[Camden2131]

I am trying to get a second opinion on what is plaguing me. I have loosely been diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder by my doctors, and am medically being treated for such. While the medications are certainly helping to tranquilize be to a certain extent, I feel worse that when I started them.

I did have some ups and downs before the medications, with downs being depressed. The ups on the other hand were not juvial and liberal, but were really uninhibited anger. Punching holes in the walls, throwing tables and the like. Is that a version of the Bi-Polar "up"?

I just want some feedback if possible because I feel on the medication I am on I am losing my mind. I cannot remember the simplest tasks or enjoy much of what I once did. When I look at all of my symptoms over the years, really psychopathy fits better than anything else, but I am no doc.....Thanks in advance

[faerie_moon_x]

My advice is that when I was first diagnosed, my psychologist told me there were over 400 combinations of meds for bipolar so if you find the best combo on the first try, you're lucky! You should report all of this to your psychiatrist and let them know you feel worse on the meds.

But, yes, do get a second opinion because 2nd opinions are important.

[Eliza Jane]

When you say "doctors" who do you mean? A general practitioner? A psychiatrist? A psychologist? You need a well-trained mental health professional to spend a good amount of time interviewing you (and maybe having you complete questionnaires) to diagnose you. It can't be done appropriately in a 5 to 10 minute appt.

What meds are you on? What have you already tried?

Mania and hypomania aren't always associated with a euphoric or happy mood, so it is possible that your ups are more characterized by anger. If you are unsure of the diagnosis, seek a formal 2nd opinion. I have done this on two occasions, both with the complete support of my psychiatrists. In fact, they were the ones that provided me with the names of possible 2nd opinion doctors. In both cases, my pdoc spoke to the 2nd opinion pdoc to gain new perspectives and insights.

Best,
EJ

[Clinte89]

I agree a second opinion would not hurt. However I have had mania, or what my doc says is mania, that involved punching people, putting my head through walls and the like. So it is possible. Get a second opinion is what I would do.