[Guest]

In the past I have suffered OCD depression and anxiety. Now I have been noticing a pattern of extreme energy one day and exhaustion/seclusion from life the very next day. I do tend to stay up very late at night-but sleep in or take a nap the next day. Could this be a bipolar disorder? Emma

[chrisden39]

Hi Emma- I have Bipolar disorder & anxiety & do have really similar to the other things your saying with the staying up late/sleeping late & napping. My own moods don't cycle as quickly as yours are but have heard of Bipolars that rapid cycle. The best I would say is to get to a Doctor preferably a psychiatrist & talk to them to find out for sure. Good luck

[bipolarbear2008]

There are several "flavors" of rapid cycling bipolar, sometimes called ultradian bipolar disorder. You sound like you cycle more-or-less on a 24-hour cycle. A psychiatrist can help you with a more precise diagnosis, as well as medications that can help eliminate cycling. Look for a psychiatrist who is familiar with treating bipolar disorder -- which may or may not be the same individual who is treating your depression and OCD. Most psychiatrists will treat your bipolar first, then look at other issues. You may find that handling your bipolar also takes care of the depression and may eliminate many of your OCD symptoms. By the way, one of the WORST things someone with bipolar disorder can do is take antidepressants as they can trigger mania.

[davidhudson01]

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder involves consideration of many factors. The health care provider may do some or all of the following:
• Observe your behavior and mood
• Obtain your medical history, including any medical problems you have and any medications you take
• Ask about your recent mood swings and how long you've experienced them
• Ask about your family medical history, particularly whether anyone has or had bipolar disorder
• Perform a thorough examination to identify or rule out physical causes for the symptoms
• Request laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
• Speak with your family members to discuss their observations about your behavior


http://www.imedix.com/bipolar Bipolar Support Group