Bipolar / Adult ADHD?

[Jovb36]

Hi there. Long story short I think I might have Bipolar or Adult ADHD, I feel that I display many symptoms/behaviours from each disorder. I've had problems with anxiety and highs and lows since I've been a child and first took meds for depression at 16...im now 36 and have been on and off meds for last 20 years. To be honest I just thought that 'that was the way I was' but it's now really affecting relationships that I have with others and in every area of my life more than ever before. My doctor has finally agreed to refer me to a psychiatrist which I'm excited about as I feel that someone is finally taking me seriously...I don't particularly want to be diagnosed with either but I'm hoping that someone can finally put their finger on it and I can get the help that I need. I've had CBT and different types of talking therapy over the years which has been helpful and am currently taking citalopram, which I've been on for around 5 years...however I've heard that antidepressants can actual make bipolar worse (if that's what it is). Just wondering if there is anyone out there that is or has been in a similar situation to me. Would be good to chat maybe? My friends and family have always been supportive and my partner has tried his best to support me but is at the end of his tether now...to be honest so am I know. I feel fed up with myself and I really try my best to fight through the low times however sometimes its absolutely impossible....help xxx

[chloe40]

Hi there Jovb36

Welcome to our friendly Action on Depression forum. I'm sure our members will offer you as much information and support as they can, best wishes.

Chloe

[Jovb36 in reply to chloe40]

Thank you chloe xxx

[juJu43]

hi jovb36 my son as attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder now I think he may have bipolar ...ADHD ....my boy can't concentrate no longer than 10 minutes ,he doesn't sleep. And when he does. He sleep right through the day. He's very sensitive to noise that desstraks him ,he can be very very bad tempered He has very low mood and very high's ,he can be a danger to himself and others. He can be very impulsive. And Speak he's mine which gets him into trouble.... He was diagnosed at the age of 7 he is 20 now .I myself also suffer with depression. Anxiety attacks and OCD and I'm on medication ( sertraline ) I hope you sort it out take care. Julie☺

[Jovb36 in reply to juJu43]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the reply.

I hope that your son is on the right meds now that help him to be able to cope with his condition in a more manageable way. For me I never in a million years thought I may have something like this...just thought I was moody lol. I've done lots of research and it turns out that people can suffer from ADHD and Bipolar together in many cases. For me I can go to work everyday and do what I have to do and also completed uni with a first class honours degree so then I think to myself well if I can do all that then I'm fine! When I have a routine I find its best for me...when I have free time but have things to do I get nothing done, or end up doing more than one thing at once. Some days I'm up and focus and enjoy life, other days I can just about get out of bed! Sometimes my moods are changeable daily, sometimes hourly and sometimes by the minute. I think I've been like it for so long it's just normal to me. I've started keeping a diary over the last few days and will show the phyciatrist when I go to see them xxx

[juJu43 in reply to Jovb36]

hi jovb36 my boy is really good with computers but getting him to do other thing is a big task and if I say to him were going out on that day he mood changes very quick. I have to say to him Couple of days before hand So he is prepared for it. he is 100 miles an hour lol I'm sure he's ADHD brought on OCD in me from all the years of worrying ,it's a terrible thing To have ADHD bipolar Depression Anxiety And many other things . I'm here if you need To talk Take care. Julie x☺

[Jovb36 in reply to juJu43]

Thanks for the reply Julie. Yes it is hard. Again I'm always here if you want to chat too. Have a great day xxx

[Hidden]

Good luck with your diagnosis.

I hope that it all goes well and you get more help.

Best wishes.

[Jovb36 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you xxx

[Stilltrying_]

Hi there, I'm sure that seeing a psychiatrist will help to make the correct diagnosis; there are so many variations like very mild bipolar ( I always forget the name of it cyclothmia or something like that) The psychiatrist is the expert and if you describe exactly what your symptoms and problems are then they will know what it is and then as you say you will hopefully get the right treatment. Yes if it is true bipolar then AD's such as cipramil may not help but don't stop taking anything until you see and expert (psychiatrist) as they will advise you right. All the best. Gemma Xx

[Jovb36 in reply to Stilltrying_]

Hi there, thanks for the reply

I only saw my GP on Tuesday and received an appointment for the 18th of this month with the phyciatrist...things are moving pretty quickly which is good. Im feeling pretty well at the moment and then I think maybe there's nothing wrong with me at all. This is what I've done for years though...just playing my low times off as bad days and enjoying the good days. As you said only the doctor will know. Will keep you guys posted xxx

[Jovb36]

So im going to see the phyciatrist tomorrow, I don't know what to expect and I'm pretty nervous. I've had counselling before but I know this is gonna be different. I almost feel that I've got to convince the Dr that there is something not right, however after 20 years of being on and off antidepressants I'm hoping that they'll take me seriously. After more research and self diagnosing 🙈🙈🙈I'm now convinced that I might actually have a personality disorder....from what I've read it makes sense. Wish me luck...I'll keep you all updated xxx