[anneo59]

Folks be careful of how you view your news! In recent times there have been commentaries and articles about people pretending to be bipolar, perhaps to get out of trouble, to get Social Security, whatever, it doesn't matter. I hate to see these things. I know there may be a few cases where there may be true here, but I do suspect there's a strong political, monetary, etc., motivation. I've moved beyond feeling bad about this, as bipolar has cost me a lot for most of my sixty years, and some other comorbid conditions. So, I just want to tell some of you newly DXd or younger folks to be leery of what you hear and consider the source. Don't know if anyone has anything to add here or not. I know that government, medical field, etc., will try to deal with these and other mental illnesses not only to help cure, and it is always good to hear success stories, but also to trivialize or save money. We must be on our guard here. Although I hate the recent events that have triggered new focus on mental illness topics, I know it's not going away, no matter how often some folks wish it would, unfortunately. Any ideas or comments, anyone! Thanks and be well!

[Travelinglady]

I hate to hear of these frauds. Thanks for warning me.

[faerie_moon_x]

Fraud is a terrible thing, and those idiots who pretend to have mental illness for their own personal gain really make me mad.

But you have to be careful no matter what. Did you hear recently of the woman and her fiance who falsified that she was diagnosed with Lieukemia, and so she got all of her wedding and honey moon paid for. But she's perfectly well! It was the husband who eventually blew the whistle. Not sure if he was in on it at the start or if he was also tricked. Also, a few years ago, was a similar story of a woman pretending to have cancer while she was pregnant to get all of her baby stuff for free...

Sadly, in all areas there are those who will resort to fraud. It's important to remember to keep your eyes open for red flags all the time. Sad but true.

[james70]

i dont like 2 haer that stuff that ppl fake it in my case wish i was.they will be found out sooner or later.ive been this way for a long time but when i was young they didnt know what it was then they thought i was bad kid and that was all they didnt try 2 ha]ekp me because they didnt know.iam 43 now and well aware of some fonys....thx all

[Victoria'smom]

I have no idea you could fake it. I don't see how.

[anneo59]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

I have no idea you could fake it. I don't see how.

ty for responses, all. I too, would think it would not be a fraud that someone could truly perpetuate for long. I too, have had problems all my life, off and on, and am old enough, that they've been called by different names! Take care, all!

[angelmichael09]

Originally Posted by anneo59

Folks be careful of how you view your news! In recent times there have been commentaries and articles about people pretending to be bipolar, perhaps to get out of trouble, to get Social Security, whatever, it doesn't matter. I hate to see these things. I know there may be a few cases where there may be true here, but I do suspect there's a strong political, monetary, etc., motivation. I've moved beyond feeling bad about this, as bipolar has cost me a lot for most of my sixty years, and some other comorbid conditions. So, I just want to tell some of you newly DXd or younger folks to be leery of what you hear and consider the source. Don't know if anyone has anything to add here or not. I know that government, medical field, etc., will try to deal with these and other mental illnesses not only to help cure, and it is always good to hear success stories, but also to trivialize or save money. We must be on our guard here. Although I hate the recent events that have triggered new focus on mental illness topics, I know it's not going away, no matter how often some folks wish it would, unfortunately. Any ideas or comments, anyone! Thanks and be well!

Really!!I read an article and just published one on this very subject, no kidding, not manic!! People think that all of us are weirdos and crazy committing crimes and junk..its stupid...education on bipolar 1 and other forms is the best medicine..I have never been insane and bipolar is another word for it..Jeeprs. Ok 60 yrs, gotta know how they diagnosed it, when how long in hospital...I write and give examples, you may be in the next one..have done 12 of em so far...and more to come, Plan on writing a book If I can get away from the articles long enough, my life has been one of bipolar episodes you would never believe..dad committed suicide over bipolar....thats where I got it I am for sure...take care write soon ok

[Tsunamisurfer]

Originally Posted by anneo59

ty for responses, all. I too, would think it would not be a fraud that someone could truly perpetuate for long. I too, have had problems all my life, off and on, and am old enough, that they've been called by different names! Take care, all!

Sadly, some people use doctors to give a bipolar diagnosis in order to get meds that a medical insurer would not normally cover. It is precisely this issue that landed me up in such a severe and long lasting episode.

After 3 decades of ad hoc treatment by psychologists, I finally gave up resisting their persuasion to see a psychiatrist for medical treatment. The pdoc immediately identified bipolar as a highly likely diagnosis, but said he would have to start by treating my current episode of depression with antidepressants, because the medical insurers would not easily accept a bipolar diagnosis on my first psychiatric visit, especially without him seeing my mania first hand. Instead of a mood stabiliser, he prescribed Xanor (Xanax), which proved completely ineffective.
Well, I switched (mania) on day one of Prozac, and by the time my pdoc came back from leave 3 weeks later, I was in a serious mixed episode.

That was the cost to me of people abusing the system, and of course, insurers looking to save every cent they could.

[anneo59]

Originally Posted by Tsunamisurfer

Sadly, some people use doctors to give a bipolar diagnosis in order to get meds that a medical insurer would not normally cover. It is precisely this issue that landed me up in such a severe and long lasting episode.

After 3 decades of ad hoc treatment by psychologists, I finally gave up resisting their persuasion to see a psychiatrist for medical treatment. The pdoc immediately identified bipolar as a highly likely diagnosis, but said he would have to start by treating my current episode of depression with antidepressants, because the medical insurers would not easily accept a bipolar diagnosis on my first psychiatric visit, especially without him seeing my mania first hand. Instead of a mood stabiliser, he prescribed Xanor (Xanax), which proved completely ineffective.
Well, I switched (mania) on day one of Prozac, and by the time my pdoc came back from leave 3 weeks later, I was in a serious mixed episode.

That was the cost to me of people abusing the system, and of course, insurers looking to save every cent they could.

Aw, bless you Tsunamisurfer, hope you get our diagnosis and meds straight soon, despite the fraudsters and the greedy!!!

[tryinghardmom]

Yeah, I don't get how anyone could fake bipolar, that would take years of your life and a lot of effort, why would you do that when you could be living a happy, healthy life, just doesn't make sense.

I have serious documented mental issues and have been turned down twice for disability. I don't see how someone could fake it and get it. How do you fake mania and depression, why would you want to destroy life.

I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm picking on the OP, thats not at all what I'm trying to do, just sort of talking to myself trying to figure it out.

[anneo59]

absolutely, couldn't agree with you more!!!!!!

[anneo59]

Originally Posted by angelmichael09

Really!!I read an article and just published one on this very subject, no kidding, not manic!! People think that all of us are weirdos and crazy committing crimes and junk..its stupid...education on bipolar 1 and other forms is the best medicine..I have never been insane and bipolar is another word for it..Jeeprs. Ok 60 yrs, gotta know how they diagnosed it, when how long in hospital...I write and give examples, you may be in the next one..have done 12 of em so far...and more to come, Plan on writing a book If I can get away from the articles long enough, my life has been one of bipolar episodes you would never believe..dad committed suicide over bipolar....thats where I got it I am for sure...take care write soon ok

hi, yes, sounds like there may be some commonalities there with age, length of time, genetics, writing, etc., we might want to try some more communication in future. I wish you all the best in your endeavors, as well. Please feel free to PM if you wish! Take care!

[Muppy]

Originally Posted by anneo59

Folks be careful of how you view your news! In recent times there have been commentaries and articles about people pretending to be bipolar, perhaps to get out of trouble, to get Social Security, whatever, it doesn't matter. I hate to see these things. I know there may be a few cases where there may be true here, but I do suspect there's a strong political, monetary, etc., motivation. I've moved beyond feeling bad about this, as bipolar has cost me a lot for most of my sixty years, and some other comorbid conditions. So, I just want to tell some of you newly DXd or younger folks to be leery of what you hear and consider the source. Don't know if anyone has anything to add here or not. I know that government, medical field, etc., will try to deal with these and other mental illnesses not only to help cure, and it is always good to hear success stories, but also to trivialize or save money. We must be on our guard here. Although I hate the recent events that have triggered new focus on mental illness topics, I know it's not going away, no matter how often some folks wish it would, unfortunately. Any ideas or comments, anyone! Thanks and be well!

I agree with anneo.....bipolar is the new disorder of the day. I'm 62, older than many of you and I remember when I was young the "disorder of the day" had to do with infant's feet and they seep in hightops connected by a metal bar There are others that occur...the myth that autism/asperger's is caused by childhood vaccines came along in the 90's. Now the thing to be is bipolar. I would never wish this on anyone and I think that those who claim they are for whatever reason they have bipolar really have no clue at all. They actually hurt the rest of us.

[Muppy]

There is an excellent book by Kaye Jamison called "The Unquiet Mind". It chronicles her experience with being bipolar. Kay Redfied Jamison is currently a Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins. Her book is quite thought provoking, at times a bit humorous, but all information comes from her solid base of medical training and her experiences with bipolar. I've lost my copy....may buy another. She shows all of us that being bipolar is not a diagnosis of failure and inability to perform at a high level.

[anneo59]

Interesting comments, Muppy. I remember that stuff, too, being sixty!!! BP is hell for sure, so I certainly can't understand why anyone would want to be cursed with it, tho I read the articles about getting the good out of BP and try to see that, and practice those strategies. Still. . . . .

[anneo59]

Yes, actually, I read that book a while back, Muppy, and I know what you mean! It is good to try to take inspiration and keep moving forward in a realistic, yet positive way!!!

[cloudnine]

do not give up I was misdiagnosed for 20 years. Keep up your spirits and go to doctors until one of them understands you. Most of all do not give up on yourself

[Mollywisk]

Thank you for posting about the book! I am Newly diagnosed and confused. Going to order it.

[JaeMae]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

I have no idea you could fake it. I don't see how.

I know! and agree, my thought was the same when I read the start of the thread. Really people? That's just disturbing and seems like these types should be checked for BP. They could possibly be BP since it is for personal gain, a common trait disorder of a few BP people.

[JaeMae]

Originally Posted by Jae_Mae2

I know! and agree, my thought was the same when I read the start of the thread. Really people? That's just disturbing and seems like these types should be checked for BP. They could possibly be BP since it is for personal gain, a common trait disorder of a few BP people.

so sorry, forgot to put a trigger notice for my above comment.

[JaeMae]

Originally Posted by Jae_Mae2

so sorry, forgot to put a trigger notice for my above comment.

Just another thought to throw in there, but does anyone know if it is possible to do a med test to see if the medicine matches the amount that would be prescribed to these folks (I know some would show because of their category as a drug, but for meds that don't show up, like Lamictal, or Vistaril, etc. during a urinalysis)? Shouldn't a blood test detect any type of medicine level? If so, maybe that should be something to mandate if fraud were suspected.
I just keep telling my self it is a shame on how these people are taking advantage of people and things. I would give my left foot not to have to deal with being Bipolar! js

[Tsunamisurfer]

Originally Posted by Jae_Mae2

Just another thought to throw in there, but does anyone know if it is possible to do a med test to see if the medicine matches the amount that would be prescribed ... If so, maybe that should be something to mandate if fraud were suspected.

Interesting idea, Jae-Mae.
If I understand correctly, the underlying logic of such testing would be that people who are genuinely ill will take their meds in the right dosages, while those who are malingering won't.

For those testing negative to meds in blood or urine:
I wonder how many needy people would be turned away purely because they didn't have the financial means to see doctors or buy meds. The most seriously ill are often the ones with least access to treatment and are least able to plead their case.(But that probably doesn't apply to celebrities and more affluent people who have access to $$$)

Then of course there are people like me who are on and off meds because of intolerable side effects, while they try to find something that works. (At last I have found some combo that works - thanks to significant financial backing from care givers that gave me access to private practice pdocs and a wide range of meds to work my way through).

Then some people (like me) have this on and off relationship with accepting mental illness. One week I have absolutely no doubt I need serious help, and the next I am pushing ahead full steam with no time to ruminate over that "wasteful diagnosis" and all its fluff that slows me down when I'm not really ill at all (or so I am convinced at the time). I can blame the meds for all my fuzzy thinking and strange experiences.

So, no doubt there are people who may find benefit in shrugging off responsibility for their behaviour onto a medical diagnosis, but I think there will be a number of us genuinely ill who will come off worse from the unwitting methodological and administrative weaknesses of such tests.
That little number would fuel the fires of my paranoia beautifully

Originally Posted by Jae_Mae2

I just keep telling my self it is a shame on how these people are taking advantage of people and things. I would give my left foot not to have to deal with being Bipolar! js

[JaeMae]

Originally Posted by Tsunamisurfer

Interesting idea, Jae-Mae.
If I understand correctly, the underlying logic of such testing would be that people who are genuinely ill will take their meds in the right dosages, while those who are malingering won't.

For those testing negative to meds in blood or urine:
I wonder how many needy people would be turned away purely because they didn't have the financial means to see doctors or buy meds. The most seriously ill are often the ones with least access to treatment and are least able to plead their case.(But that probably doesn't apply to celebrities and more affluent people who have access to $$$)

Then of course there are people like me who are on and off meds because of intolerable side effects, while they try to find something that works. (At last I have found some combo that works - thanks to significant financial backing from care givers that gave me access to private practice pdocs and a wide range of meds to work my way through).

Then some people (like me) have this on and off relationship with accepting mental illness. One week I have absolutely no doubt I need serious help, and the next I am pushing ahead full steam with no time to ruminate over that "wasteful diagnosis" and all its fluff that slows me down when I'm not really ill at all (or so I am convinced at the time). I can blame the meds for all my fuzzy thinking and strange experiences.

So, no doubt there are people who may find benefit in shrugging off responsibility for their behaviour onto a medical diagnosis, but I think there will be a number of us genuinely ill who will come off worse from the unwitting methodological and administrative weaknesses of such tests.
That little number would fuel the fires of my paranoia beautifully

Yep, that is exactly the reasoning.

[anneo59]

Hello, you are welcome to friend and PM me, I will be happy to share some details, and your project sounds interesting.

Originally Posted by angelmichael09

Really!!I read an article and just published one on this very subject, no kidding, not manic!! People think that all of us are weirdos and crazy committing crimes and junk..its stupid...education on bipolar 1 and other forms is the best medicine..I have never been insane and bipolar is another word for it..Jeeprs. Ok 60 yrs, gotta know how they diagnosed it, when how long in hospital...I write and give examples, you may be in the next one..have done 12 of em so far...and more to come, Plan on writing a book If I can get away from the articles long enough, my life has been one of bipolar episodes you would never believe..dad committed suicide over bipolar....thats where I got it I am for sure...take care write soon ok

[JadedOptimist]

Originally Posted by anneo59

Folks be careful of how you view your news! In recent times there have been commentaries and articles about people pretending to be bipolar, perhaps to get out of trouble, to get Social Security, whatever, it doesn't matter. I hate to see these things. I know there may be a few cases where there may be true here, but I do suspect there's a strong political, monetary, etc., motivation. I've moved beyond feeling bad about this, as bipolar has cost me a lot for most of my sixty years, and some other comorbid conditions. So, I just want to tell some of you newly DXd or younger folks to be leery of what you hear and consider the source. Don't know if anyone has anything to add here or not. I know that government, medical field, etc., will try to deal with these and other mental illnesses not only to help cure, and it is always good to hear success stories, but also to trivialize or save money. We must be on our guard here. Although I hate the recent events that have triggered new focus on mental illness topics, I know it's not going away, no matter how often some folks wish it would, unfortunately. Any ideas or comments, anyone! Thanks and be well!

It is very hard to fake Bipolar Disorder. I had to jump through many hoops to finally get my disability through SSA. For years my PDOC encouraged me to apply but pride kept me from doing so. I continued to work. It is very difficult to qualify for disability if you have a mental illness. Fortunately, I had tons of medical reports, and other health issues. I am 48 years old. I had a career in law, a house, a 23 year marriage, kids, etc. I lost all of it. I had to lose it all before I would let go of my pride and apply. I worked since I was 14 years old and had paid taxes for many years. I was a productive, taxpaying, law abiding citizen. This disease has robbed me of a life. But I'm not finished fighting.

Social Security has very strong guidelines and criteria. I applied twice and was denied. I hired an attorney for my 3rd appeal and was granted a large lump sum payment for back pay and now I receive monthly benefits. I am barely getting by and the check I get is on the high end of disability benefits. I believe I get the highest amount you can qualify for...probably because I was in a high tax bracket when I was functional. It was a real headache but worth it. Since being on disability I cannot say that my condition has improved. My anxiety has increased as a result of finances...I used to make $85,000 p/yr and now I am living below poverty level.