[and_im_still_here]

I am searching for help and came to this question...

Can a bipolar disorder be gradual? Like begin with small and non severe mood swings and then get worse?

[jaypop30]

Yes, I have had Bipolar since my teens but I didn't realize it since it wasn't that bad, but now I am 32 it has finally got to the point its an issue. I am on meds now to balance myself out. I hardly see the manic side for the depression is always there.

[Anneinside]

Moving from mild to more severe is the normal course of bipolar, especially if you aren't medicated.

[and_im_still_here]

Ok, thanks so if i get diagnosed now it may not even be detected?

[grlnmt66]

So bi polar is progressive... Even if treated? I SO dont want to loose the hypomania, thats for sure!

[Victoria'smom]

Keep a mood chart, write your history down, and family history. The more info the pdoc has the more likely you'll get the right diagnoses. Also start therapy if you can because they may find patterns that you don't and keep your schedule as close to the same as possible. Best of luck.

[Anneinside]

Originally Posted by and_im_still_here

Ok, thanks so if i get diagnosed now it may not even be detected?

It has to be able to be detected in order to be diagnosed, so, no, if you get diagnosed now it(hypomania/mania/depression history or current symptoms) will be detected.

Originally Posted by grlnmt66

So bi polar is progressive... Even if treated? I SO dont want to loose the hypomania, thats for sure!

Yes bipolar can be a progressive illness. For me very much true. This doesn't exactly mean you will loose the hypomania, that really just depends on the course for the individual. For me my mania has progressed to the point where it is so severe I can barely function at all while manic. The depression hasn't exactly gotten worse for me, but that's hard to measure because I have gained so many tools and skills to work with the depression.

[and_im_still_here]

Alright mood chart!
Oh and i have to be detected with something in order to be diagnosed :s it could take time right?
And one more question...
I have this feeling of wanting to run away or scream sometimes i feel like im in a type of dreaming state i just suddently realize im alive. Does this have to do with the changes in my mood or is it ok to feel this?

[faerie_moon_x]

Getting diagnosed depends, really. If you're more depressive than manic you could get a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Many people do not get the bipolar diagnosis until they get pushed into mania due to taking anti-depressants. It all depends on the doctor.

In my case, I was never diagnosed with anything even though given meds randomly and showing symptoms throughout my life, including psychosis. I was put on Abilify by a psychiatrist long before I had my diagnosis. What got me diagnosed was I went in for my physical. My doctor asked me how I was doing recently and I litterally went from sitting on the exam table to on the floor weeping. Ding ding ding! That's a bit odd!

As for your second question, I do feel like that myself. It all depends. I think everyone wants to run away screaming sometimes depending on the circumstances and stress they are in. Also the dream-like state, I get that way off and on.

[Trippin2.0]

Originally Posted by and_im_still_here

Ok, thanks so if i get diagnosed now it may not even be detected?

IMO, it has to cause a certain level of impairment for it to be detected and then dxd, it's not just having moodswings like alot of people tend to think. Why do you think it may not be detected at this point? If you think it's *mild*, what caused you to even question yourself? Sorry, don't mean to seem nosey, just trying to get the full picture. In answer to your 1st question, yes, it's a progressive disorder. Take care. XOXO