A reader answers the question, What led to your diagnosis of bipolar disorder?
My first symptom was a major depression at age 23. I was put on Elavil. It helped my insomnia and depression, but also made me gain 40 pounds. I would have severe major breakthrough depression twice a year, alternating with with manic behavior - mainly in the area of spending. I went bankrupt twice. I didn't know then that I had bipolar. I was treated for years for only depression. At age 48 I was placed on Wellbutrin, which made me go into a severe manic episode which made me hear voices. I thought I was going insane. It took over 28 years before I was finally diagnosed and placed on Lamictal.This kind of story is all too common. Read Painful, Destructive Years of Misdiagnosis as Depression.
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Hi, I have found your articles on Bi-polar very helpful. However, the advert at the top today showing bouncing balls is so very distracting, I feel a migraine coming on now which is counterproductive! I suspect folk suffering from Epilepsy might not appreciate that kind of advertising either.
I, too, was diagnosed only with depression for many years, although my manic behaviour should have been picked up on. My spending was seen as “irresponsible”, as were my relationship and job failures. Being epileptic, many of the medications I was already taking probably masked the mania at times until I was 48 and finally properly diagnosed. As for the ad being a problem for epileptics, it would have to be a fast strobing light to be an issue for us.