Could I be Bipolar Type I instead of Type II?!
Question: Could I be Bipolar Type I instead of Type II?
For instance -
1. By definition Bipolar II patients do not have hallucinations, or if they do they are limited to the depressive state. I have hallucinations all the time, not just when I'm depressed.
2. After researching, I've come to the conclusion that I've had at least one manic episode in my life - Bipolar II is limited to hypomania. I know that the difference between hypomania/mania can be very blurred, but I believe that I experienced mania.
3. I have experiences mixed episodes before, which I've heard does not happen in Bipolar II.
I'm really overwhelmed with all this, so maybe I'm just over-analysing things, but it a good idea to talk to my psychologist/psychiatrist about my worries?
Does it sound like I might be Bipolar I instead of II?
Thank you so much for your help. :)
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
There are various categories of BiPolar and i would write down and discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist. You may be correct.
I think for behaviour to be 'manic' , it is considered to be reason and need for hospitalization.
24 years psychiatric nursing
Honestly, hon, most of these folks need psychotherapists themselves. Some are downright dangerous to their patients. That said, psychology diagnostics are more an art than a science. Bipolar tends to be the catchall category for "I-have-no-idea". I've seen diagnoses that were so far off the wall it was laughable. If you are hallucinating, I would find another doctor to give you a different medication regardless of the diagnosis. You may have schizophrenia. Who knows? Who cares? Just get the right meds.
I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar, is was on every kind on med. Finally I had enough, and I got counsel (not psychotherapy) but good counsel. Now I'm in my right mind, not depressed and loving life!