About Bipolar Disorder: What Led To Your Diagnosis?

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Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping and Support From Marcia Purse, your Guide to Bipolar Disorder I thought I had clinical depression, period. I never recognized periods of hypomania for what they were, and in those good times I just told my counselor I was "doing well for a change." It took a good psychiatrist to spot the clues like racing thoughts and hypomanic response to antidepressants to diagnose me. This week, four readers share their diagnosis stories. You can, too (see "Featured Articles" below). To the Hospital in Handcuffs - Annie's Story Annie had symptoms starting at the age of 15 but wasn't diagnosed until much later, after a delusional and suicidal crisis sent her to the hospital. She describes a history of manic and depressive episodes, anxiety attacks, and the steps she took after hospitalization to help herself. Katatonic: Multiple Conditions Delayed Diagnosis Katatonic describes how difficult it was to get a correct diagnosis because so much was wrong. "Most of my symptoms from my diagnoses overlap or are all related. I have been through a lot of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I receive ECT once a month due to resistance to many medications. My team of doctors really work hard to help me, and it has been a long road." Diagnosis and What I've Learned from Goldie Goldie says she might have been diagnosed sooner if she'd seen the right professionals. She says, "Go to a professional psychiatrist or nurse practitioner psychiatrist. I went years to my family doctor. They're not as skilled in diagnosing people with these disorders. After all, you wouldn't go to a vet if you were sick!" Missie: Life Changes Triggered First Mania Missie's story is a good example of the way life stresses can push a mood disorder over the edge. Marriage, moving or a birth are just as stressful as losing your job, divorce or a death. These major life events, as they are called, can be critical times for a person with a mood disorder - even one that has seemed manageable up until that time. Bipolar Disorder Ads Bipolar Diagnosis LED Depression Diagnosis Illness Diagnosis Manic Diagnosis Featured Articles Share Your Diagnosis Story Lyrica for Bipolar Disorder? Neurontin / Gabapentin - Related to Lyrica Neurontin Lawsuit Against Manufacturer About Bipolar Disorder on Facebook Follow on Twitter   More from About.com Is it a Cold or the Flu? Knowing whether you have a cold or the flu can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. More> Concerned About Your Drinking? This short quiz can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem. More> This newsletter is written by: Marcia Purse Bipolar Disorder Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Bipolar Disorder newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   What We're Talking About Hypomania/mania - what's it feel like? I feel like I found home here Denied disability! Advertisement