Bipolar and Lupus

[allig528]

Hi!

I currently am diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Currently I am only experiencing musculoskeletal issues, but for the past few months I have been experiencing bipolar like episodes. I have been feeling extremely depressed, crying for no reason and it is uncontrollable, I feel like I am to blame for everything even things I have nothing to do with, I feel like I am a complete failure even though I'm not. These drastic mood swings from my normal happy self is causing a strain on my relationship with my boyfriend. He's been with me through all of my ups and downs and has been very understanding, but he is having trouble with these mood swings. Could Lupus possibly be causing bipolar disorder? I know it does sometimes.

Allison

[persephonedemeter]

It still could be a symptom of lupus. my brother in law and a friend down the street, as well as other patients and friends I have, go through bouts of good moods and depression or mood swings, and they are not bipolar. All have some kind of autoimmune illness, some were on steroids, but not all.Also having a mental illness or being "normal" does not been you are in a constant state of one mood or another. Even the Dalai Lama can switch moods, but it doesn't mean he is bipolar. There are people who cry fountains and at any thing sentimental, and then, recover their mood just as quickly like house Speaker Boehner, and he isn't bipolar.

Bipolar disorder is not just simply having mood swings or being too upset. Mood swings can happen with PMS, pregnancy, post pregnancy or even just eating too much sugar, being under stress or dealing with crises, among a whole range of things.

Again, I advice you to see your doctor or at the very least, call him or her up and run it by him. If you really think you have bipolar disorder than have a psychiatrist interview and assess you for this disorder.  There are many possibilities other than having bipolar disorder, and even a psychiatrist who suspects he or she is bipolar would get it checked out by another psychiatrist or physician before self diagnosing and prescribing on his/her own opinion.

[allig528]

I am only on Plaquenil to treat my Lupus. I have thought about it being depression but I go through bouts of extreme good moods and productiveness. Even my boss said the past few weeks I have seemed way too upset when all he has seen is my up side.

[persephonedemeter]

Hello. The mood swings you are experiencing could also be caused by the lupus itself, as well as certain  medications, such as prednisone, for treating lupus can cause your behavioral changes, Another factor could be the stress of going to nursing school, and being newly diagnosed with lupus. All could be cocurrent factors. It does not necessarily mean you have bipolar illness.

I strongly suggest that you tell your doctor who is treating you for lupus about the mood swings  and possible depression that you are feeling. It sounds like you are also overhelmed. The other thing I would suggest is to get connected with a support group, hopefully in your age group and gender, that deals with lupus. What you are experiencing is not uncommon in people dealing with autoimmune illnesses and disorders. It may not be necessary to see a psychiatrist but seeing a therapist to talk to may help you. I'm certain your college must have an onsite clinic where you can get limited, usually 6 weeks of weekly talk therapy with a MFCC credentialed therapist, which is actually the credentialed therapist I personally prefer in talk therapy.

Remember if you don't connect with the therapist, you can always ask to see another. I can usually tell if I connect by the first 10 minutes of the initial session, and I learned not to waste my time trying to see if it works out by just saying it's not going to work out and go to another. My reasoning is that I'm already struggling and I don't need to add struggling with a therapist so I can talk to them to my list for problems. It's okay to do this. Not everyone, even on a professional level, can work or talk to another person in a comfortable level  on personal issues. It's a matter of trust and being able to feel confident that you can be honest and feel safe about it, and that the therapist response rings true and helpful. All therapy is under strict confidentiality laws, which you will sign Privacy papers for and disclosure agreements. They cannot disclose to your instructors, your family, your doctor or other therapists without your written permission. See your primary doctor first to rule out lupus and drug effects. Concurrently, seek out a therapist and a lupus support group.

If you feel that you still may have a severe mental disorder such as bipolar in addition to your lupus diagnosis after consulting and being treated or with medication adjustments to your lupus, then ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist and the above does not answer your behavioral changes. Don't delay and try to diagnose and treat it yourself first. I'm sure you would be giving the same advice if it was someone else who was going through your situation. I wish you well,

[thatquietgirl]

If it's only the downswings from your normal mood, I would suspect depression.  Go get help!  It's possible that dealing with your lupus has caused you to become depressed because of the difficulties in dealing with it.  I'm glad you have an understanding boyfriend.  If you get help, have a few sessions then bring him in to have what you're dealing with explained to him so he can learn how to better handle it himself.