Depression or Bi-Polar??!
Question:
Depression or Bi-Polar??
I was diagnosed with depression 2 years ago. Anti depressants don't seem to work. My father and my Aunt, (fathers sister), both have bi-polar, and they both take Lithium, among other meds,...Is there anyway a Dr. can make an acurate diagnosis through a blood test. How does a Dr. decifer between the two??
Answers:
Determining whether you are depressed or bipolar isn't something you can find out through blood tests. A qualified psychologist would have to determine the one that fits the patient. There is definatley a difference, the definiton of being depressed is: a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies
now the definition of bi-polar: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized usually by alternating episodes of depression and mania —called also manic depression manic-depressive illness
Again there is a distinct difference, being Bi-polar, you usually have mood swings, where you may be sad one minute and the all happy the next. Depression on the other hand you are sad for long periods of time.
The both are usually inherited. You mentioned that your father & aunt are both diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder,and they are on Lithium. Lithiun is a very strong medication and can be very effective. Being on Lithium does however require that bloodwork be taken regularly to make sure that the medicine is within theraputic levels.
I'm sorry that the anti depressants don't seem to be working for you, that happened to me as well. I was almost ready to give up, but I did find one that did work. And with that and just pushing myself to get out, socialize, motivate and doing some research on alternative methods to reduce my depression, I did get past it. I am sure you are just depressed right now and I am sure it will pass and you will be able to move on with your life. I wish you the best of luck and If you ever need to just talk to someone, please feel free to email me.