!5 (SaVe us from the PaIn)'s Blurty

*Help Me*
You indicated that you have been diagnosed with depression. The history of symptoms that you reported is positive for hypomania and may suggest bipolar II disorder.

This form of the disease is characterized by one or more depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes have symptoms similar to manic episodes but are less severe.

To be considered hypomanic, it must be different from a non-depressed mood. For some, hypomanic episodes are not severe enough to cause notable problems in social activities or work. For others, however, they can be troublesome. Importantly, bipolar II disorder may be misdiagnosed as depression if you and your doctor don’t notice the signs of hypomania.

Signs of hypomania include periods of several days when:

Your mood is especially energetic or irritable.
You feel unusually confident.
You need less sleep.
You are unusually talkative.
Your thoughts come and go faster than usual.
You are more easily distracted or have trouble concentrating.
You are more goal-directed at work, school, or home.
You are more involved in pleasurable or high-risk activities (namely spending or sex).
You feel like you are doing or saying things that are out of character.
Other people say you are acting strangely or you are not yourself.
Treatment typically begins with a mood stabilizer.

Mood stabilizers such as lithium or anticonvulsants are usually prescribed for extended periods of time, sometimes years. They help to even the highs and lows associated with this disorder.

Lithium and valproate are the most commonly used mood-stabilizing medications today.

Other medications can be added to treat episodes of hypomania or depression that may break through despite the mood stabilizer. Antidepressants and antipsychotics may be used in these cases.

Psychotherapy, support groups, education, and adapting and maintaining regular schedules are all part of ongoing treatment.

The use of alcohol and drugs makes it difficult to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder. If you are using alcohol or drugs, this questionnaire may not help assess the condition.

I'm gonna die, I just know it.

Current Mood: cranky
Current Music: *Saw And Natalie On AIM*