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Poohbah
Member Since Feb 2012
Location: Eastern MD
Posts: 1,476
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#1
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.
__________________ I know why you wanna hate me! Cause hate is all the world has seen lately! - Limp Bizkit |
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*Beth*, Discombobulated, Fuzzybear, HALLIEBETH87, SybilMarie
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SybilMarie
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Elder
Member Since Jun 2015
Location: Czechia
Posts: 5,153
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#2
Quote:
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) 600 mg I also take meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, and tachycardia. Last edited by Soupe du jour; Dec 27, 2022 at 08:47 PM.. |
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Fuzzybear
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Poohbah
Member Since Feb 2012
Location: Eastern MD
Posts: 1,476
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#3
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. __________________ I know why you wanna hate me! Cause hate is all the world has seen lately! - Limp Bizkit Last edited by cool09; Dec 28, 2022 at 12:42 PM.. |
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Elder
Member Since Jun 2015
Location: Czechia
Posts: 5,153
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#4
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) 600 mg I also take meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, and tachycardia. |
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cool09
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Magnate
Member Since Mar 2021
Location: California
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#5
Gabapentin wears so many hats! I am glad it helps you with racing thoughts.
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*Beth*, cool09
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