Yes, you heard it here first, folks...I've got yet another dx to hang around my neck...bipolar. (Shhhh...don't tell anyone.) I've been struggling with this one...it runs in my family, and the fact that its taken this long to get dx'd, after all the really bright docs i've been to is just really hard to fathom.

Sigh...I'll be back with more lovely news later, but in the mean time, I'm working on balancing more meds & dosages. *watch me juggle* :rolleyes:

Well nothing has changed there Big except you have another Label

your still Big and we all still love ya

good luck andrew. you strike me as a rather capable juggler.:)

Welcome to the club :)...you know I'm always here for ya.

-lu

Hi, Biggie...

No wonder you've been feeling anxious. It must be incredibly overwhelming to add this diagnosis and it's consequences to the list of things you have to deal with in life.

I haven't got a single constructive thing to offer, except that I wanted you to know your community heard you, and care about how you are doing.

Cyberhugs-

Stuck

Thanks for all the supportive messages, everyone. It really HAS been a long uphill battle, and there's more to the story here for sure. I haven't been able to take stimulant meds for my ADD for a while, i don't respond well to any anti-depressants (not uncommon for those with bipolar) and all I had left was Strattera. Strattera has a slight anti-depressant effect, and Doc felt that I should stop the Strattera and focus on the new Dx.

So, the only Dx's that I'm focusing on now are bipolar and anxiety, and ADHD is having to take a backseat for now, until we find the right med levels. I know that I'm not alone in this battle, and have the most loving and caring person standing by my side, and all of you cheering me on. Hopefully by sharing the challenges and triumphs that I face, someone else will find out that they're not alone either.

Good luck... as with everything knowing and excepting is the first step......

hang in! you can do ti big!


P

'Tis a good thing that now you know this is.
One of those "Aha!" moments.
Best wishes Big.

Welcome to the club Andrew. I know I was just relieved to have a reason after all those years of emotional whiplash. Hope you get the right potion brewed soon.

Thanks all...Doc is real convinced I'm bipolar...but I still have my doubts...of course, I see how I fit the criteria & all...but..sigh...I trust my doc, and I'm going to try & give the meds a chance to work.

Thanks all...Doc is real convinced I'm bipolar...but I still have my doubts...of course, I see how I fit the criteria & all...but..sigh...I trust my doc, and I'm going to try & give the meds a chance to work.
I have a feeling that it is hard to be bipolar and ADD... maybe ADD with bouts of depression? I know there are a lot of studies on "comorbidity" but I just don't think that they take the unusual nature of the ADD brain into consideration. You have doubts... why would you have doubts? I think you probably know yourself better than the Dr. Have the meds been working or are they killing your passion?

I have a feeling that it is hard to be bipolar and ADD... maybe ADD with bouts of depression? I know there are a lot of studies on "comorbidity" but I just don't think that they take the unusual nature of the ADD brain into consideration. You have doubts... why would you have doubts? I think you probably know yourself better than the Dr. Have the meds been working or are they killing your passion?

It's hard to look back and see what I went through as a kid that might be considered "cycles", though all the signs are there. I'm dx'd as atypical rapid cycling bipolar...which, if I understand doc right, is that I exhibit all the signs of bipolar, but I can experience a cycle in a day or even in hours, and then go for days without cycling again. Yes there are other symptoms, and yes, I have ADD, but I do believe you can have both.

Welcome to the Club Big Guy :D I have both ADHD & Bipolar, me thinks everyone knows that...and I think the combo of both kinda bring on my ODD tendencies and Social Anxiety...Like not exactly having those but the symptoms are there. It's weird. Do ya ever notice a combo even though not having them? :eek: Make sence?

even starting to suspect MPD but that could have something to do w/ my past

Welcome to the Club Big Guy :D I have both ADHD & Bipolar, me thinks everyone knows that...and I think the combo of both kinda bring on my ODD tendencies and Social Anxiety...Like not exactly having those but the symptoms are there. It's weird.

even starting to suspect MPD but that could have something to do w/ my past

One thing i've learned long ago, is that the longer you look at symptom lists for various disorders, the more you see yourself in them. IMHO, don't try and diagnose yourself...leave it to the docs. Hell, if I tried to diagnose myself, I would have locked myself up long ago...LOL

Hehe I having a white Jacket especially made ...just wish i could get my hands on the sedation:D I know I should not self diagnose (suspicion if you will)and leave it to the docs but even sometimes they are wrong(nothing against my doc)

I'm convinced you can indeed have both, Andrew. I do think studies can be wrong. We've seen that a few times with ADD:rolleyes:. In terms of ADD/Bipolar being a possible comorbid situation, I've read enough thorough research to convince me it happens. There are plenty of people here who struggle with it themselves who know could weigh in on this, but I've heard of that type of cycling you mention. I remember using a study that detailed it for a writing assignment. If I can unearth it I'll send it your way. Hang in there!

Hey, free,...send it my too PWEESE!!!!! Wuv ya!

I cycle rapidly too. My friend Erin was diagnosed with Bipolar as well... Lets see OCD, Borderline and many others. I am getting to the point where I am wondering if a lot of these things are just not ADD itself and what we focus on. I have been through very depressed times in my life and this mimicked the rapidly cycling depression (as an ADDer, I just can't focus on the depression long enough)


Erin ended up on craploads of meds that really ended up messing up her mind and body. Now that she understands her ADD... It is much better.

I am starting to feel that depression due to life situation and stress looks like bipolar to doctors. I think that "real" bipolar may be cycling between an ADD like state and a linear state.

I feel that the cognitive structure involved with ADD is very different from most people. It makes diagnosis very difficult. I am also wary of the tendancy for doctors to give therapy in the form of pills because it gives them more time on the golf course and kickback from pharm companies... (I know an over-generalization). Erin almost lost her life to that kind of BS and I have seen it heading in that direction with other people. All I can say is... don't hyperfocus on the label and if you do not feel "better" simply different... get a second or third opinion.

Zen is great too :)

I cycle rapidly too. My friend Erin was diagnosed with Bipolar as well... Lets see OCD, Borderline and many others. I am getting to the point where I am wondering if a lot of these things are just not ADD itself and what we focus on. I have been through very depressed times in my life and this mimicked the rapidly cycling depression (as an ADDer, I just can't focus on the depression long enough)


Erin ended up on craploads of meds that really ended up messing up her mind and body. Now that she understands her ADD... It is much better.

I am starting to feel that depression due to life situation and stress looks like bipolar to doctors. I think that "real" bipolar may be cycling between an ADD like state and a linear state.

I feel that the cognitive structure involved with ADD is very different from most people. It makes diagnosis very difficult. I am also wary of the tendancy for doctors to give therapy in the form of pills because it gives them more time on the golf course and kickback from pharm companies... (I know an over-generalization). Erin almost lost her life to that kind of BS and I have seen it heading in that direction with other people. All I can say is... don't hyperfocus on the label and if you do not feel "better" simply different... get a second or third opinion.

Zen is great too :)


So...I don't necessarily disagree with you...I suppose anything is possible (the brain is still an uncertain science at best) but before all this, I had my ADD under "control" with meds, and I was still exhibiting bipolar symptoms, med reactions, etc. The lack of empirical evidence aside, I do believe I have something more than ADD...bipolar seems to be my label de jeur

I'm convinced you can indeed have both, Andrew. I do think studies can be wrong. We've seen that a few times with ADD:rolleyes:. In terms of ADD/Bipolar being a possible comorbid situation, I've read enough thorough research to convince me it happens. There are plenty of people here who struggle with it themselves who know could weigh in on this, but I've heard of that type of cycling you mention. I remember using a study that detailed it for a writing assignment. If I can unearth it I'll send it your way. Hang in there!

Thanks...would love to read it! :)

Have you been prescribed anything for it...it's a lil more complicated medication wise you got stims messing interacting with the bipolar and I find Lamictal helps balance it out for me but it not always the case for everyone else.

Andrew,

When Dakota was diagnosed ADHD I felt so helpless to save my own child, it was as if he had some fatal disease that would slowly rot away his brain and then the thought of medicating my own child to make my life easier....NEVER!!! Do you not remember the first time you met me? lol I was the mom in a panic cause my son was going to be a loser all his life. Some very smart people pointed me in the right direction informing me that I must educate myself and get the support I need. When Dakota did not respond well to Adderal and the docs felt uncomfortable giving the dx of bi polar along with ADHD until he was older I will admit to losing my breath for a second but remembered some very good advice. Bi polar or not, ADHD or not my son is still my son and has made it this far and so have you. He carries many labels ADHD, possibly bi polar but he also has some very important labels son, brother, grand child, friend, nephew, cousin he is loved because he is human and he is special in his own unique gifted way just as you are. I urge you to not only educate yourself on bi polar disease which I'm sure your well on your way to doing, but to focus on some of the more positive labels you carry such as daddy!!! Your still you Andrew and the fact that you have made it this far in life still attached without the help of meds says a lot about the spirit living within your body. One more reason for us to think your special.

Big hugs big guy,
Cherity

You are not alone... I am ADD, OCD, bipolar and PTSD... normal is about the only thing I am not :rolleyes:

By who's standards I'm wondering? You see I'm ADHD/PTSD/OCD/Depressive and possibly if you look at my cycles and family history bi polar and I feel completly normal just because I don't fit into the norm of society doesn't make me an active participant with a lot to offer.

You are not alone... I am ADD, OCD, bipolar and PTSD... normal is about the only thing I am not :rolleyes:

I can say the same thing..WITH A HUGE :D

Have you been prescribed anything for it...it's a lil more complicated medication wise you got stims messing interacting with the bipolar and I find Lamictal helps balance it out for me but it not always the case for everyone else.

Currently, I'm off of Strattera, and on Lamictal and Geodon.

I can't take stimulants or antidepressants...oh woe is me. :)

Andrew,

When Dakota was diagnosed ADHD I felt so helpless to save my own child, it was as if he had some fatal disease that would slowly rot away his brain and then the thought of medicating my own child to make my life easier....NEVER!!! Do you not remember the first time you met me? lol I was the mom in a panic cause my son was going to be a loser all his life. Some very smart people pointed me in the right direction informing me that I must educate myself and get the support I need. When Dakota did not respond well to Adderal and the docs felt uncomfortable giving the dx of bi polar along with ADHD until he was older I will admit to losing my breath for a second but remembered some very good advice. Bi polar or not, ADHD or not my son is still my son and has made it this far and so have you. He carries many labels ADHD, possibly bi polar but he also has some very important labels son, brother, grand child, friend, nephew, cousin he is loved because he is human and he is special in his own unique gifted way just as you are. I urge you to not only educate yourself on bi polar disease which I'm sure your well on your way to doing, but to focus on some of the more positive labels you carry such as daddy!!! Your still you Andrew and the fact that you have made it this far in life still attached without the help of meds says a lot about the spirit living within your body. One more reason for us to think your special.

Big hugs big guy,
Cherity

Cherity,

Thank you so much for your very supportive message!!!!!

Hugs,

Andrew

Andrew, When Dakota was diagnosed ADHD I felt so helpless to save my own child, it was as if he had some fatal disease that would slowly rot away his brain and then the thought of medicating my own child to make my life easier....NEVER!!! Do you not remember the first time you met me? lol I was the mom in a panic cause my son was going to be a loser all his life. Some very smart people pointed me in the right direction informing me that I must educate myself and get the support I need. When Dakota did not respond well to Adderal and the docs felt uncomfortable giving the dx of bi polar along with ADHD until he was older I will admit to losing my breath for a second but remembered some very good advice. Bi polar or not, ADHD or not my son is still my son and has made it this far and so have you. He carries many labels ADHD, possibly bi polar but he also has some very important labels son, brother, grand child, friend, nephew, cousin he is loved because he is human and he is special in his own unique gifted way just as you are. I urge you to not only educate yourself on bi polar disease which I'm sure your well on your way to doing, but to focus on some of the more positive labels you carry such as daddy!!! Your still you Andrew and the fact that you have made it this far in life still attached without the help of meds says a lot about the spirit living within your body. One more reason for us to think your special.
That is an absolutely beautiful love letter to Koda. You should print it out and save it for posterity, my friend!!

Thats what I'm here for Andrew I may not know the technical terms for disorders and co-morbids but I speak from the heart and sometimes that is all we need. its my job *wink wink*

lol Freebird I highly doubt Koda wants to look at anything his evil mother has said about him after the discussion we had today about keeping up with his school work and his chores and that if he wants to be a man he needs to act like a man...like keeping his word, working hard, etc. Yep pretty mad right now at the ole mom.

Currently, I'm off of Strattera, and on Lamictal and Geodon.

I can't take stimulants or antidepressants...oh woe is me. :)

OHH THE Humanity...*sniff sniff*

Hi Andrew,

I appreciated your welcome in the intro posted. I've read many of your posts. You seem to do a lot of research and are very active in the ADD forums. You also, in doing these things, must be proactive in your treatment with your pdoc. I appreciate your sharing of info on this site. I can empathize with your getting another diagnoses. It was the other way around for me; I was diagnosed Bipolar first and have begun working on the ADD the last few years and moreso as of late. I also have dealt with the anxiety part longer than anything. I feel really fortunate that the anxiety part has greatly subsided. I think that most likely it's partly due to getting on helpful meds that not only help with the mood swings that only further aggravated anxiety both by bringing more stress into my life and lessening my ability to deal with it. Also I'm a recovering addict and have been going to 12 step meetings for about 5 1/2 years although only clean for about 2 1/2 months now. I mention this only because participating in the meetings and 12 step work has also helped me quite a bit. Being able to connect with people over the internet has been the latest in helping me along my path recovering from multiple disorders or whatever. Anyhow... I'm certainly not trying to advertize about 12 step groups but just saying they've been helpful in many ways for me. Lately, having recently been in an extended hospital stay (1-20/2-14) after getting into an impulsive relationship, getting on drugs again(mostly pot and alcohol), binging for a month in a hotel after a horrible break-up, I wound up at the hospital suicidally depressed and went to a 28 day substance abuse treatment directly following. Having hit such a bottom has allowed me to take a good look at my life and realize that the general trend has been things have gotten worse. It has been a self perpetuating downward spiral of drug use, mood swings, impusivity, inattenativeness, distrability, frustration, failure, etc. Don't get me wrong there have been some successes in the mix as well and my life has certainly been an interesting one. What I'm getting at is that I've really had to buckle down and focus on the mental health and trying to find a better treatment for me that will hopefully help both the ADD and Bipolar. I know much more about Bipolar than ADD. This site has really helped me along with learning more about ADD. I'm really fortunate that my bipolar has responded to meds fairly well despite the chemical abuse that I've put myself through. Partly, I'm writing to give a little disclosure about myself to you. Basically, I'm really hopeful that treating both disorders may be a missing link in my life. I've really had an un-actualized life to date, occupationally, socially, educationally, etc. It seems like it's easier to find people who are finding solutions and making the progress that I want to in life on these sites. If there is anything I can do to help you along your journey, I'm happy to help. I was curious about what meds. you're on now and how it's going for you. I've only been on the strattera for a few days now and so far it's great although I know it's early yet. I've read that it seems to be safer for the bipolar than pretty much any other ADD med that I'm aware of to date. Although it can aggravate mood lability, generally it's my understanding that once stabilized, it is a good adjunct treatment that not only can be effective for ADD, but also good as a treatment for bipolar depression. I've heard good results when it's combined with an atypical antipsychotic med. I know that Risperdal and Zyprexa have the best proven ability to potentiate an antidepressants effects for the biploar, but I'm thinking that maybe it's just b/c thay've been around a bit longer than say something like abilify or Seroquel. I'm taking it with seroquel and actually the seroquel of course helps me to sleep and can help potentiate the mood stabilers I take and hopefully will work well with the Strattera as well. Anyway... I had no intention of writing so much here, but I hope to hear from you to find out more and maybe share more about this in the future. I'll keep checks and try to get back with you.

-good luck-

Dave

I was curious about what meds you're on now and how it's going for you. I've only been on the strattera for a few days now and so far it's great although I know it's early yet. I've read that it seems to be safer for the bipolar than pretty much any other ADD med that I'm aware of to date. Although it can aggravate mood lability, generally it's my understanding that once stabilized, it is a good adjunct treatment that not only can be effective for ADD, but also good as a treatment for bipolar depression. I've heard good results when it's combined with an atypical antipsychotic med.

Hi Dave, and thanks for your post.

I've had to stop the Strattera, as it has some anti-depressant features, and I don't respond well to anti-depressants (it was making me aggitated). I'm currently on Lamictal, Abilify and Cogentin (with xanax for anxiety). I seem to have finally hit on the right combination and dosage of Bipolar meds for me, though my ADHD currently remains unaddressed by meds.

I'll keep you all posted as I continue my progress.

Thanks!

Andrew

Hi BIG GUY,

I hope bipolar is not such a terrible thing. I am certain I have some of that myself.
I hope you can get the negative traits of the disorder under control quickly and effectively without going through too much more "juggling".

I think you are an extra special administrator...and invite you to sign up for the calendar your friendly neighborhood comorbid women are putting together ;)
thinking of you and wishing the best,
Annie

ps Lamictal is a great drug in my opinion. I've been taking it for about 6 years. Hope it works for you:)

Well Big...my Dad, brother, my aunt, uncle, and grandmother all had Bipolar...so your more like family now. :)

I read some where that 80% of Bipolars were also adhd. So as a kid you could be ADHD until the Bipolar expressed itself. Then you would be a combo. :)

Hey Andrew hang in there. You are a rolemodel for a lot of people here and I for one dont look at label but the person. I think you are a pretty cool guy and administrator. Hang tough:D ;)

Thats is Auntchris, yes Andrew is a "role model"...a doer, a positive influence in this world. You do what you can, when you can, and it always looks like the Bigster gives it his all!!

Thanks all...wonderful words of encouragement and reinforcement :) I appreciate you all taking the time to write.

Update: I can feel the anxiety building this morning, after a weekend that felt like a long Manic episode. This is relatively new for me...since my new meds, my rapid cycling seemed tempered. I don't recall having a "long" manic swing like this before. I can feel the anxiety in my throat...in my chest...my legs going a mile a minute. I think the long manic episode has led to this. Not the most comfortable feeling in the world. I'm resisting taking a xanax, as I'm at work, the day not even having started yet. My kudos to those of you that have to deal with much longer cycles than I.

Cheers :)

Remember that diagnosis is more of an art than a science. I'm not just making that up, either, it's the first thing taught in my Clinical and Counseling Psych class. The DSM makes great strides in making the science of it all better, but it doesn't really standardize it. Different doctors can look at the same symptoms and come up with different diagnoses. I was (and am) GAD before I was (and am) OCD. I actually believe I have both, but no matter. I'm ADHD Combined Type, but for a long time I was just a troublemaker.

If the medicines for BiPolar work, more power to you: better living through chemistry. If not, s'ok.

As far as ADHD and BiPolar being different: ADHD does not cause manic symptoms. If genuine manic episodes are present, they are not the result of ADHD. We might be all over the place from time to time, but we are hardly manic or hypomanic. Just a little spastic. BiPolar Depression and ADHD are not the same, and because they are not the same, they _can_ both be present in an individual at the same time.