[sintesi]

I was recently diagnosed as Bipolar II by my general physician and referred to a psychiatrist would confirmed the diagnosis. I am on the base dosage of Dopaquel, Epilim and Serdep to control my mood swings etc.

I never experienced full blown episodes of mania but I did have a some self control issues with money etc and the depression got quite bad at times.

Right now I feel quite stable with very short spells of very mild depression and also very short slightly elevated moods. None of which I find to be crippling me to not perform in life and work. I do have quite severe anxiety brought on by stress at the moment. Moving house in a weeks time and things at work are a little tense with new responsibilities etc added to my job description.

While I feel ok for now I can't help but worry that this condition will deteriorate over time and get worse requiring stronger medication etc.

Is this possible? Does it get worse as we get older? What are the options to prevent this?

Thank you.

[gayleggg]

I'm bipolar II and my depression has gotten worse as I've gotten old but I don't know that age is the cause. But I haven't had a manic episode in years, so that's good.

[sintesi]

Originally Posted by gayleggg

I'm bipolar II and my depression has gotten worse as I've gotten old but I don't know that age is the cause. But I haven't had a manic episode in years, so that's good.

Thank you . I'm not sure which affected me worse. I think the mania was worse because of the agitation, aggression, and irritation. Not to mention the crap I got myself into financially. Depression has always been the easier one for me. I would just mostly withdraw myself from people until it passes. I know this isn't ideal but it worked.

It's quite the adventure im embarking on. Time will tell.

I'm like gayleggg. I haven't had a manic period in a while, but I've been in a depression ranging from the worst ever to mild for more than a year now. As gayle said, not sure if it's necessarily due to age though. I doubt the course of the illness is guaranteed to be progressively worse. Hope that's not the case for you!

[ChaoticSymphony]

It's gotten worse with time but better with maturity. If that makes any sense. I lashed out a lot when I was younger and now it's toned down quite a lot.

[Moogieotter]

I've become wiser and gained more experience about my illness, I think this has been part of major improvement.

[ozzy1313]

I am 39 and have been dx about 1.5 years ago. Before it was just depression and waaay before eating disorder. This past year has not been stable at all- mainly depression and irritation.

Maybe it seems worse bc I know there is a dx so I am paying more attention. Maybe it seem worse bc for about a year or so I was self medicating with pills and alcohol. And the year before self medicating with sexual behavior.

I don't self medicate with anything anymore...reading back in old diaries from past 10 years when I only wrote in depressive moods not much has changed.

So my answer is yes and no- I am so much help!

[wildflowerchild25]

Well, during my first round of severe instability I never had a manic episode. Just depression and mixed.

During my second round of instability I've had a few true manic episodes plus mixed plus psychosis twice. So for me it did get worse.

[Curiosity77]

Kind of. When i was younger the instability and cycling were constant. Now i'm stable most of the time, but when i do have an episode it tends to be more severe

[Hexagram]

I think that the disease can get worse over time if it goes untreated, i.e. if you decide or are forced to 'ride out' manic episodes by going off your meds or undergo unusual stress that can trigger the disease or amplify your symptoms, successive depressive and manic episodes could be more severe as a result. I read this somewhere once but I'm too lazy to source it properly. Moving house is a major stressor and I hope that you can prepare for the effect it may have on you and achieve a successful transition. Best wishes.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I feel like mine has gotten worse and continues to get worse.

I feel the same as Hallie. I am a completely different person as opposed to when I was first diagnosed. But we learn to cope with our symptoms, moods, learn the warning signs and keep in touch with our docs. The good thing is, as it gets worse, there are better treatments and more and more coming out. The best support is the best treatment.