Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Bipolar, PTSD or something else?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Bipolar, PTSD or something else?
by marcia, Nov 16, 1999 12:00AM
My psychiatrist and therapist--both of whom I like & respect--seem to disagree on my diagnosis. My psychiatrist says I have Bipolar II disorder, while my therapist (an MSW) thinks all my problems arise from PTSD. Neither agrees with the other's assessment.
I have a personal history of childhood incest, abuse and neglect; was raped by an acquaintance at age 11; was terrorized and held hostage by my psychotic first husband for 5 months; and raped and nearly strangled to death by a stranger several years later. In addition, my family history includes several close relatives with bipolar disorder and major depression.
I understand the two diagnoses can co-occur, so I'm curious why each would rule the other out. Can you suggest any possibilities that might shed light on the situation? If I'm not bipolar, I'd rather not take all this medication (Depakote, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Ambien and Klonopin) for life, especially since I've never taken an antidepressant that was effective for more than a year.
I hate to raise the issue directly with my doctor, for fear of creating a problem between him and my therapist. Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
marcia
I have a personal history of childhood incest, abuse and neglect; was raped by an acquaintance at age 11; was terrorized and held hostage by my psychotic first husband for 5 months; and raped and nearly strangled to death by a stranger several years later. In addition, my family history includes several close relatives with bipolar disorder and major depression.
I understand the two diagnoses can co-occur, so I'm curious why each would rule the other out. Can you suggest any possibilities that might shed light on the situation? If I'm not bipolar, I'd rather not take all this medication (Depakote, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Ambien and Klonopin) for life, especially since I've never taken an antidepressant that was effective for more than a year.
I hate to raise the issue directly with my doctor, for fear of creating a problem between him and my therapist. Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
marcia
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Nov 17, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Marcia,
It must be difficult trying to cope with so many past emotional traumas.
As you mentioned both disorders, Bipolar and PTSD may co-occur. They may have common symptoms, such as depression, fluctuating mood and restlessness.
Also, medications treat symptoms, not diagnosis.
Medications may have more than one indication, those used to treat bipolar may also help to reduce impulsive behavior and reduce anxiety.
Discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist and therapist. If thet are not cooperating, perhaps you need a second professional opinion.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
It must be difficult trying to cope with so many past emotional traumas.
As you mentioned both disorders, Bipolar and PTSD may co-occur. They may have common symptoms, such as depression, fluctuating mood and restlessness.
Also, medications treat symptoms, not diagnosis.
Medications may have more than one indication, those used to treat bipolar may also help to reduce impulsive behavior and reduce anxiety.
Discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist and therapist. If thet are not cooperating, perhaps you need a second professional opinion.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
