[muffinhead]

I've dealt with depression on and off for my whole life, and in the past 1/2 year or so have experienced hypomanic episodes in addition. I'm really wanting to find out if these symptoms are indicative of a separate condition or something inherent in Asperger's syndrome

[Lexi232]

is it a possibility that it could be a reaction from a med being taken?
i had an antidepressant once that caused me to become manic. and i still slightly do from the stimulant im on, but as being manic had helped in my situation, its not been a bad thing.

the two can co-exist.

also depression, anxiety, and ocd are common symptoms/disorders that can come from being on the spectrum.

[muffinhead]

Originally Posted by Lexi232

is it a possibility that it could be a reaction from a med being taken?
i had an antidepressant once that caused me to become manic. and i still slightly do from the stimulant im on, but as being manic had helped in my situation, its not been a bad thing.

the two can co-exist.

also depression, anxiety, and ocd are common symptoms/disorders that can come from being on the spectrum.

I had these symptoms before being put on any medication whatsoever. I did paxil for a month, which didn't work, and then started on the meds in my signature. I am really bothered by the fact that my psychiatrist says I'm on the spectrum (which I agree with) but don't have bipolar disorder, when there are so many things that aren't answered by the first diagnosis.

[Lexi232]

is there another pdoc around that could be seen for a second opinion?
or maybe one that your pdoc could suggest of?

[Khione]

It's a little late to answer your question. I'm not officially diagnosed, however I am going in for my result of my assessment next week (and the lady who did my assessment said it was very much likely I do have Aspergers).

Anyway, to answer your question, I often get manic episodes and my symptoms are similar to bipolar symptoms as are the depressive episode symptoms I get. My emotions in general are extremely up and down however, I don't think it's extreme enough or distinctive enough for bipolar (in my personal experience). My therapist doesn't think I'm bipolar as the last manic episode I had was about 4 months ago and I wasn't seeing her then and my Asperger symptoms make it difficult for me to explain things properly so she doesn't think it was a manic episode. Same with depressive episodes I've experienced in the last few months (apparently I'm not depressed - done by a formal assessment -____-).

Are the hypomanic/depressive times very distinctive? And like Lexi232 said, try seeing another psych-doctor to get a second opinion. It might be useful since I do believe that bipolar can be co-morbid with Aspergers and it may be that you have bipolar too (I'm not a doctor though so I'll shush now).

[muffinhead]

I've recently begun to realize that the depression is most likely fully attributable to Asperger's. The hypomania, however, seems like it comes from the multitude of traumatic and life-changing events that have happened to me over the past year and a half. Perhaps Asperger's increases one's susceptibility to these things. The episodes were quite cyclical (I tracked my moods), although I fear confirmation bias or cherry picking.