[dthalez]

I have had anxiety and panic since I was 16, I am now 23.Especially health anxiety, been to the emergency room numerous times. She says I have a form of bipolar where I'm anxious all the time. But I just don't understand how my symptoms match up with the ones of a bipolar person. Bipolar people have their highs and their lows. I swear I am constantly on high ALL THE TIME, which are in her explanation the panic attacks and anxiety. I believe I have some sort of panic disorder, But you can't tell that woman anything different. She put me on this cocktail of risperidal,klonopin and ativan. Has anyone else had experience with this or the drugs she is prescribing me?

[Odee]

My previous psychiatrist diagnosed me bipolar 2 and I believe she had good reasons. I was relieved when last week a new psychiatrist described me as having high anxiety that fuels the depression because I had been severely doubting the bipolar 2 diagnosis at the time.

However, I have found a lot of benefit from being on lamictal, even though I am still struggling. Plenty of people with depression and anxiety have benefited from mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. One of the reasons why I was diagnosed bipolar was because antidepressants were ineffective and my psychiatrist wanted to explore mood stabilizing options.

I don't know much about risperidal, but isn't it a strong antipsychotic? THAT seems out of line, starting out on an AP like that.

[Neptune83]

A psychiatrist who I saw three years ago diagnosed me with bipolar and BPD. He saw me once, for one hour. I don't believe I am bipolar because my symptoms don't add up as far as I can see.
In my experience, you can have those 'highs' and not be bipolar. There are some mental illnesses where you might experience highs and lows, even to the extreme, it doesn't mean you're bipolar. If you feel strongly that she's wrong, then I would speak up. If she doesn't listen to you then ask for a second opinion. You are entitled to ask for that.
Bipolar isn't the only illness with highs and lows.
There have been times where I've felt as high as a kite, I felt I could do anything, that everyone loved me. I've spoken to people who've tried ecstasy before and the way they describe their feelings high on that, was exactly how I felt. But, I don't believe I have bipolar because there are plenty of things that don't add up. The BPD in my opinion feels more correct and I've been told by a therapist I was seeing she felt I could have DID. Knowing what I know about myself and my behaviour, past and present, the BPD seems more likely. I'm not sure about DID, but I am certain bipolar is wrong.
Always go with your gut instinct. Anxiety and panic don't necessarily mean mania, people react to anxiety and panic very differently. One person may crumble into a heap on the floor, the next person may run around the streets naked. Who knows, because we are all individual and react in our own ways.
If I were you, I would read up on what she thinks it is, and also what you think it is. Print out any useful info you find, write down everything you feel, any triggers that you're aware of etc and take it all with you when you see her next. Try to keep a diary of your moods and behaviour as well. Sometimes we forget things, become confused, if its all down on paper sometimes it can make more sense to us and our carers.

[dthalez]

Yeah, once my insurance goes through, I plan on getting a second opinion from another pyschiatrist, and she is forcing me on this risperidal which makes me feel like total crap.. I don't like it.. I have anxiety and panic attacks, that's it.. nothing more, nothing less... I prefer to just be put on benzo's as needed and move on with my life.. Because those are the only things that work, and I have tried, prozac,zoloft,pristiq and risperidal and I'm sure there was one other thing... I just wish someone would get it right.. I think I know what's going in in my own body.

[Neptune83]

I completely see where you're coming from. I was on antidepressants for years and they did precisely jack. I came off them three years ago almost and initially felt great, but then I ended up under a huge amount of stress and the anxiety and panic returned. I then started using Diazepam on the lowest dose as and when I needed it, which wasn't daily. I have found that to be the only thing that has helped at all. I've been offered antipsychotics, other antidepressants but I don't want them because no one seems interested in looking into my diagnosis so I don't want to be treated like a guinea pig. My GP is happy for me to use Diazepam as and when for the time being. I am querying my diagnosis with a mental health worker who has recently been visiting me.
Once you are able, I would definitely get a second opinion. I don't know you so I can't say if they're right or wrong, but you do know your mind. The only thing I would be wary of is not to be afraid of a diagnosis because denial is often common if we're afraid or if we don't like what we hear. Not saying this is you, but perhaps something to keep in mind

[EBD8]

Before I had what I call my crash and burn period (6 weeks of depression, High anxiety, and racing thoughts) my initial symptoms started with anxiety 6-7 years earlier with panic attacks. Started for no reason, just hit, if it happened at work somehow I made it through them, at home I just laid down and prayed I wouldn't die. Then 2-3 years after that I started with what they call now SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, being depressed starting in the fall season. Sought help and survived on anti-depressants during the winter months mainly October thru March. Then in the summer of 1995 the crash and burn period started, it only lasted 6 weeks because I couldn't take it any longer, I couldn't take it any longer. Went to psy doc and got treated and received dx. I never really accepted my dx. and im paying for it now. My bipolar has gotten worse over the years. Hope this helps..Best of luck finding your way. It can be awfully confusing at times...