DO NOT GIVE UP. I struggle with this debate, so often, especially recently. It's so damn hard to try and to try and never seem to get anywhere. But you ARE, simply by trying. The moment you give up hope and cease to try... you will be owned by the illness. Stay strong. My blog site has a lot of posts dealing with this dilemma. Maybe it will help you not feel so alone.


I am concerned with the diagnosis your doctor gave you. I will note I am not a clinician... but my studies are in this field...

According to the DSM-IV (diagnostic manual for mental disorders), the diagnostic features of cyclothymia include no major depressive episode has been present for the first two years of the disturbance. It seems highly unlikely that major depressive disorder and cyclothymia are comorbid.

But... If you put hypomanic episodes (from the cyclothymia) and major depressive episodes together... then you end up with Bipolar II disorder. Taken from the MayoClinc's website, "Bipolar II disorder. You've had at least one episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but much briefer, lasting only a few days, and not as severe. With hypomania, you may have an elevated mood, irritability and some changes in your functioning, but generally you can carry on with your normal daily routine and functioning, and you don't require hospitalization. In bipolar II disorder, the periods of depression are typically much longer than the periods of hypomania."

Disclaimer: I do not know the details of your case and in no way am I trying to give you a diagnosis... I am just stating my opinion if I were you, I would seriously consider finding another doctor. IMHO. Bottom line, you MUST be completely honest with your doctor. If you are not comfortable doing so with your current doctor.. seek a new one.

Did the "schizophrenic-like" states cause you significant distress or interference with your life? It's possible you just had isolate periods of psychosis. If they are a serious cause of consistent impairment, schizoaffective disorder is possible. Check out the mayo clinic's website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sch...sorder/DS00866 .

I can sympathize with the desire to find a label toe explain your symptoms. It took me a long while before I was able to change my focus from a diagnosis to a treatment. It doesn't matter what I am labeled, what matters is that I find a treatment plan and medication that reduce my symptoms.

You are on Lamictal and Seroquel? Lamictal is a great mood stabilizer (IMHO) and I love this med. Seroquel did not work so well for me though. I was too groggy and "out of it". Are you taking any sort of an AD? If you are in a major depression part of your cycle... this may be a good alternative. Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed for bipolar II, and affects the serotonin, norepinepherin, and dopamine neurotransmitters.

I hope this helps.