[lgreen1951]

I have a question for anyone who will hear me;
Is is possible to misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder when I feel like I may be somewhat bipolar? It runs in my family and some of my behavior seems to lean towards bipolar behavior. Can anyone layout what bipolar is all about, is there different levels? Can you be midly bipolar or what??? Please help I am really confused.

[DaveyJones]

Hi, lgreen...welcome to PC!

Yes, it is very common to be diagnosed with depression when one is in fact bipolar...I'm surprised that no one has picked up on this, as you have the family history of bipolar. In my own case, I was treated for depression for 8 years before being dx'd as bipolar, which is about average...this really is not surprising, since the vast majority of bipolars are depressed much more than they are manic or hypomanic. Often one doesn't recognize a manic or hypomanic state when it does happen. You're just so happy to feel good again, it doesn't occur to you!

Currently, there are two main bipolar diagnoses: Bipolar 1, characterized my manic episodes, that is, intense agitation that last a week or more, and bipolar 2, which is mainly depression punctuated by "hypomanic" episodes. They are less severe than the classic manic episode, and generally don't last as long. So, yes it is possible to be a "little" bipolar, especially BP2.

As to what constitutes bipolar, I could run it down for you here, but if you will follow the "Disorders" link on the menu just above and then the "Bipolar" link, that will take you to an excellent listing of symptoms and criteria for diagnosis.

I would suggest that you call your doctor or psychiatrist and ask him\her about your symptoms. Also, get from them or download a "mood chart" which will help you track your ups and downs and help your doc see what you have been going through. Also, you may want to take one of the quizzes here on the site...they are not 100%, but they can give you a pretty good idea of what is going on.

And remember, everyone here at PC is here to help you...take advantage of it!

Wishing you the best,
DJ

[darkeyes]

Very possible,indeed. In fact,this happens so often,and docs hand out scripts for AD's, one common reason this happens is due to the fact if someone is hypomanic,feel great,chances are there is no reason to see a doc,but on the otherhand if a person is deeply depressed for awhile,it is not uncommon to seek help.
Bipolar as well as some other disorders do have variables,it's not "one size fits all" thus making misdiagnosis,something that happens often.
DJ, I just submitted my post at the same time as yours,please don't think you have an "echo".

[DaveyJones]

No echo...I figured you would either be just ahead or just behind me...we seem to "echo" each other in these kinds of posts, anyway...Great minds, and all that! LOL

DJ

[EmptyKettle]

I was misdiagnosed for years.

I did a lot of reading and read all teh quizzes and thought I was probably BP. I had all the signs - high energy, fast talking, risk taking, creative bursts, etc etc.

I asked my doctor. She told me that was just my personality.

A couple of years later I had a cancer scare and she put me on antidepressants and I was flying on them. Then I had a car accident, and plummetted again, so she upped the dose. Then I had another car accident and she upped the dose again, and then I started rapid cycling, stopped sleeping and started hallucinating. She referred me to a specialist who promtly diagnosed me as BP2.

Doctors sometimes get it wrong. They're only human too.

[HALLIEBETH87]

wow. all these posts about being misdiagnosed make me believe I may be bipolar after all. i hope all works out for you.

[darkeyes]

I think the best thing one can do for themselves is to get a professional evaluation by a reputable Psychiatrist.
Having the proper DX and treatment helps to save time and anguish.
Just the "wondering what disorder or even if one really exists" alone can put uneccessary stress, making matters worst.
I personally feel getting to a mental health professional sooner than later will help.
Lots of luck to you,
DE

i was misdiagnosed for 30 years......major clinical depression is what everyone tagged me with.....with me kicking and screaming all the way that they were wrong.........finally found a GOOD Pdoc.........