[JoeR]

I ask this question because i show all the signs of having manic states and depression states but they do not lave for days or weeks at a time the will last hours or minutes as well as offset each other (i'll go from what is described as a manic state to depression state or a normal state in seconds), any responses with suggestions on my disposition would be greatly appriciated.

[jennie]

JoeR . . . are you having problems in your life because of your mood changes? <ul type="square"> [*]Spending excessive amounts of money and putting yourself in debt? [*]Outbursts of anger that cause problems at work or family or intimacy relationships?[*]Finding yourself doing dangerous behaviors (drugs, indiscriminate sexual encounters, wreckless driving, etc.)? [*]Isolating from everyone and the world for excessive periods, (disrupting your ability to feel good, or encourages suicidal thoughts or behavior)? [*]Too tired to maintain proper hygiene and diet? [*]Excessive sleep or insomnia?[/list]Those are some examples that mood changes are interfering with your life. However, there can be many reasons a person's mood changes other than psychiatric reasons (health, diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, relationship changes, etc.).

Educating yourself about different disorders is good, but remember, it's best not to diagnose yourself. Many illnesses have similar symptoms. Visit a doctor or licensed counselor if you are worried. Keep posting here if it helps. Take care!

[28andforward]

DK if you are bipolar, only a professional can determine that; but, you can change moods pretty fast if you are a "rapid cycling" bipolar. That is my son's diagnosis and the meds seem to be slowing the cycles down a bit. Seek professional help.

[darkeyes]

jennie,
You are so very right and correct with this reply.
I reccomend (sp?) anyone in doubt, take it up with a mental health professional, self DXing is not a good ideal for anyone for any disorder. Info is good, but not until a proven DX has been established no one should just go according to internet,written or just word of mouth info. too many symptoms of many disorders can be confused.
Thanks to all who add info and advice here at this forum.
Sincerely,
DE

go to a Pdoc and get a DX. she'll prescribe meds and then you can get a T. both will help you a lot. xoxo pat

[bipolar_bear]

I agree with everyone Joe- go to a pdoc and see what he says. Then you can get a reliable dx. It is too hard to tell in this type forum nor is everyone qualified to give you that type of information. Good luck.

[TheCheshireCat]

Can't help but agree. My down cycles so outnumbered my up cycles that for years I was diagnosed as having major depressive disorder. It's only the last few years that a pdoc finally tumbled to the fact that I was bipolar II. It can be truly difficult to dx these things and get the proper meds. Cheshire Cat

[Aran]

MY husband has only recently been diagnosed Bipolar 2 after years of major depression. His cycling can happen quite often throughout the day. Rapid cycling can happen in minutes not just weeks or months. But I agree with everyone else, your symptoms could fit any one of a number of diagnoses. Go see a doctor. *hug*

Aran