[livingpole225]

I'm not really one to trust quizzes and tests online so I just wanted to ask someone who might have a diagnosis.
Some days I feel like I have ADHD, I cant keep myself from fidgeting or I cant pay attention. I talk fast, find myself saying things before I think, or that aren't funny or important. I feel stupid, I miss things and constantly realize that there is something wrong with me.. When I get home ill stay occupied until late at night then sleep.
Then maybe the next day I'll feel slow and mellow. Staring at random things, thinking slowly, paying better attention to directions or doing my work (I go to school). I always feel that nothing matters, that nothing I do is important. I find people that I usually talk to annoying me, and that I wish to be alone. On these days, when I get home, I tend to eat and browse the internet, alone, waiting to go to sleep early. I lose interest in what I usually do.

Are these symptoms of bipolar?

[Skeezyks]

Hello livingpole: I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral.

I'm sorry but we here on PC cannot offer diagnoses. That is a job for a mental health professional. Our purpose is to provide one another with support as well as to share experiences & information. However here are links to some articles, from PsychCentral's archives, that discuss the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder & ADHD. Perhaps these articles can be of some help:

Bipolar Disorder - What is it? Can it be treated?

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms - What Does Mania Feel Like?

ADHD in Adults

I hope you find PC to be of benefit.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by livingpole225

I'm not really one to trust quizzes and tests online so I just wanted to ask someone who might have a diagnosis.

Some days I feel like I have ADHD, I cant keep myself from fidgeting or I cant pay attention. I talk fast, find myself saying things before I think, or that aren't funny or important. I feel stupid, I miss things and constantly realize that there is something wrong with me.. When I get home ill stay occupied until late at night then sleep.

Then maybe the next day I'll feel slow and mellow. Staring at random things, thinking slowly, paying better attention to directions or doing my work (I go to school). I always feel that nothing matters, that nothing I do is important. I find people that I usually talk to annoying me, and that I wish to be alone. On these days, when I get home, I tend to eat and browse the internet, alone, waiting to go to sleep early. I lose interest in what I usually do.


Are these symptoms of bipolar?

No one here can diagnose of course

But ... I don’t think your symptoms sound much like Bipolar to me

Most pdocs look for cycles of symptoms, the same up or down to last 2 weeks or more at a times daily shifts in mood does not fit in the Bipolar lane

Since your wondering it’s best to be evaluated by a Doctor

Welcome to PC

[luvyrself]

Sounds like bipolar to me. That’s what mine is like for 40 years. Ultra rapid cycling is not a rarity. We have had extensive discussions here about that. Search under Dr Phelps here. Mixed episodes are also possible. Yes, get assessed by someone who specializes in bipolar.

Hi livingpole,

I'm not sure how old you are, and am not asking for an answer, but I assume you are more young than middle-aged or older. Youth is a very complex time, for sure. Diagnosing bipolar disorder in the youth is often more complex than diagnosing it in many adults. I urge you to consult with a mental health professional to express your concerns.

As others here wrote, mental health professionals are the best people to speculate on such significant issues as mental illness. I know you surely want to know what is happening with you, but I suggest not self diagnosing. If you are in college, I'd suggest visiting your college health center and asking to be referred to a college psychiatrist or therapist. If you're younger, ask your parent to take you. If they are unresponsive to the request, many school guidance counselors or nurses are supposed to help. I have a very warm memory of a high school guidance counselor that made a difference in my young life. Without him, I may not have received help at a crucial time.

Your curiosity, concern for your well-being, and research will be very helpful for you and a healthcare professional. I admire that.

[wiretwister]

most schools have some type of student medical program ... maybe yours does not ... but if they do it might be worth talking to someone there ... it may even be free ..

just from a personal note when I was younger (I am assuming you are) my emotions and day to day living varied quite a bit ... " my blue days " ... everyone has them ... bp or not ... the issue is if they are a concern to you then please see a professional ...

[Nammu]

That doesn't sound like bipolar at all. It's not a day to day thing.

[luvyrself]

They recognized mixed episodes back in the 1890s. Insisting this doesn’t happen is silly and highly invalidating to those of us who experience this, which we try to avoid. It might be something else. A good pdoc is vital.

[Gabyunbound]

I respectfully disagree that ultra-rapid cycling is common; there are many in the psychiatric community that do not agree with Dr. Phelps. I think that ultra-rapid cycling can mask what is really BPD, or a combination of BPD and BP.

Of course I can't diagnose you, but depending on the pdoc, episodes need to last 1-2 weeks; BP is cyclical, but those cycles need to be persistent for a period of time, not go up and down like a yo-yo. You could be suffering from any number of things, but I am sorry you're suffering.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

I respectfully disagree that ultra-rapid cycling is common; there are many in the psychiatric community that do not agree with Dr. Phelps. I think that ultra-rapid cycling can mask what is really BPD, or a combination of BPD and BP.

Of course I can't diagnose you, but depending on the pdoc, episodes need to last 1-2 weeks; BP is cyclical, but those cycles need to be persistent for a period of time, not go up and down like a yo-yo. You could be suffering from any number of things, but I am sorry you're suffering.

It's important to distinguish mixed states from rapid cycling. It seems that not many people do so. Mixed state BD is a hell. I know, because I experience it almost constantly.

[~Christina]

When did you last have a physical with full blood work ?

This could easily be thyroid or hormonal

Always best to rule out physical problems first before jumping on the “ Is this Bipolar band wagon “

You really don’t want the label unless it’s true.

[pirilin]

Bipolar is what bipolar does.