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angelwings
Full Member (100+ posts)
127 Posts
Gratitude: 57
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 Posted - 01/24/2008 : 10:50:02
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Okay .... this is it.
My Psychologist Doctor says i'm bipolar ... and one of my best friends says i'm bipolar (he's bipolar himself, so he should know ...)
One friend (that should know me very well) says i'm not, but probably i have ADHD .....
So, my psychologist and one friend say ..... Lithium
One very good friend says .... Ritalin.
I'm going crazy over this .....
Do any of you can give me some advice, please!!!
How deep does the rabbit-hole goes? I'm not sure i want to know |
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| mom22galz
Super Member (250+ posts)
336 Posts
Gratitude: 148
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Posted - 01/24/2008 : 11:35:41
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My two cents, for what their worth...
These are two very different psychotropic medications.
Research both meds and examine exactly what they do to you. Not only in terms of intended effect, but also side effects. Look into getting off the drug should it prove ineffective.
Figure out what symptoms you think are most severe and cause you more disruption. Target them. Then roll your dice.
I've been on so many med combos over the years that I research everything prior to consuming these days. Better to be well informed. I had an extremely difficult time weaning of what I lovingly refer to as "side-Effexor". Never would have begun that Rx if I'd checked it out beforehand. Live and learn!
Tending towards mania personally, I've no experience with Ritalin. But as far as mood stabilizers go, there's a lot to be said for good old lithium. Cheap, tried and true, but its side effects can be rough.
Hope you find what works.
Peace out,
m22g
Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?  |
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| PolarOne
Super Member (250+ posts)
456 Posts
Gratitude: 113
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Posted - 01/24/2008 : 12:07:00
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Hi angelwings,
Its a good one to ask a Psychiatrist after he/she has taken a full history etc. Sorry if thats stating the obvious and you've already done all that! Or maybe you're waiting on that or something.
It depends on where you live to some extent I think. Psychologists can't really make the diagnosis where I live, but are very much part of the treatment plan. I think I'm right in saying they do a lot more as regards diagnosis etc in the U.S. perhaps. Not sure.
I definately know of at least one friend who has both Bipolar and ADHD though, its much more common to have something else going on in addition to mood swings than not e.g. anxiety.
I agree with the above. I always thought that ritalin and stimulants could make BP symptoms much worse. I have spoken with a couple of people who take them now as part of their treatment for depression (in addition to mood stabiliser e.g. lithium). I think that's 'smallprint' though, used with caution.
I guess if its not clear cut the Dr might suggest a trial of treatment to see how you get on. Lamictal seems to have worked for me for the moment (though I tend much more to the downs), there's a few other treatments these days too. Lithium is one.
The diagnosis bit is crucial though, needs an experienced person to do that really. Its a very individual, complicated thing to sort through at first. Even after all that it can be missed sometimes. My first (diagnosis) app't went on for 2 hrs (...eek). There are online questionaires etc for diagnosis etc. - not sure about those myself.
Hope you can sort it out soon, doesn't help when you get conflicting advice from friends I know! Confusing.
bw j
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| EmergingArtist
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)
9136 Posts
Gratitude: 822
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Posted - 01/24/2008 : 13:44:11
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quote:
Originally posted by angelwings
Okay .... this is it.
My Psychologist Doctor says i'm bipolar ... and one of my best friends says i'm bipolar (he's bipolar himself, so he should know ...)
One friend (that should know me very well) says i'm not, but probably i have ADHD .....
So, my psychologist and one friend say ..... Lithium
One very good friend says .... Ritalin.
I'm going crazy over this .....
Do any of you can give me some advice, please!!!
How deep does the rabbit-hole goes? I'm not sure i want to know
Hi Angelwings,
A psychiatrist is the number one professional who is qualified to diagnose a mental illness. A psychologist is usually knowledgeable enough to surmise a diagnosis, but a psychologist is not qualified to diagnose.
Your friends may be very perceptive and see things about you that you haven't told your doctor. Have you asked your friends exactly what it is that you do that leads them to think you have Bipolar Disorder or some other illness?
When will you next see your doctor?
EAAge: 32
Sex: female
homemaker, married
Diagnosed Bipolar 1993 |
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| angelwings
Full Member (100+ posts)
127 Posts
Gratitude: 57
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Posted - 01/24/2008 : 14:53:28
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Thanks for the replies. It really helps me.
Of course, i should listen to the qualified people ... but having such bad experience, made me insecure and suspicious of psychiatrists.
I know they have the knowledge and that they should know ... but i'm scared. I'm just scared of it all.
It's odd ... Now that i've found the help i need and found the help (from my regular doctor aswell as the pdoc) that i need, i'm scared.
I'm sorry ... probably i'm just a silly fool .... but in the past, this was the state of mind that brought me to the edge ... and over it. And i'm just afraid that will happen again.
And i know i will not be able to live with it anymore. I NEED THE HELP I'M GETTING RIGHT NOW ... and still i doubt ... i'd rather just hide under a rock, for the time being, like i've always done.
I just wish i could be more clear ...... to everyone.
How deep does the rabbit-hole goes? I'm not sure i want to know |
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| PolarOne
Super Member (250+ posts)
456 Posts
Gratitude: 113
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Posted - 01/24/2008 : 15:58:22
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hi angelwings,
Sorry I hadn't realised about that aspect, that's understandable. Can relate to wanting to hide under a rock and feeling like that certainly.
My experience with Psychs. has been fine, though I've still twice turned down referrals to them in the last 6 years. Mainly because 'I couldn't see the point' which is very much depression self-talk.
My families experience has been a bit more variable, but they got there in the end with the right diagnosis/treatment, and are doing much better these days.
Take your time, I had to wait till I felt ready to go, and thats fine. The good news is that its treatable, and hopefully you'll feel a lot better sometime soon I hope.
bw j |
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| Kay Kinney
Starting Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2019 : 00:06:56
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| MOOD disorder community is the community of the disorder dealing and the disease dealing platform in this world. The general discussion here is for the Bi polar disorder and the https://www.rushmypapers.me has the error of the creativity with the best judgment. |
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| warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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| warblaster
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| warblaster
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| warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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| warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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| warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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| warblaster
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112498 Posts |
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| warblaster
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| warblaster
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:Lithium or ritalin
