[Dylanzmama]

I posted this on the schizophrenia/psychosis forum too.
Just wondering if anyone had any theories on why we end up with the delusions we do in a manic state...

[Nessa213]

In a manic state (or hypomanic even... but my hypomanias are pretty intense) I get significantly less sleep. Usually for up to a month I might only average 4 hours a night or less. I know that a lack of sleep can really mess with your mind in very strange ways.

[Victoria'smom]

I don't just get delusion or hallucinate while manic, but depressed or mixed too. I can't tell when I'm delusional so there are some questions if it happens normally because I should be able to tell the difference .

[Secretum]

Too much dopamine can cause psychosis. And your brain is just flooded with dopamine when you're manic.

[Nessa213]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

I don't just get delusion or hallucinate while manic, but depressed or mixed too. I can't tell when I'm delusional so there are some questions if it happens normally because I should be able to tell the difference .

I never really know until after the fact, and usually WAY after the fact. I've had quite a few religious delusions that I didn't really realize until lately that probably didn't actually happen.

Even if I DO have "reality checks" in place, I won't believe them. If I bounce the thoughts and experiences off of someone else and they say "no, that is not actually happening", I wouldn't believe them because I know deep down how right I am.

But I'm the stubborn type.

[sprik]

my t son is bipolar started as a child and he started very young with hallucinations.

[deelooted]

Interesting indeed, these delusions. I have had such a rough life because of mine, and as fun and exciting as they are, I do not want them anymore.

All of my mania culminates in religious delusions. GRAND delusions.

I have thought I was -

• The pharaoh Imotep's reincarnated son when I was a kid
• Jesus Christ- seriously- about a year and a half ago
• An enlightened Buddha - about 6 years ago
• Krishna reincarnated - about 2 years ago
• and on and on

I think this is one of the most interesting parts of delusion- the religious aspect, and is very common for those who are ill, I have read. And when I "believe" these delusions, it usually takes months, or even years for them to dissipate.

I have been told that the reason for them is due to anxiety, and a low self-esteem that is built up by the mind to cope. Kind of makes sense to me