Home Menu

Menu


Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old Dec 27, 2022, 08:11 PM
cool09 cool09 is offline
Grand Poohbah
 
Member Since: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern MD
Posts: 1,514
I can't find a lot of information on racing thoughts. I don't know if they are indicative of certain disorders (mainly bipolar). I did read that racing thoughts could be the start of a manic episode but that's not what happens to me. When I say "racing thoughts" to a professional they always think I'm referring to anxiety but this is much different. These episodes are completely overwhelming.
__________________
Forget the night...come live with us in forests of azure - Jim Morrison
Hugs from:
*Beth*, Discombobulated, Fuzzybear, HALLIEBETH87, SybilMarie
Thanks for this!
SybilMarie

advertisement
  #2  
Old Dec 27, 2022, 08:24 PM
Soupe du jour Soupe du jour is offline
Elder
 
Member Since: Jun 2015
Location: Czechia
Posts: 5,172
Quote:
Originally Posted by cool09 View Post
I can't find a lot of information on racing thoughts. I don't know if they are indicative of certain disorders (mainly bipolar). I did read that racing thoughts could be the start of a manic episode but that's not what happens to me. When I say "racing thoughts" to a professional they always think I'm referring to anxiety but this is much different. These episodes are completely overwhelming.
It's odd that a psychiatrist wouldn't know racing thoughts as a common symptom of hypomania, mania, or mixed states of bipolar. I do know, however, that "racing thoughts" can also be present in some forms of anxiety.

I guess I'd assume that perhaps a doctor may assume anxiety if few (if any) other symptoms of hypomania, mania, or mixed states are present. Even anxiety itself can be part of bipolar disorder for many, or at least a mixed episode. Also, anxiety can be a separate issue for a person with a bipolar disorder diagnosis. We may be dealing with anxiety while our moods are stable. Anxiety forms can also exhibit differently, at times. For example, it can bring irritation and/or other reactions we may not even realize at first. For example, I start grinding my teeth or picking at my skin on my fingers or holding my breath sometimes when I'm stressed, but I'm not exhibiting any clear fear, dread, or worry that are more "stereotypical" anxiety symptoms. Racing thoughts can be another of many examples. I think anxiety and bipolar-induced racing thoughts have similarities, but also differences.

I'm not saying you never get hypomanic or aren't, but if racing thoughts are the only symptom you currently have, maybe it's anxiety...or something else (too much sugar or caffeine, hormonal fluctuations, other). Do discuss any other feelings with your doc, including physical ones.
__________________
Dx: Bipolar type 1

Psych Medications:
* Tegretol XR (carbamazepine ER) 800 mg
* Lamictal (lamotrigine) 150 mg
* Seroquel XR (quetiapine ER) 500 mg

I also take meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, and tachycardia.

Last edited by Soupe du jour; Dec 27, 2022 at 08:47 PM.
Hugs from:
Fuzzybear
  #3  
Old Dec 28, 2022, 12:09 PM
cool09 cool09 is offline
Grand Poohbah
 
Member Since: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern MD
Posts: 1,514
They are just random. Like I wake up with intense racing thoughts which last a few hours (I don't know I lose track of time). There's nothing physical about them (unlike anxiety symptoms: racing heart, etc.) They've stopped after I increased my gabapentin. (Don't know exactly what gabapentin does.)

I had a Dr. 20 yrs ago that asked me if things felt "speeded up" and I told him "yes". He diagnosed me bipolar.
__________________
Forget the night...come live with us in forests of azure - Jim Morrison

Last edited by cool09; Dec 28, 2022 at 12:42 PM.
  #4  
Old Dec 28, 2022, 12:53 PM
Soupe du jour Soupe du jour is offline
Elder
 
Member Since: Jun 2015
Location: Czechia
Posts: 5,172
I'm glad the gabapentin is helping you. I know that medication is frequently prescribed for anxiety symptoms. I also know it's occasionally prescribed as a bipolar moodstabilizer, particularly when anxiety is present. It's an interesting med, for sure. My husband takes it for nerve pain. I also know it's used by some people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
__________________
Dx: Bipolar type 1

Psych Medications:
* Tegretol XR (carbamazepine ER) 800 mg
* Lamictal (lamotrigine) 150 mg
* Seroquel XR (quetiapine ER) 500 mg

I also take meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, and tachycardia.
Thanks for this!
cool09
  #5  
Old Dec 29, 2022, 01:25 AM
Tart Cherry Jam Tart Cherry Jam is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Member Since: Mar 2021
Location: California
Posts: 3,643
Gabapentin wears so many hats! I am glad it helps you with racing thoughts.
Thanks for this!
*Beth*, cool09
Reply
Views: 4960

attentionThis is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:51 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.




 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.