So, I went in for a re-evaluation for my worsening symptoms and got my results back earlier this afternoon. I'll save you the long story by saying the outcome was "bipolar disorder, current episode manic, with mood-incongruent psychotic symptoms." No schizoaffective. I forgot to ask why.

I'm not manic, though, and never was. I've been getting 9-10 hours of sleep a night for the past year and a half, so I don't know where the evaluation lady came up with the whole "current episode manic" part. I wasn't going to argue with her, though. She'd probably get defensive.

She wants my pdoc to change my meds, but I don't want him to.

[Wild Coyote]

Sounds a bit frustrating, Blue.

I hope you are feeling better with each passing day.

WC

[SparkySmart]

I think it's very discerning of you to exercise some skepticism. Surely your pdoc will let you have some input into your meds.

I hope you feel better quickly!

[*Laurie*]

blue, keep in mind that when we're on meds we will tend to sleep even when manic. I certainly will.
I'm a bit confused as to why you weren't dx'ed with schizoaffective, but of course, I don't have all the info.
I fully understand about not wanting to change your meds. Will you consider, though, that just trying a med change might be helpful? I'm asking that because you've been having psychotic symptoms lately.

[Fuzzybear]

((((((( blue )))))))

[Movingon69]

I just wanted to say I hope you get some relief soon.

[~Christina]

I agree with Laurie about this, good solid advice.

You have to take care of you and sometimes that means doing a med change that might just help you in the long run.

Interesting. I don't really have much to add, but want to send well wishes through this. I also have had providers refer to mania of which I was unaware. It is disconcerting.

I'd agree with others that it might be worth considering a med change. Seeing how you said your symptoms have been worsening. Sounds like the current regimen isn't quite cutting the mustard. (What a weird expression, lol.)

[Unrigged64072835]

Wow, that was pretty different. I would wonder too, why it wasn't schizoaffective.

If you're still having problems, though, a med change or tweak might be in order, regardless of the diagnosis.

[Cocosurviving]

Did the doctor explain why she came to her conclusion? Based on ABC. Then why not schizaffective. I figure if me and my insurance are paying you give me my monies worth. Plus that’s continuity of care.

@Laurie, @Coco: So, I do have a full report that says why I meet the BP criteria, but it doesn't say anything about why I don't meet the SzA criteria. I'd have to ask on that one, which I should. The report does, though, in all fairness, include about 15 therapy recommendations for me. Each recommendation is about a paragraph long.

The eval lady sent the report to my therapist and pdoc--with my permission/acknowledgement--so I know they're going to see it. (All of them work in the same office.)

@Innerzone: Yeah. She didn't explain why she thought I was manic. According to her in her report, I have flat affect and flat tone and "didn't engage in social conversation with the examiner." Then she mentioned my "odd" clothing choices (which I don't think were all that odd--sweatpants and a sweatshirt on a 90F day, but it's always freezing indoors). So I don't get how I'm "manic."

I'm unsure about the new med change because most APs just make me too sleepy. Rexulti and Abilify are the only ones that don't put me to sleep, and the only reason I'm not on ABilify anymore is that it doesn't help with my depression, unlike Rexulti.

Sure, we could add a 2nd AP to the mix, but I still don't want something that's going to put me to sleep.

[*Laurie*]

Oh, I so well understand about the sleepiness. It's extremely difficult to go through every day trying to remain awake. Please keep us posted on what's going on, and what you decide to do about your meds, blue.

[Cocosurviving]

I understand your point too. Right now I have not had any depression since last year. I do not do well on ADs. Not even while on a mood stabilizer. I usually get depressed during Daylight Savings and I’m not sure what the game plan is going to be.