Lupus & Bipolar Disorder
Wednesday February 15, 2006
Problems caused in the nervous system by systemic lupus erythematosus (aka Lupus and SLE) include mood disorder and psychosis, which lead to the question of a link between lupus and bipolar disorder (manic depression). However, these symptoms, which parallel those of bipolar disorder and may be treated with the same medications, actually do not indicate a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in and of itself. Is There a Relationship?
Comments
I have SLE, diagnosed in 1993. Before I even got the diagnosis for that (took literally years) I was given the diagnosis of bipolar disease. The onset was just about the same time period as when lupus got bad. I was told that over 50% of SLE sufferers are also bipolar, particularly me as SLE affects my nervous system. I periodically have full trunk MRIs to check the strokes (2 fairly minor), seizures, and neuropathy. It was accepted as a matter of fact when my doctors discovered that I am also bipolar. My Lamictal had made my hair fall out worse than the alopecia with lupus so this week (07/08) I am going to ask to be switched. I have been struggling with weight loss which is difficult when I hurt too much to walk my dog.