What Are Symptoms Of Bi-Polar Disorder?

Posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am not sure if I am Bipolar or just psychotic. I seem to have depression episodes every few years through my life but never given a dx other than depression with psychosis ? I am usually been in the hospital each time. My brother has been dx a few yrs ago as bi polar but no one has ever discussed with either of us that we were both assaulted as children a very traumatic event for both of us and wonder if this is the cause of our issues or we are bipolar. The last time I WAS PUT IN HOSPITAL I had become violent using a knife causing me to be banned from the Clinic area of hospital and was sent to hospital many miles from home where I was given Risperdol and Lacmictal and did very well on it for a yr but thought I was so well stopped taking the meds and did fine but lately got depressed with suicidal thoughts.Just want to know if I am Bipolar or just psycho because of CHILDHOOD event never talked about.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Important aspects of your query are: • 75 year old female • History of multiple depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms • Complaints of: Confusion related to diagnosis. In psychiatric classification, diagnosis are made to help clinician in predicting course and outcome of illness. While treating patient clinical history is more important. Many time in chronic patient it is difficult to explain patient problems with one diagnosis, in such cases differential diagnosis are made. Many time diagnosis can be change after change of course of illness. From your history following are diagnostic possibility in your case in given hierarchy: -Schizoaffective disorder: In this patient frequently have episodes of depression/mania with psychotic symptoms in between. -Bipolar disorder Considering chronic illness, you may need treatment for long term even after improvement, to prevent recurrence of symptoms in future, so never stop medicines. In my opinion Risperdol and Lacmictal combination (as given by your psychiatrist) is better for you, as Risperdol control psychotic symptoms and Lacmictal control bipolar symptoms. I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups. Wish you good health. Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar