Quote From: janejrI was diagnosed bipolar II last year. After several medication trials, we finally hit on the right combo. of Trileptal, Wellbutrin, Topamax, and Lexapro. My doctors made clear that the "type" I have does not require hospitalization, does not cause hallucinations, etc. At my worst (undiagnosed), I was having rages - but these were ONLY directed at my husband (poor guy), and only escalated to physicality once and at that, it was unintentional. Yes, I threw things when I really got angry, yelled a lot (I am normally not a yeller), etc. I knew something wasn't right and immediately sought help. I had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression before but the bipolar II diagnosis threw me for a loop. Again, the doctor was very clear that bipolar II was very mild compared to bipolar I (manic-depression). And that has been the case. I have required no hospitalization, have NEVER been abusive in ANY way to my young child, have no trouble keeping jobs, have no manic episodes, deep depressions - though I have had a few deeper depressive episodes, triggered by changes in meds. and/or marital problems. But never suicidal ideation, inability to get out bed, etc.
I am sure hoping that Dr. Phil presents accurate information tomorrow, as he always seems to. I am surprised by the postings so far, though. It seems that the people who are posting with bipolar II are more severe. So does the woman who will be highlighted tomorrow, although the commercial did say she was off meds. But again, even off meds., I was never like her. Makes me doubt my diagnosis - her diagnosis - some of the other posters here....? I will be very interested to watch tomorrow's show....
I took this quote directly from a reputable Web site about bipolar disorder:
Hypomania and Bipolar Disorder Type II. Bipolar disorder type II is characterized by at least one episode of hypomania and at least one episode of major depression. With hypomania the symptoms of mania (euphoria or irritability) appear in milder forms and are of shorter duration. They do not affect social or work life as dramatically, and hospitalization is not generally required."
I'm not a doctor but based on what you are saying and what I have read it does not appear that Type II is as severe as Type I. How can this woman claim to go from zero to psycho if she never experiences true mania? Is psychosis even possible in hypomania? I found that in a hypomanic state I am more charismatic, often times more productive. And if she is irritable, it would be a milder form as the quote suggests. I hope Dr. Phil sheds some light on this for us. I'm curious to know if he thinks this is the illness or this lady has serious anger problems separate from the illness.
I was watching the trailer today and he asks her if she thought she would kill her kids? You should have seen the expression on my face. I can't believe they're going to put that on the air. I have Type 1. I have been hospitalized 8 times and I have experienced all manner of oddities as the result of mania and sometimes depression. But never in my most manic of manic experiences did I feel homicidal. Especially towards my loved ones. And they know that. So I have a difficult time believing that this woman is stuggling with urges to kill based on her form of this illness. I just can't believe that that is possible. And I hope Dr. Phil makes that clear.
Again, I'm not a doctor and maybe off her meds anything is possible. But I still have real concern that this episode will show the worst extreme of this illness and not truly characterize what the illness really all about.
