ADHD , Bipolar, Both?

[BrokenGhost]

So, I have been doing some reading. Back in 1985 I was diagnosed with ADHD. In 1996 I was diagnosed Bipolar. I never liked my bipolar meds, and rather fought the diagnosis. Now, I am on no meds or anything, but feel like I may be getting hypomanic, and have had some depressive episodes. Does anyone have any experience with a dual diagnosis?

 

[NewCovenant]

So, you aren't on any meds at all? I'm not duel diagnosis, but I was diagnosed with BPD 20 years ago. You need to be on your meds, my friend. If you are experiencing the mood swings, why are you fighting the diagnosis? Please call your doctor and make an appointment. Mood swings can lead to all kinds of dangerous situations. You'll be in my prayers.

 

[Stephanie2381]

Hello!!! I fought my BP II diagnosis too, I was only convinced that I had depression, but when I kept hitting the hypomania (extreme anger/irritability/agressiveness) I knew it had to be more, I had my first "episode" which I just knew had to be a nervous breakdown, but in actuality I was having a BP episode....my next breakdown happened just recently and it had a 4 year gap which I was greatful for, but this has been hell for me, since Jan I have been on a rollercoaster, meds quiting on me, and going on new med (I threw a total fit in my psychiatrists office, and the 15 min appt turned into an hour ordeal), thankfull he is AWESOME and is soo into helping me, even I almost refused his help at the time. I am so glad that I prayed for God to heal me, and for me to trust my doc, trust my med and not let Satan win, even thought he tried to bring me down every single day for over 5 months!!!!!!!!! fIf you will look at my signature you will see the meds I am on that are currently working and making me stable. Cymbalta and Depakote. I have read and the doc said that if you are BP an antidepressant is not good enough and that it will usually cause poop out of an antidepressant because the mood stabilizer is needed for keeping everything in check.

I will pray for you and keep posting, I hope that you will have the strength and not let satan win in your battle, get to a doc that is a specialist (psychiatrist) who will help you and get you on the right meds, and you will be able to get your life back....

God Bless! Stephanie

 

[SinkingShip]

I have a dual diagnosis of BP II and an anxiety disorder. The only way you'll ever be able to truly avoid the mood swings is to go on some mood-stabilizing meds and stay on them. Many of us here have experienced bipolar both with and without meds and we will all tell you the same thing: life is better and the bp more managable with the meds. Multiple disorders can actually "interact" and trigger one another (for me, a depressive episode will trigger panic attacks with the anxiety disorder), but can often be treated concurrently.

Have you talked with your Dr recently about your ADHD and Bipolar? My expectation is that a manic or hypomanic episode would aggrivate the ADHD.