BP or mood swings

Hi colleagues in BP

I notice when I post to this forum I see in the topic many choices among which is manic depression and mood swings.

I passed through 2 manias (one euphoric and one dysphoric)  and am taking a mood stabilizer. Can anybody explain the difference. Is mood swings a less severe illness? does one take medications for it.

The reason for asking this is that 6 years ago I was dx OCD and was put on two antipsychotics along with anafranil (AD tricyclic) . The mistake happened 2 years ago when I discontinued the 2 AP and lived for 3 months on the antidepressant only. The 1st mania appeared. I stopped it and lived again as an OCD. But when my 2nd mania appeared I was put on tegretol this time.

I am sure this experience happened to some as I notice the no of BP rose tremendously recently for bad use of AD. Do you think I am an OCD person with a mania or BP or having just OCD with mood swings. Shall I continue on the mood stabilizer?

thanks
ezz

[Venora Moonwind]

The only one who can evaluate you is your doctor. Tell all you have told here and go from there.
Love Venora

[shortcircuited]

Mania is the hallmark of bipolar I, and it doesn't matter to most doctors if it was triggered by an anti-depressant.  Once triggered, you will likely need to work to keep it from reoccurring.  Sometimes psychiatric medications can help with multiple disorders.  Ask your doctor about that.