I was originally dx with GAD, SAD and ADHD. Now I have a new dx, Bipolar. The new psychiatrist was asking these questions and the questions were almost leading into this dx off the bat. He asked if sometimes my anxiety feels worse than other times, etc. When he asked me if I ever feel normal, I told him I don't know because really what is normal. He then told me I don't have GAD because sometimes my anxiety is worse. I stated, "Doesn't that happen with GAD as well?" He agreed but said that I am bipolar. I am not manic per say nor do I think I am ever hypomanic. I do have period where I am more anxious then other times. I don't really get depressed but during the winter months I get tired, especially when I have lived in places like WA state and Maryland. I have had a major depressive episode in high school but that was due to circumstances (high school was 16 years ago). It did last for a long period of time. I don't get depressed now. So here I am. I don't get manic nor do I get depressed but I have the label.
Basically, antidepressants really don't work for my anxiety. Valium hardly works. I did take Lamictal for anxiety and that was the only medication that worked. I was finally able to take Ritalin without it making me overly anxious when I was on Lamictal (definitely ADHD). I was on 200 mg of Lamictal and still got some anxiety. It didn't completely cure me. Even on Lamictal, I still got a little tired over the winter months and anxious during spring. Sometimes I am mixed. I am breastfeeding right now but the doctor wants to try me on another medication when I am done. It's not Lamictal. I have never heard of this medication but he said it's even better than Lamictal.
So, anyone here not the "typical" bipolar but seem to have more of the anxiety features?? I really want to hear a story similar to mine. I can't relate to mania or severe depression at all. My husband is the typical bipolar II but I am really not typical.
Basically, antidepressants really don't work for my anxiety. Valium hardly works. I did take Lamictal for anxiety and that was the only medication that worked. I was finally able to take Ritalin without it making me overly anxious when I was on Lamictal (definitely ADHD). I was on 200 mg of Lamictal and still got some anxiety. It didn't completely cure me. Even on Lamictal, I still got a little tired over the winter months and anxious during spring. Sometimes I am mixed. I am breastfeeding right now but the doctor wants to try me on another medication when I am done. It's not Lamictal. I have never heard of this medication but he said it's even better than Lamictal.
So, anyone here not the "typical" bipolar but seem to have more of the anxiety features?? I really want to hear a story similar to mine. I can't relate to mania or severe depression at all. My husband is the typical bipolar II but I am really not typical.
