Bipolar II nos diagnosis.. Can anyone help me with info?

I recently started going back to counseling because I've been super depressed again (depression off and on my whole life). While doing my intake, my counselor informed me that the dr had diagnosed me (when I was there last time, 3-4 years ago) with "bipolar II nos". She said she would find out more about why he diagnosed me as that, but I won't have anymore info for 2 weeks. I was shocked and had no idea or I probably wouldn't have stopped taking my Wellbutrin claiming I was cured from my recurrent depression again lol. Anyways, I'm curious bc I've done a lot of googling and bipolar II does not usually have the "nos" part after it. Everything I find is just "bipolar nos". Has anyone been diagnosed with "bipolar II nos" here? And what were the symptoms that got you that diagnosis? I'm just trying to figure out if I'm missing something that may be obvious to everyone else but me. I honestly don't remember ever having a clear-cut hypomanic episode. My fiancée said he thinks I meet all the dsm-iv requirements for BP2 lol, but if that's the case, then I'm a hot mess bc I go back and forth from what I think is "normal and feeling good" to bitchy and mean and/or depressed like every few days or daily. I know I have some mood swings and am irritable, I also feel psychotic before my period (PMDD diagnosis but Prozac does nothing to me) but I've never looked back and thot "damn I was manic last week". It has never crossed my mind. So my questions are: can anyone give me more info about this diagnosis? And What behaviors or actions should I be looking for when thinking back to try to remember a time when I was experiencing "hypomania"? Thanks so much! I've been thinking about this constantly for 2 days lol!

Hi--welcome. I think that diagnosis was coded incorrectly. There is no such thing as BP2 NOS. It is one or the other. You can find good and reliable information on BP at PsychCentral.com or the NAMI website.

If you indeed have bipolar, then being on an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer can cause rapid cycling. It would be pretty uncomfortable! So, I would question that doctor (was it a GP or a psychiatrist?) or better yet, get a second opinion from a psychiatrist. Seems that you may be under treated.

Good luck and let us know what happens. I am curious!

Hi
Welcome. If you google "Bipolar 11 nos" it comes up with a Diagnosis of Bipolar 2 Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

http://www.healthline.com/heal...

"However, it is understood in diagnostic circles that sometimes bipolar disorder can present with symptoms outside the norm and yet still be classified as bipolar disorder. This is what the diagnosis of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) is designed to address. Bipolar disorder NOS is a bipolar condition that does not neatly fit into the symptomology of bipolar I or bipolar II."

Good read

Cheers Sam

It might help if you asked what the docs diagnostic code was. See the various codes at:

http://psychcentral.com/disord...

As you can see, there are many codes for bipolar 1, one code for bipolar 2, and one code for bipolar nos.

Keep in mind though that it is only a label for billing purposes and record keeping. It doesn't define you and it is subject to change. I was initially diagnosed as bipolar 2, but it was later changed to bipolar 1 which it likely should have been from the beginning. But sometimes docs have to observe you over some time to tweak the diagnosis. Hope this helps.

I originally was diagnosed as Bipolar NOS, but he didn't specify 1 or 2. Im now diagnosed as Bipolar 1 mixed.

I had a very extensive neuro diagnostic evaluation done by a neuropsychologist and she diagnosed me with bipolar and other related disorder 290.80 under DSM IV (don't know what the new code is under DSM V). My psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar I, current episode severe, depressed. The neuropsychologist also diagnosed me with mild cognitive impairment, which really scares me, since my Mother died of Alzheimer's disease. She also diagnosed me with personality disorder with borderline traits, PTSD, and ADHD (combined presentation). I already had been diagnosed with depression and ADHD before I saw her, but my psychiatrist referred me to her, since I was filing for SSDI.

My hearing is coming up for SSDI and I am really anxious about it. I cannot believe I got denied at reconsideration, since my psychiatrist filled out the mental RFC showing marked impairment in several areas. The neuro psychological evaluation also showed a gaf score of 40 and backed up what my psychiatrist said. Even their own psychologist who they sent me to said I had severe PTSD, and they still denied me. In my attorney's on the record brief, they stated I met three different blue book listings, and a grid rule. I am 61 years old. Can you believe that? I was shocked that I got denied at reconsideration, especially when they had all the records to back up my mental disorders and the mild cognitive impairment. Doesn't make any sense at all. I have been homeless for 2 years now and living off of $245 per month in cash assistance. It only makes my depression worse. My car even got stolen while being homeless.

Anyway, I found Topamax to be an excellent mood stablizer for bipolar and it doesn't cause any weight gain. I also take Vyvanse for ADHD, which helps my depression. I haven't done well on any of the anti-psychotics. I want to try lamictal because that is what the neuropsychologist said is really good for bipolar depression. It's also a mood stablizer that is approved for bipolar depression. Also weight neutral. I still have a lot of trouble sleeping due to anxiety, so take Melatonin for that. I heard Lamictal makes you sleepy, that's why I wanted to try it.