Comments on: Is It Possible That Someone Experiencing Extreme Stress Could Be Misdiagnosed With A Serious Mental Illness?

By: mom 2-2

mom 2-2 — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:55:03 +0000

I am where you are.
Constant pain can and does cause depression, so do some of the medicines taken for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Losing the ability to do the things you once loved can cause devastating sadness.
It is such a small world. You have so many of the same ailments that I am battling.
I wish that I could help you with what I have overcome and that you could help me with what I haven’t.
Please don’t look at a “breakdown” as something to be ashamed of. We are only human and can only bear so much before we break.

By: strongsi

strongsi — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:37:58 +0000

Not Bipolar!!! And I’m livid that you were given that diagnosis. To be diagnosed with bipolar a very intricate background must be taken about the patient. I had a panel of Dr.’s diagnose me with bipolar. My psychiatrist said that it is very hard to get the diagnosis right, so I spent about 2 hours being interviewed.
I am appalled that you have to go through any of this! In your position, what you are experiencing is consistent with the horrible unknowables in your life. People with bipolar generally are known to start experiencing the symptoms as young as their mid-teens.
You are mentally and intuitively bang on. This Dr. was not listening to you. I know that it’s tough brushing it off, but bipolar ( thank-god ) is not an issue in your life. With stress comes major anxiety…depression, but not his diagnosis.
I wish I could give you a big hug. I don’t even know what to say concerning everything you are going through. I’m just a stranger, but I’ll be thinking of you.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:50:26 +0000

You could have been misdiagnosed. Contrary to what many believe Psychology is not an exact science. If it were me in your situation. I’d get a second opinion. Seems to me ( and this is just an observation ) Bipolar disorder is the “popular” psychological disorder. A few years ago it was ADHD,or ADD. Before that it was PTSD,and so on. It almost seems like the Psychiatric community comes up with a “flavor of the month” at times.

By: Ambivalent LAUghter

Ambivalent LAUghter — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:10:35 +0000

You may remember that in my reply to your original question, when you’d been given the bipolar diagnosis, I did express my dislike of psychiatric labels and questioned their validity and usefulness. What you are saying now is just part of the many reasons I have for objecting to the culture of psychiatry which seems to feel that finding a label is of any value. The only value it seems to have, in reality, is in determining which pharmaceutical company is going to get richer.
The stress level you describe is enough to make anyone feel quite out of kilter with themselves. Of COURSE there is a likelihood that the diagnosis is grossly inaccurate – and what would it mean, anyway? Even people who are true bipolars are utterly individual and need an individualised approach to their issues, not a series of three types of medication one of which might dull them enough without totally knocking them out…. Don’t get me wrong, for people who genuinely suffer from true bipolar disorder, lithium or the more modern drugs can transform their lives for the better. But there is a very suspect fashion for labelling people as bipolar simply as a way of saying they have rapidly changing and extreme moods. There are entirely individual (psychological/emotional) reasons for these, most of the time.
So yes, one might well expect you to suffer anxiety, depression, etc. And the best thing you can possibly do is to work with a psychotherapist/counsellor – as you are doing – to address all those things that are making life difficult for the individual you in your own individual circumstance.
I’m a bit concerned about a prescription for anti-convulsants on top of the very strong medication you’re already taken, and I am unclear about the logic of it. Definitely, definitely, get a second opinion.
I am truly concerned and sorry that you have so much on your plate. But rather than more heavy medication, I would strongly suggest you get what exercise you can (I recognise the difficulty given the RA etc, but anything that will raise your breathing and pulse rates will help hugely in metabolising the stress hormones); try to eat well with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, not too much meat, and avoid stuff with additives as far as possible. Don’t drink much coffee or alcohol. You’ll know your own sensitivities around these things, I’m sure, so there’s no ‘off-the-peg’ version of how much is OK – some people can drink a couple of cups of strong coffee and a couple of glasses of wine a day without ill-effect on anxiety and depression, while for others ANY caffeine or alcohol make things worse. Listen to your body – as I am certain you are adept at doing after all you’ve been dealing with.
Thinking of you, and if your e-mail is working at the moment, please feel free to e-mail me.

By: bad tim, PWO

bad tim, PWO — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:53:09 +0000

[quack, quack]
(((((redqueen)))))
you have every right to go berserk, don’t let them medicate you out of it!
and no, tho i know little of bipolar, what you’re describing isn’t it. it’s me on an aspie meltdown, maybe, but not bipolar. we’re all entitled to our meltdowns. don’t let a lazy professional deprive you of the satisfaction.

By: Karma of the Poodle

Karma of the Poodle — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:06:42 +0000

A big resounding YES! I do feel for you darlin’. I think most of these so called “psych” docs are just pill pushers anymore.
Psych doctors are so used to people coming to them for any reason to get psych drugs, proof of disability, or a drug that will make all their problems go away because they can’t handle it on their own or were never taught how. The “persecution” complex, “It isn’t my fault I feel this way it is the worlds fault and take a pill and make it all go away”. I’m not saying this is you by any means. You have a legitimate problem and this quack you saw was just there for the money. If you have too get a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th opinion. Find an alternative medicine doctor to help you through the physical pains. It will also help with the mental stress that it is causing as well. I hope that you find great success in finding a real doctor of psychiatry that is willing to work with you and help you to the best of their ability.
Blessings

By: holiday treats

holiday treats — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:22:50 +0000

absolutely red! It is and has been very possible. mental illness has been socially spread further than it actually is. Only those with handicapping illnesses actually are considered mentally ill. Mental issues such as schizophrenia, psychosis, sociopaths are truly mentally ill.
Depression has a bad rap for being tossed into that category and so do personality disorders which can be relearned and fixed.
Stress can cause a psychotic break though. But, that would be you have lost total grip with reality and are possibly seeing and hearing things which often accompanies that break.
I doubt you are mentally ill hon. From all I’ve read coming from you, you may do well with some therapy to deal with stress, and learn new coping skills with cognitive behavioral therapy, but I wouldn’t suggest medicines unless you are severe.
good luck and blessings! ((((red))))

By: Poppy Seed

Poppy Seed — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:30:51 +0000

I would not doubt that it is possible. I personally believe that I was misdiagnosed with depression some years ago. I had only a single 15 minute appointment with my doctor before being prescribed antidepressants which ultimately did nothing to help (I am now no longer on any medication at all…).
So, while my example isn’t as serious as yours, in some ways the situation seems similar.
Your diagnosis looks to have been rather hasty… I mean, I’m not a doctor of course, and I don’t know the criteria for diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but it doesn’t seem to me like an hour is enough for a formal diagnosis… It’s good that you’re seeking a second opinion–with anything where you’re potentially going to be on medication for a long time, a second opinion seems like a wise precaution.
In any case, as the first answerer said, you’re obviously going through enough to cause immense stress to anyone, and I think that in the circumstances, a misdiagnosis would probably be quite easy to make.
I’m sorry I can’t really be of any help–I don’t know anything much about this subject, but my thoughts are with you, and I wish you all the best with finding all the help you need to get through this.
(((RedQueen)))

By: Sassy

Sassy — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:02:04 +0000

My own daughter told me that going through menopause is like being bipolar. Another one of her friends says menopause is equivalent to being crazy.
I have tried to get help just for my menopausal symptoms and all doctors tell me is No!
Before HRT women would loose their minds in menopause, not even counting everything else you’ve gone through. I’m surprised you haven’t gone homicidal!
I hope you have applied for Social Security, with all your health problems I’m sure you will get it.
Keep talking to people and you will get the help and money you need. People will help guide you.

By: I AM RICH

I AM RICH — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:26:04 +0000

You are absolutely fine. Anyone would be the same way. I have been through so much too so I can help you. Do you have a local library & a DVD player. If so go to your local library site & see if they have the book and or DVD You Can Heal Your Life By Louise Hay…..watch the DVD to understand how you in this moment are creating your life & never again mention that diagnosis. You are as healthy as anyone….The book is also great but different. I have healed so much & helped so many people in my life through this work but you have to be open to accept this good…..I am having financial problems & a man told me today he will help me for free. I don’t even know him so I understand it is hard to accept help but you have nothing to lose to go get this DVD. You have everything to gain. Let me know how your healing is progressing. You will heal & pass it on.