Hypomanic or normal?

[Soulwings]

Hrm I know that it should be obvious but here's the story...

Uni is starting back up in 3 days, and I'll be a senior. I have 12 credits - 4 classes - on T/Th only (from 8:30 to 3:45 with only one break)... and since this has not been the best of summers I am worried that I won't handle it very well. Especially because I am getting married in the middle of the semester.

So there's that.

Then there's marriage. I am definitely looking forward to it, and having my/our own place (versus living with my parents), and since we're bypassing the stress of a huge wedding, I'm not too stressed about it. It's more an "up" thing in my life, while college is a "down" thing.

Now enter in bipolar.

I have been spending money needlessly during the past few weeks. Nothing too expensive - clothes/shoes and books/journals - but it adds up. I haven't spent money like this in quite some time. I keep telling myself that it's just a summer splurge before I get married, that it's "stocking up" for when I will be putting all of my money into J&my joint account rather than 50/50 cashing/depositing. But...

I have also had a change in clothing trend. I have always had a hint of Goth, wearing black clothes and wristbands, nothing too extreme... but had stopped "that look" for awhile, going back to the more "country girl" look of tshirts and jeans. Now I'm back to being Goth much of the time. I tell myself that it's just because I have been feeling more depressed lately (i.e., earlier this summer), but...

I have also been extremely irritable yet physically jittery/bouncy/hyper. While that can be attributed to nervousness about college (and that is what it has been attributed to by my family), I still wonder...

And last, but not least, I want a "new look." I'm tired of being the same old brown-haired April that I've been for the past year (ever since the black dye wore out ). I got my hair trimmed today and want it to look yet more different, so will be asking for a more extreme trim. And I wouldn't mind dying it again, or getting it done in an "attention-grabbing" look (like Dawn from the band Fireflight - she resembles Cruella DeVille from the 101 Dalmations)...

So... is this normal, or am I experiencing a hypomanic episode? (or a manic episode?) This has been drawn out over weeks...

Some things that go against this being a (hypo)manic episode are me still sleeping a lot (8-9 hours/night) and my mind being calm enough for me to sit down with a book for awhile before getting up and flitting from one activity to the next.

Anyway. I am seeing my NP tomorrow and just wanted some opinions. I know you aren't doctors and can't dx... just wondering if it's more obvious to others than it is to me. And it helps to just get it out there. Thanks for reading... this got kind of long.

Oh, and for clarity - I am currently dxed with bipolar-II. Normally bad depressive episodes (for me) last maybe a week (I'm dysthymic, so it's hard to say for sure). However, from February to early July I spiraled down until I was hospitalized with severe suicidal ideation (some of you will remember this). If this is indeed (hypo)mania, might it be a sign that I am headed for bipolar-I? or am I just making mountains out of molehills?

 

[JesusFreak2008]

Hrm I know that it should be obvious but here's the story...

Uni is starting back up in 3 days, and I'll be a senior. I have 12 credits - 4 classes - on T/Th only (from 8:30 to 3:45 with only one break)... and since this has not been the best of summers I am worried that I won't handle it very well. Especially because I am getting married in the middle of the semester.

So there's that.

Then there's marriage. I am definitely looking forward to it, and having my/our own place (versus living with my parents), and since we're bypassing the stress of a huge wedding, I'm not too stressed about it. It's more an "up" thing in my life, while college is a "down" thing.

Now enter in bipolar.

I have been spending money needlessly during the past few weeks. Nothing too expensive - clothes/shoes and books/journals - but it adds up. I haven't spent money like this in quite some time. I keep telling myself that it's just a summer splurge before I get married, that it's "stocking up" for when I will be putting all of my money into J&my joint account rather than 50/50 cashing/depositing. But...

I have also had a change in clothing trend. I have always had a hint of Goth, wearing black clothes and wristbands, nothing too extreme... but had stopped "that look" for awhile, going back to the more "country girl" look of tshirts and jeans. Now I'm back to being Goth much of the time. I tell myself that it's just because I have been feeling more depressed lately (i.e., earlier this summer), but...

I have also been extremely irritable yet physically jittery/bouncy/hyper. While that can be attributed to nervousness about college (and that is what it has been attributed to by my family), I still wonder...

And last, but not least, I want a "new look." I'm tired of being the same old brown-haired April that I've been for the past year (ever since the black dye wore out ). I got my hair trimmed today and want it to look yet more different, so will be asking for a more extreme trim. And I wouldn't mind dying it again, or getting it done in an "attention-grabbing" look (like Dawn from the band Fireflight - she resembles Cruella DeVille from the 101 Dalmations)...

So... is this normal, or am I experiencing a hypomanic episode? (or a manic episode?) This has been drawn out over weeks...

Some things that go against this being a (hypo)manic episode are me still sleeping a lot (8-9 hours/night) and my mind being calm enough for me to sit down with a book for awhile before getting up and flitting from one activity to the next.

Anyway. I am seeing my NP tomorrow and just wanted some opinions. I know you aren't doctors and can't dx... just wondering if it's more obvious to others than it is to me. And it helps to just get it out there. Thanks for reading... this got kind of long.

Oh, and for clarity - I am currently dxed with bipolar-II. Normally bad depressive episodes (for me) last maybe a week (I'm dysthymic, so it's hard to say for sure). However, from February to early July I spiraled down until I was hospitalized with severe suicidal ideation (some of you will remember this). If this is indeed (hypo)mania, might it be a sign that I am headed for bipolar-I? or am I just making mountains out of molehills?

My opinion is that this is a hypomanic episode. This sounds a lot like mine do, In face most of what you post I relate to. I have got Bipolar Type 2, and I do not think you can go from Bipolar II to Bipolar I

 

[Soulwings]

I'm pretty sure that I read that you can get a more severe form of bipolar, which would be bipolar-I. Bipolar-II is really just a "muffled" bipolar-I, with none of the symptoms as severe.

And another clarification - I don't usually/ever spend money in the amounts that I have been.

And as far as it being a hypomanic episode - those have to last at least 4 days to be called such. But lasting weeks?

Thanks for the response, A-M.

 

[JesusFreak2008]

I'm pretty sure that I read that you can get a more severe form of bipolar, which would be bipolar-I. Bipolar-II is really just a "muffled" bipolar-I, with none of the symptoms as severe.

And another clarification - I don't usually/ever spend money in the amounts that I have been.

And as far as it being a hypomanic episode - those have to last at least 4 days to be called such. But lasting weeks?

Thanks for the response, A-M.

Hypomania can last for days, weeks and even months. I have reason to believe that I am in a hypomania phase myself, because I have not slept well, or sleep more than normal, I like to spend money, and when I SI, its not to ease pain anymore, its like an addiction I have to do. I only get addictions when I'm hypomanic.

Hypomania (literally, below mania) is a mood state characterized by persistent and pervasive elevated or irritable mood, and thoughts and behaviors that are consistent with such a mood state. It is distinguished from mania by the absence of psychotic symptoms and by its lower degree of impact on functioning. Hypomania is a feature of two mood disorders: Bipolar Type II and cyclothemia.

According to the DSM-IV-TR, a hypomanic episode includes, over the course of at least 4 days, elevated mood plus three of the following symptoms OR irritable mood plus four of the following symptoms:

• pressured speech; rapid talking
• inflated self-esteem or grandiosity;
• decreased need for sleep;
• flight of ideas or the subjective experience that thoughts are racing;
• easy distractibility and attention-deficit (superficially similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder);
• increase in psychomotor agitation; and
• steep involvement in pleasurable activities that may have a high potential for negative psycho-social or physical consequences.

In the hypomanic state, people may feel like they can't slow their mind down, and that all these speeding thoughts are amazingly perfectly crafted. Some examples are speaking or writing in rhyme or alliteration without planning it first; quick responses to people talking; or the ability to improvise easily on the spot. In more severe cases, hypomanic people may actually hear constant music in their head, or see images in their mind racing by.


Another type of behavioral response sometimes included as a symptom is emotional flattening or blunted affect. A person may seem unusually cold, uncaring, or arrogant, showing little or no emotional responsiveness.


The less severe form of high in bipolar disorder is hypomania. People with this form have increased energy and tend to become more active than usual. They do not, however, have delusions or hallucinations. They do not lose touch with reality in the sense that they know who they are and what is real. What can be a problem, however, is that they tend to overestimate their capabilities and fail to see the obvious risks involved in their ventures. For example, if they are in business, they may suddenly decide to expand in a way that is not really practical or set up schemes for which they are ill prepared. Other forms of less inhibited behavior include reckless driving, gambling, spending sprees and sexual adventures. They may also have lots of new ideas but do not follow them through. They are often very jolly to be with but can quickly become very impatient or unpleasant if they cannot get what they want.

In Bipolar I disorder, an individual has experienced one or more manic episodes with or without major depressive episodes. For a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR, there requires one or more manic or mixed episodes. A depressive episode is not required for the diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder but it frequently occurs.

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by more hypomanic episodes rather than actual manic episodes, as well as at least one major depressive episode. Hypomanic episodes usually do not go to the full extremes of mania (i.e. do not usually cause severe social or occupational impairment, and without psychosis), and this can make Bipolar II more difficult to diagnose, since the hypomanic episodes may simply appear as a period of successful high productivity and is reported less frequently than a distressing depression. For both disorders, there are a number of specifiers that indicate the presentation and course of the disorder, including "chronic", "rapid cycling", "catatonic" and "melancholic"

Cyclothymia involves a presence or history of hypomanic episodes with periods of depression that do not meet criteria for major depressive episodes. A diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder requires the presence of numerous hypomanic episodes, intermingled with depressive episodes that do not meet full criteria for major depressive episodes. The main idea here is that there is a low-grade cycling of mood which appears to the observer as a personality trait, but interferes with functioning.

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is a catch-all diagnosis that is used to indicate bipolar illness that does not fit into the other diagnostic categories. If an individual clearly seems to be suffering from some type of bipolar disorder but does not meet the criteria for one of the subtypes above, he or she receives a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).


Although a patient will most likely be depressed when they first seek help, it is important to find out from the patient or the patient's family or friends if a manic or hypomanic episode has ever occurred. This will prevent misdiagnosis of Depressive Disorder and avoids the use of an antidepressant which may trigger a "switch" to hypomania or mania or induce rapid cycling. Recent screening tools such as the Hypomanic Check List Questionnaire (HCL-32) have been developed to assist the quite often difficult detection of Bipolar II disorders.


Mania (from Greek μανία and that from μαίνομαι - mainomai, "to rage, to be furious") is a severe medical condition characterized by extremely elevated mood, energy, unusual thought patterns and sometimes psychosis. There are several possible causes for mania, but it is most often associated with bipolar disorder, where episodes of mania may cyclically alternate with episodes of major depression. These cycles may relate to diurnal rhythmsenvironmental stressors. Mania varies in intensity, from mild mania (known as hypomania) to full-blown mania with psychotic features (hallucinations and delusions). and


Manic patients may need to be hospitalized to protect themselves and others. Mania and hypomania have also been associated with creativity and artistic talent.

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

If I get manic I start laugjing a lot and cannot sleep for like days. Honestly that doesn't sound like mania tome, but to be sure you can ask your psychiatrist, I think you might want to quit spending money though, you don't want to spend all your money. Hang in there you'll be alright!

 

[I'ddie4him2]

Hrm I know that it should be obvious but here's the story...

Uni is starting back up in 3 days, and I'll be a senior. I have 12 credits - 4 classes - on T/Th only (from 8:30 to 3:45 with only one break)... and since this has not been the best of summers I am worried that I won't handle it very well. Especially because I am getting married in the middle of the semester.

So there's that.

Then there's marriage. I am definitely looking forward to it, and having my/our own place (versus living with my parents), and since we're bypassing the stress of a huge wedding, I'm not too stressed about it. It's more an "up" thing in my life, while college is a "down" thing.

Now enter in bipolar.

I have been spending money needlessly during the past few weeks. Nothing too expensive - clothes/shoes and books/journals - but it adds up. I haven't spent money like this in quite some time. I keep telling myself that it's just a summer splurge before I get married, that it's "stocking up" for when I will be putting all of my money into J&my joint account rather than 50/50 cashing/depositing. But...

I have also had a change in clothing trend. I have always had a hint of Goth, wearing black clothes and wristbands, nothing too extreme... but had stopped "that look" for awhile, going back to the more "country girl" look of tshirts and jeans. Now I'm back to being Goth much of the time. I tell myself that it's just because I have been feeling more depressed lately (i.e., earlier this summer), but...

I have also been extremely irritable yet physically jittery/bouncy/hyper. While that can be attributed to nervousness about college (and that is what it has been attributed to by my family), I still wonder...

And last, but not least, I want a "new look." I'm tired of being the same old brown-haired April that I've been for the past year (ever since the black dye wore out ). I got my hair trimmed today and want it to look yet more different, so will be asking for a more extreme trim. And I wouldn't mind dying it again, or getting it done in an "attention-grabbing" look (like Dawn from the band Fireflight - she resembles Cruella DeVille from the 101 Dalmations)...

So... is this normal, or am I experiencing a hypomanic episode? (or a manic episode?) This has been drawn out over weeks...

Some things that go against this being a (hypo)manic episode are me still sleeping a lot (8-9 hours/night) and my mind being calm enough for me to sit down with a book for awhile before getting up and flitting from one activity to the next.

Anyway. I am seeing my NP tomorrow and just wanted some opinions. I know you aren't doctors and can't dx... just wondering if it's more obvious to others than it is to me. And it helps to just get it out there. Thanks for reading... this got kind of long.

Oh, and for clarity - I am currently dxed with bipolar-II. Normally bad depressive episodes (for me) last maybe a week (I'm dysthymic, so it's hard to say for sure). However, from February to early July I spiraled down until I was hospitalized with severe suicidal ideation (some of you will remember this). If this is indeed (hypo)mania, might it be a sign that I am headed for bipolar-I? or am I just making mountains out of molehills?

Sounds like it might be a manic phase to me based solely on what I felt when I went thru them in the past.

From the online DSM-IV most recently published,
http://allpsych.com/disorders/mood/bipolar.html

I'm only posting a small excerpt so as not to infringe on copyrights.

Symptoms
Bipolar Disorder has been broken down into two types:
Bipolar I: For a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder, a person must have at least one manic episode. Mania is sometimes referred to as the other extreme to depression. Mania is an intense high where the person feels euphoric, almost indestructible in areas such as personal finances, business dealings, or relationships. They may have an elevated self-esteem, be more talkative than usual, have flight of ideas, a reduced need for sleep, and be easily distracted. The high, although it may sound appealing, will often lead to severe difficulties in these areas, such as spending much more money than intended, making extremely rash business and personal decisions, involvement in dangerous sexual behavior, and/or the use of drugs or alcohol. Depression is often experienced as the high quickly fades and as the consequences of their activities becomes apparent, the depressive episode can be exacerbated.


Bipolar II: Similar to Bipolar I Disorder, there are periods of highs as described above and often followed by periods of depression. Bipolar II Disorder, however is different in that the highs are hypo manic, rather than manic. In other words, they have similar symptoms but they are not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning and typically do not require hospitalization in order to assure the safety of the person.

disclaimer: this is not meant to diagnose anyone or any symptoms, simply for informative purposes.

 

[thislifewithinmecries]

It sounds like a manic bout to me as well. I go through stages like this and it makes me feel good while I'm doing it but afterwards I have no money and I feel terrible that I spent so much. I don't know the longest my mania has ever went but I remember it lasting a long time.

 

[I'ddie4him2]

It sounds like a manic bout to me as well. I go through stages like this and it makes me feel good while I'm doing it but afterwards I have no money and I feel terrible that I spent so much. I don't know the longest my mania has ever went but I remember it lasting a long time.

Been there too.
My problem wasn't blowing money on frivolous things, But, paying extra on bills and stuff often ending up with little left to live on.
During my manic phases, I got very little sleep and would be on the go for days before even thinking about getting rest. About 1 to 2 weeks time for me was pretty normal.
I still go thru them at times but, I have found ways to control my urges and always talk to my wife before I spend any money.

 

[JesusFreak2008]

I don't know the definition or difference between Hypomanic and manic!

I thought Hypomanic was higher than manic, *laughs out loud*

Now that I think about it, this sounds like manic episode. I too like to spend money on useless things, which has landed me homeless 3 times, or without internet or phone because my mania is what makes me feel good. Often after I spend this money I go on a downward spiral to depressed because I feel bad because I have no money for bills or things I need. Thats why my fiancee manages the money now, but I do the budget. *laughs again*

I find that when I'm manic, I'm more creative. I also can go for days without sleep, and often do stupid things and try to deny them after (Talking and flirting with guys *bangs head* learnt not to do that) Music and other creative aspects of me come out when I'm manic. I also have more energy and are somewhat aggressive and angry for no reason? Is it possible to be manic and depressed at the same time?

I also feel like I'm on top of the world and can do anything when I'm manic.

 

[Soulwings]

Manic + depressed = mixed episode. And hypomanic is, literally, "slower than manic." Now, hypermanic would be higher than manic. What you've described, A-M, sounds more like bipolar-I... where mania really interrupts life.

Btw, my NP has declared this a hypomanic episode. Thankfully, I don't have a credit or debit card (yet, anyway) so all I have to do is make sure I don't have much money in my wallet. As far as changing my looks goes... still tempting to do something just for attention!! which is the reason (and probably the only reason) that I won't be doing anything.

I really do hate it when I'm like this. This summer has been pretty ick overall and now this is miserable... I am less depressed but I am in no way "high" ... kind of wish I were. This whole mess is making me depressed! haha.



When I am truly hypomanic, I feel like I can do anything. By "truly" I mean the feelings of being high and happy and carefree... they aren't here right now, because I've realised just how much money I've spent on things that I don't really need and that I still want to go out buying... argh! But right now I don't feel like I could do anything. Lots of things, yes, but I am calm enough and rational enough to realise that I can't.

 

[JesusFreak2008]

Soulwings,

Is it possible that I have bipolar I now? I was originally diagnosed with Bipolar Type II, but how could I have gotten Type I??

Good to hear that this is only a hypomanic episode, watch it closely.

Credit Cards..be thankful. I applied for all of them on my 18th bday, knowing I had no money to pay them off. Citi Bnak sent me a credit card of $1000.00 and I spent it all in one day..Stupid me!

All my Credit Cards are currently in collections, and are written off, as a consequence. I'll eventually pay them off, but they will be off my credit report when I'm 26 anyway (7 years and they are off my credit) then its time for me to re-establish my credit..

 

[Soulwings]

I don't know, A-M. Possibly. I would ask your pdoc about that... if it's severely interfering with your life then I would say that it is bp-I... but I am NOT a doctor so can't say for sure. Do some reading up on it - your first dx may not have been correct, or your bipolar may have gotten worse, especially if you are unmedicated. You posted some criteria for me - read through them and apply them to yourself.

 

[JesusFreak2008]

LOL @ Soulwings, well reading through those criteria I'd say my Type II was misdiagnosed and that I have Type I. I meet the more requirements for Type I then Type II, but Type II fits my constant ups and downs..