[cmorales]

Hi Everybody!

I have a few questions for anybody who wouldn't mind answering them.

I am diagnosed as bipolar but my doctor hasn't assigned a specific type (yet) - if I were to guess I would assume BPII - but I'm not a doctor, so, yeah. She referred to it as bipolar with mixed states and psychosis.

Anyway, in an effort to educate myself before my next doctor appointment (3 weeks from today) I have been trying to educate myself more on bipolar because I have continuing issues which don't seem to be fitting to 'simple' bipolar disorder.

When I came across schizoaffective disorder in some books and health websites, it seemed to fit me - to an extent - but, again, I am no doctor. But I thought that maybe some of you might help me with just a few basic questions about the disorder and also, doctor visits. I just want to be able to get the most out of my treatment so that I can hopefully get my life together someday.

First, I have been delusional in the past but can only contribute maybe 2 (1 for sure) delusional episodes to my mood swings. The others existed independently of them - though they haven't occurred in a while (they came and went over a span of about ten years).

My major area of worry is my lack of drive/motivation and difficulty showing and sometimes experiencing emotions and other 'negative' symptoms which are prevalent in my life.
Now, I know that these are very definitive symptoms of depression, but my problem is that, after fifteen years, I know when I am depressed and these symptoms come on constantly - depressed or not. It has caused me to be chronically unemployed and basically make nothing of my life and quite frankly I am sick of it.

I have been put on meds (Abilify and Celexa) and they have made me less irritable and such, but the lack of drive remains.

So, my first question is: Are the 'negative' symptoms of schizophrenia often present in SZA or is it more strictly a delusion/hallucination thing only?

(Then, I guess my motivational and other negative symptom problems can also just be some more obscure bipolar symptoms, but everywhere I see them mentioned in relation to bipolar disorder only associates them with depression.)

My second question is: How would I go about raising my concerns (if they are even truly legitimate concerns) to my doctor? I am very new at this treatment stuff. Do I even mention the word or do I just tell her that I am worried about these life-interfering problems which are present outside of my mood swings?

I don't want to walk up in there acting like one of those people who "know what they're talking about" because, obviously, I don't. I merely have a few questions for my doctor but am not quite sure if they are legitimately worrisome or how, exactly to go about bringing them up.

Thanks in advance for any replies

[Victoria'smom]

I have bipolar w. Psychosis for me my first signs of "episodes" is psychosis.
First, I have been delusional in the past but can only contribute maybe 2 (1 for sure) delusional episodes to my mood swings. The others existed independently of them - though they haven't occurred in a while (they came and went over a span of about ten years).

I felt this way too. Before I learned I get positive and negative symptoms a week before any mood shift.

Are the 'negative' symptoms of schizophrenia often present in SZA or is it more strictly a delusion/hallucination thing only? Nope you can have positive or/and negative symptoms.

I always have thought jumping and withdraw from others. I'm 'lucky' enough to only have a good 2 months through out the year stable on meds. This may be because I have such strict requirements for the meds I'm willing to take.

How would I go about raising my concerns (if they are even truly legitimate concerns) to my doctor? That is really up to you

I didn't talk about it until my therapist had all of my MET charts, my history and had seen me for a year. We talked about meds. Whether I want to continue med. What meds I'm willing to take. If forced meds ethical. It took her 2 years to convince me to ask for an anti psychotic PRN. All before I asked about me and SZA. even then she only told me my paper dx. I asked her no her dx. but she wiggled out of that.

[Twigs92]

I understand what you mean. At first I was diagnosed with bipolar 2, however between then and next seeing my pdoc I wasn't in a particular mood, however I was very delusional with brief ideas I could speak to God - despite being an atheist - to less brief ideas of taping my plug sockets in case of cameras - they're still taped - and thinking demons, and individuals were out to get me. The last two still persist despite it being a month and a half now, although I feel more elevated. Which is good for me as I was going two weeks with a lack of emotion.

Anyway sorry I ramble. My diagnosis has been changed to 'probable bipolar' as my pdoc doesn't want to rule anything out, and though the delusions are stronger than the moodswings - at least recently - it hasn't changed. I wondered the same thing myself when finding out about SZA. I'm new to all this treatment stuff as well, most of the time I don't think I'm ill anyway and that I'm just being stupid, I know how intimidating it can be to ask questions to your pdoc. But if it's really causing you worry then it's worth asking, I mean it's not helpful if you can't speak to your pdoc and feel like you can ask questions. The only person who knows what's going on in your head is you, so go for it. (I know it's easier said than done). Good luck!

I agree with Twigs92, you should ask. I learned it the hard way but that's what they're there for. If they're not willing to answer all of your questions or if you suspect something isn't right and you're uncomfortable then it isn't an ideal situation to be in.

[deeronjepsuhn]

You can experience negative symptoms with SZA as with Schizophrenia.
I was diagnosed Bipolar by a doctor, but a psychiatrist diagnosed me Schizoaffective.
So go to a mental health professional, not a doctor.
Good luck!