[Numbed]

Hey guys and girls

So I received ADHD diagnosis at 26. (and suprise ASD dx too)
Reading about Atypical Depression recently, and see Bipolar is mentioned frequently with it.

I've learn a lot about different disorders since 26 ADHD dx (29 now),
but Bipolar is most definitely one of my understudied disorders. Reason being, once I read "change in behaviour isn't related/cause by external thing" I stopped reading.

Today however, I read emotional abuse can cause Bipolar.
I read that it can develop later in life or in childhood (I originally thought it was a from birth thing)
I read ADHD frustration/irritabile, but Bipolar is irritabile and explosive.
That you can settle down ADHD with structure but not Bipolar.
That Bipolar kids 80%~ likely to have ADHD. That ADHD kids are 10%~ likely to develop Bipolar.

I'm not sure how I can differentiate
ASD meltdowns in childhood (large amounts of damage to property)
from explosive bipolar or reaction to emotional abuse.

There's a lot more I could mention, but it would only confuse everyone including myself, even more

With all said (so far) and given that I have been through emotional abuse, have been through extreme stress my entire life, and now have several disorders, which coming out of my severe numbness and detatchment more and more over the past few years and realising a lot of things (like I was oblivious I suffered from anxiety for 1 example),

... is my confusion about Bipolar or not, probably irrelevant because the chances are so high that I probably do suffer with bipolar?

I'd say I can be hypomanic, and not suffer from full blown mania (although stimulant issues has brought out several problems for me)

I wouldn't be suprised if I actually suffer with dysthymia as well (i've been shockingly detatched/numbs and counter-dependent growing up, and my old Psych says wouldn't diagnose with clinical depression, I say though, I'm probably just good at hiding it)

I'm seeing my Psychiatrist (who has an interest in ADHD/tottaly has it) on Friday and i'm going to be discussing it with him, along with Atypical depression, I just wanna understand a bit more, so I can communicate clear enough and be aware.

2nd question. Lithium. Is it true, once you start it, you shouldn't stop because mood swings will be WORSE (permanently)?

Thank you

[Blue_Bird]

I stopped Lithium, it didn't help me at all and got Toxicity which started to shut my kidneys down. It didn't make my mood swings worse than they were. Why do you ask specifically about Lithium? There are several medications that can be used to treat Bipolar.

[Numbed]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

I stopped Lithium, it didn't help me at all and got Toxicity which started to shut my kidneys down. It didn't make my mood swings worse than they were. Why do you ask specifically about Lithium? There are several medications that can be used to treat Bipolar.

Hopefully no permament damage done???
I ask about Lithium because I know very little about Bipolar atm, and Lithium seems to be the first thing people generally hear about in regards to treating Bipolar.
The lack of mood rebound helps me worry less about the possibility of starting mood stablisers, so thank you for sharing that.

Is there a particular medication you'd recommend I look into? (newbie)

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by Numbed

Hopefully no permament damage done???
I ask about Lithium because I know very little about Bipolar atm, and Lithium seems to be the first thing people generally hear about in regards to treating Bipolar.
The lack of mood rebound helps me worry less about the possibility of starting mood stablisers, so thank you for sharing that.

Is there a particular medication you'd recommend I look into? (newbie)

Thank you No permanent damage, just had to stay in the ICU for a week and be on dialysis. I was on a high dose though, it's not very common at all for that to happen. Was on 1800mg.

I'm doing great on the meds I'm on now but I think it's the combination that helps me. My technical diagnosis is in my signature, Schizoaffective Bipolar. One of the meds I'm on is Depakote, which helps a lot especially with the manic aspect of it. The only thing I don't like is the weight I've gained on it, it will be harder to lose the weight but I'm working on it

[Victoria'smom]

I refuse lithium as there is several other mood stabilizers mine are lamictal and abilify

[Numbed]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

Thank you No permanent damage, just had to stay in the ICU for a week and be on dialysis. I was on a high dose though, it's not very common at all for that to happen. Was on 1800mg.

I'm doing great on the meds I'm on now but I think it's the combination that helps me. My technical diagnosis is in my signature, Schizoaffective Bipolar. One of the meds I'm on is Depakote, which helps a lot especially with the manic aspect of it. The only thing I don't like is the weight I've gained on it, it will be harder to lose the weight but I'm working on it

Thank goodness for that! I've been at the hand of further troubles from consequences of treatment (and ended up in the ICU as well), and I know how scary and debilitating it can be, when you think "finally!" ... but not quite.
I feel over time though as we get past it, it makes us stronger

I'll take a look into Depakote, thank you
I have a lot of the Schizo-????? traits as well and that was resparked in my mind last night after reading someone elses "about me". One problem at a time though (or at least, that's what I tell myself )

Thank you Miguel'smom, i'll be sure to check out though too!