems to be o.k. People say he's a happy camper. Of course I worry--I've eaten up many therapy hours discussing the well-being of my child--but that's mostly because of my self-loathing and low self-confidence than my actual parenting. I'm beginning to see that now :)
Posted by obsidian on April 25, 2010, at 13:15:09
In reply to maybe a dumb question...., posted by floatingbridge on April 25, 2010, at 1:55:22
> I thought mood disorder encompassed everything, like depression, anxiety (that isn't a mood disorder?), bipolar variants--and then, okay, question number two, are 'personality disorders' (an infuriating term) also mood disorders?
well, as per the world of DSM...mood disorders and anxiety disorders are separate categories, so are personality disorders.
major depression and bipolar disorder are both mood disorders
much, I believe, overlaps> And sid, I was afraid to have a child--I put it off until the 11th hour of my biological clock. He seems to be o.k. People say he's a happy camper. Of course I worry--I've eaten up many therapy hours discussing the well-being of my child--but that's mostly because of my self-loathing and low self-confidence than my actual parenting. I'm beginning to see that now :)
congratulations :-)
I'm trying to figure out if I should be concerned or unconcerned about going off meds with the goal of getting pregnant.
I suppose there are no concrete categories, no absolute answers, and there is just the doing of it that is left. We shall see...
thanks,
sid
Posted by obsidian on April 25, 2010, at 13:22:09
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by morganator on April 25, 2010, at 0:27:03
> It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep open to the idea that you may fall somewhere under the spectrum of bipolar. I wish I had known a long time ago. If you are bipolar and you do not treat yourself the right way(and I'm not necessarily talking about medication) or protect yourself, your bipolar could develop into something worse than what it is now.
are you bipolar?
what would you have done differently if you had known?
what does it mean to treat yourself the right way?
is that lifestyle stuff...diet, exercise, stress?
thanks,
sid
Posted by morganator on April 26, 2010, at 0:06:03
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » morganator, posted by obsidian on April 25, 2010, at 13:22:09
> > It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep open to the idea that you may fall somewhere under the spectrum of bipolar. I wish I had known a long time ago. If you are bipolar and you do not treat yourself the right way(and I'm not necessarily talking about medication) or protect yourself, your bipolar could develop into something worse than what it is now.
>
> are you bipolar?
> what would you have done differently if you had known?
> what does it mean to treat yourself the right way?
> is that lifestyle stuff...diet, exercise, stress?
> thanks,
> sid
>
>Yup, I'm bipolar. Had 2 episodes in my 20s. My therapist should have known and should have told me.
Oh, what would I have done? Well, for starters I would not have stopped taking Zoloft back in 2007. Secondly, I would have probably tried to drink less. Thirdly, I would have been more aware of my behavior and maybe could have modified it better. And lastly, I would have taken much better care of myself and done a better job of avoiding stress.
You got it right also with the exercise and diet. Both are very important. I say exercise and omega 3s are VERY important. Also, it also may not be a bad idea to get on a very low dose of lithium. It's such a good drug at low doses. It offers neuroprotective, neuroregenerative, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. And most importantly, it may lift and stabilize your mood.
Oh yeah, another thing that I may have done differently would have been to stay in therapy.
Morgan
Posted by floatingbridge on April 26, 2010, at 1:59:59
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by morganator on April 26, 2010, at 0:06:03
I'd like to second Morgan's advice. I don't know amount or type s/he takes. 300 mg per day helped my mood subtly-- prescribed as a neurogenic.
Best to you.
Posted by obsidian on April 26, 2010, at 22:16:40
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » morganator, posted by floatingbridge on April 26, 2010, at 1:59:59
> I'd like to second Morgan's advice. I don't know amount or type s/he takes. 300 mg per day helped my mood subtly-- prescribed as a neurogenic.
> Best to you.thanks, it's complicated by the fact that I do want to be pregnant at some point...seems like I won't be able to take much of anything, I'm sort of hoping I won't need to...sheer strength of will (sigh)
Posted by morganator on April 26, 2010, at 23:30:07
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » floatingbridge, posted by obsidian on April 26, 2010, at 22:16:40
Why not just treat yourself with something until you get pregnant? The for nine months hopefully some good clean fish oil, good nutrition, and light to moderate exercise will help keep things in check. Just a thought.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 0:42:09
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by morganator on April 26, 2010, at 23:30:07
Hmmm. I guess lithium is contraindicated? How long until it leaves your system. There are obtainable answers because other women have done this.
sid, you have confirmed BP?
Best.
Posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 21:28:05
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » morganator, posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 0:42:09
2 pdocs agree on BPII, one I specifically consulted because he's got a well known expertise in mood disorders
I've got a family history of mood disorders on both sides, my father was put on depakote at some point, lots of other folks with unclear diagnosespart of the advice was...lower the effexor, raise lamictal
lowering the effexor was definitely a good idea, it's smoothed out my moods, raising the lamictal has raised my mood, decreased anxiety, irritability and agitation, and has made social interaction a lot easierI take just 25mgs of seroquel and 1.25 mgs of klonopin a day too
eh, I don't know...I've just wanted to feel better.
but I don't want to miss out on something important because of the breakdown I "might" have
at this point, I don't want to lower anything, but I need a plan
Posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 21:29:37
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder??, posted by morganator on April 26, 2010, at 23:30:07
yeah, that's definitely going to be a must. Getting off meds is going to be a real struggle. I will have to do everything else I can.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 22:00:42
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » morganator, posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 21:29:37
sid, that's great that the lamictal is working so well! Have you done any research yet about low dose ad and pregnancy.? I imagine that lamictal is contraindicated, but I could ne wrong. Low dose benzo seems o.k
If effexor is contraindicated, maybe you could sideways switch. Effexor can be a bear.
Then there's the hormones. That's a crap shoot. I felt great
Some don't. Do you have a good doc to work with? That would be key.My family is riddled w/ untreated bipolars and other illnesses undiagnoisosed. That was difficult to overcome. You can imagine I've spent lots of time looking for Amy's 'sign' of distress in him--so far, so good....
Posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 22:02:36
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » floatingbridge, posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 21:28:05
Oh, depression returned shortly after delivery--but forewarned is forearmed.
Posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 22:39:26
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » obsidian, posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 22:00:42
> sid, that's great that the lamictal is working so well! Have you done any research yet about low dose ad and pregnancy.? I imagine that lamictal is contraindicated, but I could ne wrong. Low dose benzo seems o.k
I have read different accounts, some say it is absolutely contraindicated, and others who say they have stayed on it (epileptics I think) and claim no adverse effects...but the risks are scary...risks of spina bifida, other defects
it seems they are all contraindicated...though perhaps some are used when it's perceived that the benefits outweigh the risks.
benzos are apparently associated with facial defects
> If effexor is contraindicated, maybe you could sideways switch. Effexor can be a bear.I would like to try another antidepressant if possible, but I really wish I could stay on lamictal.
I saw a warning somewhere about how babies born with effexor in their systems may go through unpleasant withdrawal
> Then there's the hormones. That's a crap shoot. I felt great
> Some don't. Do you have a good doc to work with? That would be key.yeah, he's willing to work with me :-)
> My family is riddled w/ untreated bipolars and other illnesses undiagnoisosed. That was difficult to overcome. You can imagine I've spent lots of time looking for Amy's 'sign' of distress in him--so far, so good....it's too bad really, they might've had a better quality of life if treated :-(
Posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 22:43:16
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » obsidian, posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 22:02:36
I'm afraid of getting depressed and 'freaking nuts' (for lack of a better term) in the midst of trying to get pregnant, then there's the actual being pregnant, then there's postpartum
I suppose the only knowing is in the doing...
I actually don't feel so great right now. So, I won't be reducing anything right now, but working on that lifestyle stuff morganator mentioned. I just tried some weeks ago to lower the effexor and I did feel depressed. I could've tried to ride it out, but I didn't.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 23:40:48
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » floatingbridge, posted by obsidian on April 27, 2010, at 22:43:16
Effexor was the worst for me. And I become I'll 7-8 hours after missing pristiq....
Information is contradictory regarding ad safety. It can be a bit maddening. Please don't listen to the purists! But you have good sense--and I'm glad you have a good doc on board.
Best regards!
Posted by hrguru on April 30, 2010, at 18:40:51
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » obsidian, posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 23:40:48
Hi all!
I'm just jumping in here, but I am diagnosed Bipolar II with rapid cycling, ADHD and OCD. I've also been diagnosed with specific phobia, PTSD and GAD- and I have tried just about every single anti-depressant out there. Trial and error really makes me feel like a medial guinea pig sometimes. Most anti-depressants trigger mania (in bipolar people) to boot, so you have to be really careful. I take Topamax and Wellbutrin and this is very effective for me. I take a low dose of Xanax when I get manic, as sometimes there is no other way to calm me down or get me to go to bed (or even lay down). But since I've been on the Topamax and Wellbutrin, I haven't had a swing. It took a few drug "combos" before I got to this point, though. Having the appropriate drug cocktail is crucial, and it's different for every person. I have not decided if I will have biological children. I may adopt instead. I just don't think I could put my family through 9 months (plus) of me not being medicated. I'm conflicted about it, though. I'm not opposed to others with bipolar disorder going off meds to experience pregnancy and giving birth (please don't get me wrong). This would be a personal choice for me, because I am a pain in the a** to deal with when I'm not on meds, and I can't begin to imagine what I might be like when my hormones are really surging! :) Omega3 is a great natural anti-depressant. Having the right therapist and psychiatrist is important. Tracking your moods is a good idea. I use this website: www.facingus.org. Always remember, a diagnosis of bipolar is not the end of the world. Some of the most famous artists of past and present day, were/are creative and brilliant geniuses afflicted with bipolar disorder. I know it's a shock to the system to receive this diagnosis, but remember that you are not alone, and you have support :)
This is the end of the thread.
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