[Psychotic_Phil]

Yesterday I had an attack of psychosis when my moods were stablized having increased the Lithium a few days ago. In which I heard the voice of Satan and started having visual hallucinations where the walls were pulsating and various objects were shrinking and growing. I had delusional thoughts that members of my family were Satan. Again there were no mood symptoms.

This isn't the first time. The first time I had psychosis I never had any mood issues, but mood symptoms followed shortly, then paranoia afterwards, then mood symptoms then psychosis. This seems to me more like Schizoaffective and most people around me agree.

I'm probably wrong just like the stupid moron I am. BUt it seems to connect. The more I read about the symptoms the more it seems to ring close to home. It's like I went from Paranoid Schizophrenia to Bipolar and back. Coincidence?

No way this is Bipolar or Schizophrenia. But I must be wrong. I plan to see my psychiatrist soon. But until then I want your opinions. I know I have OCD, which has been 95% treated.

[darkeyes]

Okay, you are not a moron, like you said you feel.
Disorders can vary, and some of us can have more than just one, and when that is the case, it can be tricky hitting on the right med that can be of help to the multiple disorders.
I know it's so tempting and I won't deny I haven't done this, but reading too much info, sometimes can confuse us more and lead us to "self-diagnosing", this can create more angst in our lives, sometimes we may not be aware of how much all the various things we read or read into, can have a negative effect(s).
It's always in our best interest to seek out a pdoc,get a thorough evaluation and even a re-evaluation if necessary.
They can set up a regimen of therapy and/or meds. many people if they follow a pdoc's plan for treatment and are compliant, the patient can have a good outcome.
I understand it can be time consuming sometimes, but holding on to patience and hope, can really be a great help.
I wish you lots of luck for a good outcome, don't give up on treament or yourself. Also, don't hesitate to tell your pdoc exactly how you feel, even tell him or her what you posted here, open communication is key for further progress.
Take care,
DE

[bipolar_bear]

You definitely are no moron. I hope you see your pdoc soon. Your pdoc is the one that can truly give you a dx. I agree that you can have more than one dx. Also each person exhibits different symptoms and in different degrees. While information is great without training it can lead you astray. I just wish you to get stabalized soon. Take care.

BB

[Psychotic_Phil]

I know that my pdoc is the only one that diagnose me, and I have not tried to quit treatment or self diagnose. I spoke with my doctor over the phone today and he said that Bipolar people can have psychotic episodes out of a mood context, but it is not common. The reason I'm distraught about diagnosis is the course of whatever I have. It can be interpreted as severe Bipolar Disorder with psychotic undertones or Schizophrenia with mood undertones. Insane.

The only reason I called myself a moron is because I wasn't feeling good. This whole situation is very stressful.

[bipolar_bear]

I can understand your stress. It is hard to hear some of these dx and what they infer. But you seem sane to me. Insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different result. That you are not doing. Can you sort out what your fear is? They are treatable. There are meds that can stabalize you. I am sorry that you even have to contend with any of this. Take care.

[polarbear206]

Don't dwell on what your diagnosis should be. Many disorders overlap with others. Look at it as a spectrum and you are somewhere at the other end. I am a psychiatric nurse and psychotic mania is very common. You may need a med tweek to get you over the hump. Have you been under any stress that would of triggered these events?

Polarbear

[Psychotic_Phil]

The thing is polarbear206, I never had any manic symptoms during psychosis. If I had, the diagnosis wouldn't be so confusing. But I think that Bipolar diagnosis is slowly fading, but I can't be sure. I hope it's not Schizophrenia. Schizoaffective is OK i guess.

Plus, if I don't have my psychotic med, I WILL guarenteed have psychosis. This is not seen in Bipolar Disorder. I have mood congruent psychosis in a normal mood. Meaning I am not particularly happy or sad.

(Plus, I have never fit the criteria for mania, which leads me to think the Bipolar label was patchwork psychiatry. I don't believe I was under any stress that triggered this.)

[Psychotic_Phil]

I just got back from my pdoc. He told me that I defintley fit the criterioa for a Bipolar I Disorder, with the possibility of Schizoaffective Disorder. He told me too wait and see. His personal opinion is that Ido not have Schizoaffective Disorder, but he can't be sure. I also changed the Risperdal to Abilify, 5 mg. tonight, 10 mg. tomorrow night and 15 mg. the next night, keeping it on 15 mg.

[Psychotic_Phil]

Hello? Anyone?

[bipolar_bear]

I hope your new meds will help you stabalize. It sounds like your pdoc is considering all options. Good luck with the new meds.

BB

[Psychotic_Phil]

Thank you.

[Direction]

Just checking to see how you are doing?

[Psychotic_Phil]

%#@&#! it. %#@&#! it all. I have nothing wrong with me. I am sane.

[Pughead]

Has the abilify helped at all?

[Psychotic_Phil]

no, it had side effects.

[Psychotic_Phil]

how can you be bipolar if the psychosis has been more intense, lasted longer and have had barely any mood symptoms (2 weeks and 3 days total) when you've had 4 weeks and 4 days of active psychotic states total.Maybe the specialist who called what I have Schizoaffective was right.

[Psychotic_Phil]

But I'm wrong, I must be.

[Direction]

What did they change out for the abilify? or did you stop taking on your own when the side affects hit?

[Pughead]

I hope you can get the treatment you need, whether the dx is BP I or Schizoaffective. Gotta get the meds that will work. I would think the medication used to treat either condition is the same.

BTW, I had abilify too and I couldn't handle the side effects. Now Buspar has been added to my cocktail.

[Psychotic_Phil]

My doc said that I am most likely Bipolar I with psychotic features because

#1: No or very minimal affective flattening seen in Schizophrenic/ Schizoaffective Disorders

#2: My Psychosis is more characteristic of a mood disorder.

[January]

I hope what the Doc told you has brought you at least a litle comfort. It helps me greatly to know what I have. It makes it easier to deal with on my part.

Jan

[Psychotic_Phil]

I read in Surviving Schizophrenia by E. Fuller Torrey that manic depressives who have psychotic features are:

#1: possibly related to Schizophrenia and maybe even in the same disease category

#2: Are at an increased risk for birthing both Bipolar and Schizophrenic kids.

Interesting...