Mood swings are so extreme

Hi,
I will just say first I have never been diagnosed with anything. I'm probably going to psychologist next month to see what exactly it is. I'm not asking for a diagnosis, just wondering if anyone else has similar experiences....

I have EXTREME mood swings. I mean, 4-5-6 daily sometimes that last from 1-3 hours. Then I can go a couple of days "normal" or a couple of "hyper" days sometimes, but not really extreme. But some days are a nightmare my moods swing so much. Almost exhausting. I feel hollow, though, I don't really have any emotion either way. I haven't cried in ages and really nothing could move me. Been that way for over a year. I'm 18 now. I also have bad anger problems and severe anxiety/panic.

What kind of mental illnesses could this be associated with? I thought bipolar, but I have never had the "manic" and "depressed" periods so commonly associated with that disorder. Mine are much faster and not that extreme. I can't find anything that resembles a symptom like I listed....I'm afraid a doctor would think I'm insane and send me away because they don't know what's wrong with me

Has anyone ever suffered from anything similar?? What was wrong with you?

Greetings,

Perhaps a visit to a medical professional, as soon as possible, would benefit you more, than asking our opinions.

Nonetheless, I hope you feel better and can get a grip on your behavior.

Have a good one.

Hello clj,

Welcome to PC. As princess said we can't diagnose and you should see a doctor. You can do the quizzes which you can the pring them out and take them with you to the dr

Hope you start feeling better soon and that your swings are stabilised,

Rhiannon

Hi clj2,

Your predicament sounds very similar to what I have been experiencing.

For years I have had similar mood swings, going from feeling down or blue to angry and irritable to depressed then back to being normal or stable then buoyant and positive to elated and hyper.

What you are going through sounds like 'rapid cycling' where moods frequently change or 'cycle' in no particular order and in a non-predictable manner.

I have been diagnosed with rapid cycling bi-polar disorder. You say you doubt it is bi-polar because you don't have manic episodes? What about the hyper feelings you have? I have never had a manic episode but instead suffer from hypomanic episodes which are not as extreme as mania but feel more like hyperactivity. Maybe this is what you are experiencing?

I wanted to see a psychologist to get to the bottom of my mood swings but was instead referred by my doctor to a psychiatrist. Bi-polar is treatable with mood stabilization drugs therefore a psychiatrist would be your initial port of call.

I am from the UK and understand healthcare works differently in the US, best thing you can do is get an assessment from a mental health care professional to get a better idea of what you are going through.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you get some answers soon. Then you come back to the forum and let us know what your disorder is....

SD

Thank you.

I have another question. When I see a psychiatrist, do I have to share my medical records/history with them? Also, can they turn me away because I have not had a physical exam in ages and currently do not have a GP (I am petrified of doctors)? I know that's bad, but I just can't handle going to one now. That's really been concerning me this afternoon....thanks

Hi clj2,

I don't see why any psychiatrist would send you away just because you haven't been to an MD. The fact that you are so fearful of going may be a good reason to have some therapy as well as the other issues you are dealing with. They may suggest that you see and MD as soon as you possibly can though as it's important to have both physical and mental health checkups. But no, they should never turn you away for that reason.

You can reveal or choose not to reveal your medical history. I would think hard about it though as this time is for YOU and any information you feel is relevant can be helpful in determining the kind of help/therapy that would best suit your situation. Medications, if any are important to reveal as there could be specific side affects with interactions with certain psych meds if so prescribed for you.

I wish you well!

_sabby_

Hi sabby, thank you so much, as far as I know I am in good physical health (somewhat of a health nut). I did not go to an MD since I was like 10 because I fought my parents about going (had bad experiences when I was little) so badly that they gave up trying to take me. Just went to clinic/emergency care when I was sick or had a bad problem or needed shots. I just don't want someone seeing that I haven't been in that long and making my parents look bad, they always looked after and took care of me, that was my fault. I just don't want them to look neglectful or anything, I'm very paranoid and worry they could get in trouble even though I'm not a minor
If I had my anxiety under control, I WOULD go to a doctor just for a check up.

Hi clj2,

Looks like sabby has answered your question. In the UK it works slightly differently. Your GP (or MD) has to refer you to a psychiatrist and all medical history is forwarded to him or her.

As you may know the healthcare is provided by the government but even if the patient decides to seek psychiatric help privately i.e. they cover all costs (I was quoted £2500 for initial appraisal) the psychiatrist still requires a referral and medical records from the GP as there could be other conditions/meds to consider.

Of course this may not apply as you are in the US but it may help somebody else who's reading this post and UK based.

Best of luck to you, keep us posted.

SD

In the United States, many insurance companies require a referral, most that do from a psychologist or medical doctor, my mom went to a psychiatrist via referral from a psychologist but I don't know if that was necessary. I'm pretty sure you have to sign a release of the records from the doctor's office to be sent anywhere.

before jumping to the pdoc, i suggest talking to a regular dr as you're only 18 and it's possible it's just hormones and nothing to do with mental health!

I highly doubt all of these experiences I have been having for quite a while are hormonal issues. I'll see what a psychologist says to do