[dmoore03]

I have very recently been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and PTSD and I have a question that I tried to ask my pdoc but he didn't know what I was talking about.

There are times that I feel hypomanic and I can function okay (relatively speaking) at work or school but when I'm hypomanic I get psychotic symptoms (namely paranoia and hearing voices). Is this technically mania?

I'm not asking for any diagnosis, just objective opinions. Thank you!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by dmoore03

I have very recently been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and PTSD and I have a question that I tried to ask my pdoc but he didn't know what I was talking about.

There are times that I feel hypomanic and I can function okay (relatively speaking) at work or school but when I'm hypomanic I get psychotic symptoms (namely paranoia and hearing voices). Is this technically mania?

I'm not asking for any diagnosis, just objective opinions. Thank you!

Not really, no. Mania is basically hypo on steroids. Psychosis is something all together different, essentially, a loss of contact with the actual, real, external reality of the earth/galaxy/universe/whatever.

I have bp 1, but psychosis has been my biggest challenge over the last year, by far. So, paranoia and certainly hearing voices, if you are experiencing the latter, are part of the psychosis spectrum, for sure. So, if you are having these symptoms, you might want to contact your pdoc and talk about next med steps, such as an antipsychotic.

Hope you feel better soon!!

[fern46]

Originally Posted by dmoore03

I have very recently been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and PTSD and I have a question that I tried to ask my pdoc but he didn't know what I was talking about.

There are times that I feel hypomanic and I can function okay (relatively speaking) at work or school but when I'm hypomanic I get psychotic symptoms (namely paranoia and hearing voices). Is this technically mania?

I'm not asking for any diagnosis, just objective opinions. Thank you!

I agree with bpcyclist. The psychosis can occur alongside hypomania, mania, depression or in a stable mood state. It is good in your case you know what triggers it for you and that you can be on the lookout for psychosis when you start feeling your mood swing into the hypo zone.

I would write this question down just as you've phrased it here and ask your doctor again. Of your doc cannot answer this, maybe seek out another doctor.

What meds are you on? I also agree an antipsychotic might be a good choice depending on how often the psychosis affects you and to what degree.

I wish you well and hope you stick around. There is a lot of good support here and tons of knowledge.

[*Beth*]

I have wondered the same thing...I think.


Actually, I thought I had answered your question but I'm not sure I understood the question.

[bpcyclist]

I am no bp 2 expert, but I have not ever heard of psychosis with it.

[cashart10]

I think DSM specific, psychosis only occurs with bp1.

[Bipolarchic14]

I don’t hear voices but sometimes see things. They think in my case it is related to anxiety and ptsd not bipolar aspect. Do you find you are anxious when you start hearing things?

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Bipolarchic14

I don’t hear voices but sometimes see things. They think in my case it is related to anxiety and ptsd not bipolar aspect. Do you find you are anxious when you start hearing things?

I am usually somewhat anxious or very anxious when psychotic.

[Gabyunbound]

I get anxious and scared as heck as a result of the psychosis.

I really don't know about psychotic symptoms and Bipolar II. Could be anxiety or PTSD as well. How long does it last?