How fast do moods cycle in bipolar?
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September 12, 2011 - 4:05 pm
I am curious about this. I have met with four licensed professionals (1 psychologist, 2 social workers, 1 psychiatrist) that believe I have GAD with bipolar disorder due to my anxiety, rapid speech, and intermittent terrible anger outbursts and bouts of depression. I also have times where I get really energetic, talk fast, get up early and clean the whole house, go spend hundreds of dollars, and then start a million projects with new ideas. I also can get irritable during these times as well. But I have never not missed sleep, sometimes I sleep less, but I always sleep. I also have times where I get hypersexual, and then it goes away and I have no sex drive for months. It's really annoying. I've had lots of bloodwork done to see if there is a medical reason and they can find none. I have read that this can be related to the disorder.
However, I am going to a therapist currently that seems to believe I have GAD but not bipolar. She says that my anger outbursts are attributed to me not liking to be controlled, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. I don't ALWAYS see a trigger to my outbursts. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. She claims that if I have bipolar my moods would not cycle as rapidly as they do. She said I would stay irritable and angry for weeks at a time for no reason. She also says that because my anger outbursts only happen with certain family members, I am still able to control it unlike someone that has bipolar. I don't know if I agree with that because I have had times where I still had the explosive anger feeling in public, I just didn't release it the same way as I did when I was home.
But then I met with her again this week and told her more about what has been going on lately and she seemed to start considering a mood disorder but she said she didn't know how to define it.
I just wanted to hear other opinions on this. I just thought since the opinion was 4-1 that majority wins lol. But I know of people that have bipolar that do cycle quickly- even hourly. I usually change moods daily, but sometimes it can be twice a day, sometimes more times in a day, it just depends if I am under stress or in a certain situation.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Thanks.
However, I am going to a therapist currently that seems to believe I have GAD but not bipolar. She says that my anger outbursts are attributed to me not liking to be controlled, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. I don't ALWAYS see a trigger to my outbursts. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. She claims that if I have bipolar my moods would not cycle as rapidly as they do. She said I would stay irritable and angry for weeks at a time for no reason. She also says that because my anger outbursts only happen with certain family members, I am still able to control it unlike someone that has bipolar. I don't know if I agree with that because I have had times where I still had the explosive anger feeling in public, I just didn't release it the same way as I did when I was home.
But then I met with her again this week and told her more about what has been going on lately and she seemed to start considering a mood disorder but she said she didn't know how to define it.
I just wanted to hear other opinions on this. I just thought since the opinion was 4-1 that majority wins lol. But I know of people that have bipolar that do cycle quickly- even hourly. I usually change moods daily, but sometimes it can be twice a day, sometimes more times in a day, it just depends if I am under stress or in a certain situation.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Thanks.
Medications for 3rd quarter 2011
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Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I am curious about this. I have met with four licensed professionals (1 psychologist, 2 social workers, 1 psychiatrist) that believe I have GAD with bipolar disorder due to my anxiety, rapid speech, and intermittent terrible anger outbursts and bouts of depression. I also have times where I get really energetic, talk fast, get up early and clean the whole house, go spend hundreds of dollars, and then start a million projects with new ideas. I also can get irritable during these times as well. But I have never not missed sleep, sometimes I sleep less, but I always sleep. I also have times where I get hypersexual, and then it goes away and I have no sex drive for months. It's really annoying. I've had lots of bloodwork done to see if there is a medical reason and they can find none. I have read that this can be related to the disorder.
However, I am going to a therapist currently that seems to believe I have GAD but not bipolar. She says that my anger outbursts are attributed to me not liking to be controlled, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. I don't ALWAYS see a trigger to my outbursts. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. She claims that if I have bipolar my moods would not cycle as rapidly as they do. She said I would stay irritable and angry for weeks at a time for no reason. She also says that because my anger outbursts only happen with certain family members, I am still able to control it unlike someone that has bipolar. I don't know if I agree with that because I have had times where I still had the explosive anger feeling in public, I just didn't release it the same way as I did when I was home.
But then I met with her again this week and told her more about what has been going on lately and she seemed to start considering a mood disorder but she said she didn't know how to define it.
I just wanted to hear other opinions on this. I just thought since the opinion was 4-1 that majority wins lol. But I know of people that have bipolar that do cycle quickly- even hourly. I usually change moods daily, but sometimes it can be twice a day, sometimes more times in a day, it just depends if I am under stress or in a certain situation.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Thanks.
However, I am going to a therapist currently that seems to believe I have GAD but not bipolar. She says that my anger outbursts are attributed to me not liking to be controlled, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. I don't ALWAYS see a trigger to my outbursts. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. She claims that if I have bipolar my moods would not cycle as rapidly as they do. She said I would stay irritable and angry for weeks at a time for no reason. She also says that because my anger outbursts only happen with certain family members, I am still able to control it unlike someone that has bipolar. I don't know if I agree with that because I have had times where I still had the explosive anger feeling in public, I just didn't release it the same way as I did when I was home.
But then I met with her again this week and told her more about what has been going on lately and she seemed to start considering a mood disorder but she said she didn't know how to define it.
I just wanted to hear other opinions on this. I just thought since the opinion was 4-1 that majority wins lol. But I know of people that have bipolar that do cycle quickly- even hourly. I usually change moods daily, but sometimes it can be twice a day, sometimes more times in a day, it just depends if I am under stress or in a certain situation.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Thanks.
Medications for 3rd quarter 2011
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Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
September 12, 2011 - 4:07 pm
Total Posts: 110
Joined: 08-02-2011
Joined: 08-02-2011
Just wanted to add to my post above that the most frustrating thing for me is not having a diagnosis that everyone is agreeing on. I just want to know what I have or if I have something so I can be aware of it. Can anyone relate to that?
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Just wanted to add to my post above that the most frustrating thing for me is not having a diagnosis that everyone is agreeing on. I just want to know what I have or if I have something so I can be aware of it. Can anyone relate to that?
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
September 12, 2011 - 4:33 pm
Total Posts: 286
Joined: 10-06-2010
Joined: 10-06-2010
Hi, cat lover,
I am a huge cat lover too. Have three. I am bipolar one, so I have steady long cycles. I have seen people with Bipolar two cycle rapidly like that. Sometimes when someone is in a mixed state it can look like up and down every day, but is actually a steady cycle. I can't say you are bipolar because I am not a Pdoc. However you seem to have all the features. I am betting either way a mood stabilizer might help you regardless, but that is just my unlearned opinion, so take it for what it is.
I am a huge cat lover too. Have three. I am bipolar one, so I have steady long cycles. I have seen people with Bipolar two cycle rapidly like that. Sometimes when someone is in a mixed state it can look like up and down every day, but is actually a steady cycle. I can't say you are bipolar because I am not a Pdoc. However you seem to have all the features. I am betting either way a mood stabilizer might help you regardless, but that is just my unlearned opinion, so take it for what it is.
Medications for 3rd quarter 2011
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Hi, cat lover,
I am a huge cat lover too. Have three. I am bipolar one, so I have steady long cycles. I have seen people with Bipolar two cycle rapidly like that. Sometimes when someone is in a mixed state it can look like up and down every day, but is actually a steady cycle. I can't say you are bipolar because I am not a Pdoc. However you seem to have all the features. I am betting either way a mood stabilizer might help you regardless, but that is just my unlearned opinion, so take it for what it is.
I am a huge cat lover too. Have three. I am bipolar one, so I have steady long cycles. I have seen people with Bipolar two cycle rapidly like that. Sometimes when someone is in a mixed state it can look like up and down every day, but is actually a steady cycle. I can't say you are bipolar because I am not a Pdoc. However you seem to have all the features. I am betting either way a mood stabilizer might help you regardless, but that is just my unlearned opinion, so take it for what it is.
Medications for 3rd quarter 2011
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September 12, 2011 - 5:03 pm
Total Posts: 519
Joined: 12-11-2010
Joined: 12-11-2010
DEFINITELY could be mixed...I have been mixed for probably 3+ weeks now, and EVERY day is different. Some days I was in a very good, productive, sweet, super energetic mood with huge irritability, some days I would just get angry, some days it was both 'mania' and 'depression' in one day. Mixed is by far the WORST, in my opinion, and it IS one long cycle...
While there IS diagnostic criteria to be met for Bipolar, I think it varies a bit person to person. I can't say you are or are not Bipolar, so you should really see a psychiatrist and be evaluated. Social workers are nice, but they shouldn't be making diagnosis. I saw 2 MDs, a social worker, and a psychiatrist who ALL said I have Bipolar, but I trusted my psychiatrists' final word which was BP.
GOOD luck.
While there IS diagnostic criteria to be met for Bipolar, I think it varies a bit person to person. I can't say you are or are not Bipolar, so you should really see a psychiatrist and be evaluated. Social workers are nice, but they shouldn't be making diagnosis. I saw 2 MDs, a social worker, and a psychiatrist who ALL said I have Bipolar, but I trusted my psychiatrists' final word which was BP.
GOOD luck.
Medications for September 2011
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"Everything Worth Having is Purchased With Some Measure of Pain" -wisdom from the man who is my heart and soul-
DEFINITELY could be mixed...I have been mixed for probably 3+ weeks now, and EVERY day is different. Some days I was in a very good, productive, sweet, super energetic mood with huge irritability, some days I would just get angry, some days it was both 'mania' and 'depression' in one day. Mixed is by far the WORST, in my opinion, and it IS one long cycle...
While there IS diagnostic criteria to be met for Bipolar, I think it varies a bit person to person. I can't say you are or are not Bipolar, so you should really see a psychiatrist and be evaluated. Social workers are nice, but they shouldn't be making diagnosis. I saw 2 MDs, a social worker, and a psychiatrist who ALL said I have Bipolar, but I trusted my psychiatrists' final word which was BP.
GOOD luck.
While there IS diagnostic criteria to be met for Bipolar, I think it varies a bit person to person. I can't say you are or are not Bipolar, so you should really see a psychiatrist and be evaluated. Social workers are nice, but they shouldn't be making diagnosis. I saw 2 MDs, a social worker, and a psychiatrist who ALL said I have Bipolar, but I trusted my psychiatrists' final word which was BP.
GOOD luck.
Medications for September 2011
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"Everything Worth Having is Purchased With Some Measure of Pain" -wisdom from the man who is my heart and soul-
September 12, 2011 - 5:31 pm
Total Posts: 1502
Joined: 08-01-2009
Joined: 08-01-2009
You said you've seen a psychiatrist and psychologist before, those are the folks I'd most trust as far as a diagnosis, they said bipolar. What you describe sounds very familiar to me, I always slept too, just shorter periods or poorly at times.
I would find another psychiatrist if you need to reconfirm the diagnosis, esp so you can get medicine to treat the illness. I saw two social workers when I was first sick but changed to a psychologist for therapy and I am much happier with her. I feel like she's more knowledgeable about the illness and she recognizes moods in me when I don't see it.
Oh and as far as cycling, you can be anywhere from hourly to only a couple a year, less or at least milder if correctly treated with medication.
Best wishes!
I would find another psychiatrist if you need to reconfirm the diagnosis, esp so you can get medicine to treat the illness. I saw two social workers when I was first sick but changed to a psychologist for therapy and I am much happier with her. I feel like she's more knowledgeable about the illness and she recognizes moods in me when I don't see it.
Oh and as far as cycling, you can be anywhere from hourly to only a couple a year, less or at least milder if correctly treated with medication.
Best wishes!
Medications for August 13, 2011 to September 12, 2011
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you say psycho like its a bad thing
tension is who you think you should be
relaxation is who you are
in motion forever the future is YODA
You said you've seen a psychiatrist and psychologist before, those are the folks I'd most trust as far as a diagnosis, they said bipolar. What you describe sounds very familiar to me, I always slept too, just shorter periods or poorly at times.
I would find another psychiatrist if you need to reconfirm the diagnosis, esp so you can get medicine to treat the illness. I saw two social workers when I was first sick but changed to a psychologist for therapy and I am much happier with her. I feel like she's more knowledgeable about the illness and she recognizes moods in me when I don't see it.
Oh and as far as cycling, you can be anywhere from hourly to only a couple a year, less or at least milder if correctly treated with medication.
Best wishes!
I would find another psychiatrist if you need to reconfirm the diagnosis, esp so you can get medicine to treat the illness. I saw two social workers when I was first sick but changed to a psychologist for therapy and I am much happier with her. I feel like she's more knowledgeable about the illness and she recognizes moods in me when I don't see it.
Oh and as far as cycling, you can be anywhere from hourly to only a couple a year, less or at least milder if correctly treated with medication.
Best wishes!
Medications for August 13, 2011 to September 12, 2011
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you say psycho like its a bad thing
tension is who you think you should be
relaxation is who you are
in motion forever the future is YODA
September 12, 2011 - 6:39 pm
Total Posts: 537
Joined: 04-14-2010
Joined: 04-14-2010
Hi, I think therapists need to learn to accept the diagnosis that people are given by professionals and then go and update their knowledge on the different types of BiPolar.
My original psychologist thought I was ADHD with dissociation tendencies and she was close but the doctor and Pdoc said Bipolar. When I went back to her she agreed and said after she consulted with her colleagues she was going to suggest I look into the possibility of having BP.
I rapid cycled... I had all the symptoms you have described. I have also have been diagnosed with GAD and it seems to go hand in hand with BP.
If you are confident with the diagnosis of BP2 then tell your therapist that you agree with the diagnosis and can she please treat you accordingly.
Best of luck...
My original psychologist thought I was ADHD with dissociation tendencies and she was close but the doctor and Pdoc said Bipolar. When I went back to her she agreed and said after she consulted with her colleagues she was going to suggest I look into the possibility of having BP.
I rapid cycled... I had all the symptoms you have described. I have also have been diagnosed with GAD and it seems to go hand in hand with BP.
If you are confident with the diagnosis of BP2 then tell your therapist that you agree with the diagnosis and can she please treat you accordingly.
Best of luck...
Hi, I think therapists need to learn to accept the diagnosis that people are given by professionals and then go and update their knowledge on the different types of BiPolar.
My original psychologist thought I was ADHD with dissociation tendencies and she was close but the doctor and Pdoc said Bipolar. When I went back to her she agreed and said after she consulted with her colleagues she was going to suggest I look into the possibility of having BP.
I rapid cycled... I had all the symptoms you have described. I have also have been diagnosed with GAD and it seems to go hand in hand with BP.
If you are confident with the diagnosis of BP2 then tell your therapist that you agree with the diagnosis and can she please treat you accordingly.
Best of luck...
My original psychologist thought I was ADHD with dissociation tendencies and she was close but the doctor and Pdoc said Bipolar. When I went back to her she agreed and said after she consulted with her colleagues she was going to suggest I look into the possibility of having BP.
I rapid cycled... I had all the symptoms you have described. I have also have been diagnosed with GAD and it seems to go hand in hand with BP.
If you are confident with the diagnosis of BP2 then tell your therapist that you agree with the diagnosis and can she please treat you accordingly.
Best of luck...
September 13, 2011 - 7:58 pm
Total Posts: 41
Joined: 04-04-2011
Joined: 04-04-2011
I believe you have BP no doubt you sound like me I am in the cycle of mania right now and its going on a month and like you I am so energetic and excitable and talk fast and we sound identical except for the fact I don't change into depression at all I stay really happy and busy during this time thats why I prefer it .. I do get irratated and agitated easier when I am manic and stuff, I am also diagnosed with Graves, GAD, Panic disorder and attacks so I see a pdoc twice a month and I am on a mood stabilizer and I have to go and see him an extra time which is this Friday due to he is concerned I have been manic for over 45 days I don't sleep but maybe 3 hours a day due to I have so much I want and need to do .... I drive my husband and son crazy cuz they can hear me moving around at night doing stuff and we are talking vacuuming and painting the ceilings and bathrooms and fixing stuff that I have no clue on how to do so I get google out and learn that way .. my house is clean though LOL and now my next project is to take everything out of my attic and reseal it and organize stuff and get rid of 20 years of crap ... woo hoo I love mania.. Bear
Current medications as of 09-13-2011
| 04-05-1992 - Present: | Synthroid, 0.175mcg. one tablet in am daily |
| 03-07-2000 - Present: | Topiramate, 100MG. two times daily |
| 01-11-2007 - Present: | Percocet, 5-325mg. Take 2 tablets 4 times daily for pain |
| 02-02-2008 - Present: | Valium, 10mg. Take 4 pills daily for anxiety as needed |
| 02-08-2011 - Present: | Depakote, 1500mg. Take at bedtime |
| 03-10-2011 - Present: | Ranitidine, 150mg. two times daily |
| 03-24-2011 - Present: | Tramadol, 50MG. 2 pills every 6 hours |
| 03-28-2011 - Present: | Trazadone, 300mg. Take 3 tablets at bedtime |
I believe you have BP no doubt you sound like me I am in the cycle of mania right now and its going on a month and like you I am so energetic and excitable and talk fast and we sound identical except for the fact I don't change into depression at all I stay really happy and busy during this time thats why I prefer it .. I do get irratated and agitated easier when I am manic and stuff, I am also diagnosed with Graves, GAD, Panic disorder and attacks so I see a pdoc twice a month and I am on a mood stabilizer and I have to go and see him an extra time which is this Friday due to he is concerned I have been manic for over 45 days I don't sleep but maybe 3 hours a day due to I have so much I want and need to do .... I drive my husband and son crazy cuz they can hear me moving around at night doing stuff and we are talking vacuuming and painting the ceilings and bathrooms and fixing stuff that I have no clue on how to do so I get google out and learn that way .. my house is clean though LOL and now my next project is to take everything out of my attic and reseal it and organize stuff and get rid of 20 years of crap ... woo hoo I love mania.. Bear
Current medications as of 09-13-2011
| 04-05-1992 - Present: | Synthroid, 0.175mcg. one tablet in am daily |
| 03-07-2000 - Present: | Topiramate, 100MG. two times daily |
| 01-11-2007 - Present: | Percocet, 5-325mg. Take 2 tablets 4 times daily for pain |
| 02-02-2008 - Present: | Valium, 10mg. Take 4 pills daily for anxiety as needed |
| 02-08-2011 - Present: | Depakote, 1500mg. Take at bedtime |
| 03-10-2011 - Present: | Ranitidine, 150mg. two times daily |
| 03-24-2011 - Present: | Tramadol, 50MG. 2 pills every 6 hours |
| 03-28-2011 - Present: | Trazadone, 300mg. Take 3 tablets at bedtime |
September 14, 2011 - 3:51 pm
Total Posts: 124
Joined: 07-25-2009
Joined: 07-25-2009
it could well be mixed OR rapid cycling, look at my chart from '09, this is rapid cycling for me due to the anti-depressant i was on at the time. also i'd trust your psychiatrist and psychologist a lot more than i would social workers (i've had similar experiences and they really don't know their arse from there elbow), and bipolar is usually masked as another problem a lot of the time anyway (anxiety, eating disorders, etc), BUT i would say get a second or even third opinion if you feel uncertain, and most importantly document any medication you are taking at the time as well as charting your moods.
Medications for September 2009
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Blame it on the black star.
I am not here to decorate your world, only my own.
it could well be mixed OR rapid cycling, look at my chart from '09, this is rapid cycling for me due to the anti-depressant i was on at the time. also i'd trust your psychiatrist and psychologist a lot more than i would social workers (i've had similar experiences and they really don't know their arse from there elbow), and bipolar is usually masked as another problem a lot of the time anyway (anxiety, eating disorders, etc), BUT i would say get a second or even third opinion if you feel uncertain, and most importantly document any medication you are taking at the time as well as charting your moods.
Medications for September 2009
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Blame it on the black star.
I am not here to decorate your world, only my own.
Joined: 08-02-2011