Bipolar and CF

[blackchameleon]

I'm trying to find out if many people with CF have bipolar as opposed to the many medicated for depression only. I wonder do some people somehow morph from only having depression, which is very very common according to my research, to lift beyond that depressive state and into a manic state in order to cope with CF with particular regards to their ability to exercise. With a hightened ability to exercise, chest clearance and greater spiro follows and life indeed is so much more satisfying. I rely on being in that heightened state to maintain a rigourous exercise and chest clearance routine as when depression strikes i simply cannot "lift" myself to anywhere near the same level of working out which in turn causes lessening spiro, poorer diet, anxiety and a feeliing of hopelessness. Just wondering if those people with CF that do have bipolar cling to the mania zone as they feel it is nescessary to do all that CF entails to live a full life. Thanks Blacky<br>

 

[blackchameleon]

I'm trying to find out if many people with CF have bipolar as opposed to the many medicated for depression only. I wonder do some people somehow morph from only having depression, which is very very common according to my research, to lift beyond that depressive state and into a manic state in order to cope with CF with particular regards to their ability to exercise. With a hightened ability to exercise, chest clearance and greater spiro follows and life indeed is so much more satisfying. I rely on being in that heightened state to maintain a rigourous exercise and chest clearance routine as when depression strikes i simply cannot "lift" myself to anywhere near the same level of working out which in turn causes lessening spiro, poorer diet, anxiety and a feeliing of hopelessness. Just wondering if those people with CF that do have bipolar cling to the mania zone as they feel it is nescessary to do all that CF entails to live a full life. Thanks Blacky<br>

 

[blackchameleon]

I'm trying to find out if many people with CF have bipolar as opposed to the many medicated for depression only. I wonder do some people somehow morph from only having depression, which is very very common according to my research, to lift beyond that depressive state and into a manic state in order to cope with CF with particular regards to their ability to exercise. With a hightened ability to exercise, chest clearance and greater spiro follows and life indeed is so much more satisfying. I rely on being in that heightened state to maintain a rigourous exercise and chest clearance routine as when depression strikes i simply cannot "lift" myself to anywhere near the same level of working out which in turn causes lessening spiro, poorer diet, anxiety and a feeliing of hopelessness. Just wondering if those people with CF that do have bipolar cling to the mania zone as they feel it is nescessary to do all that CF entails to live a full life. Thanks Blacky<br>

 

[Havoc]

I've had this discussion with a few people (including some medical residents) and found that bipolar disorder has become somewhat of a fad, at least in the US. It's the new ADHD. There are many biorhythms that are cyclic, and I think mood is one of them. So, it's very easy to talk yourself into having manic/depressed states. Factor in that there are 4 levels of bipolar disorder and the last 2 feature hypomanic states (not full blown mania) and it becomes extremely easy to come up with a diagnosis of "cyclothymia."

Like you, I find myself preferring the states where I feel like I have energy to burn, but in those times I struggle to sleep properly. Similarly, when I in a more depressed cycle (although, I wouldn't classify it as clinical depression), my appetite goes away, I find it harder to motivate myself to exercise etc. While this technically fits the diagnosis requirements of cyclothymia, I think it's important to remember the cyclic nature of the human body and accept that there will be times of heightened mood and energy and those where those are more depressed.

The standard treatments of bipolar disorder are really unpleasant medications that can carry some nasty side effects. The standard of care for a long time for Bipolar I was lithium. The problem with lithium is that you need to be very careful about salt intake as you can easily become hyponatremic. How you would adequately compensate in someone with CF, I don't know. The others are depakote, lamictal and atypical antidepressants like seroquel.

This is a really good topic. I had a resident suggest that I perhaps had cyclothymia when he learned of my patterns of insomnia coupled with a seemingly high amounts of energy. I followed up with a psychiatrist/sleep medicine specialist who was very informative. I kept a log of sleep/wake patterns, general mood, appetite and energy level. I did find a cycle, and it would technically support a diagnosis of cyclothymia, but I couldn't justify medication.

I wonder how many people with CF are treated needlessly, since it is so easy to support a diagnosis and since we are probably more likely to talk about such things and more conditioned to turn to medication.

 

[Havoc]

I've had this discussion with a few people (including some medical residents) and found that bipolar disorder has become somewhat of a fad, at least in the US. It's the new ADHD. There are many biorhythms that are cyclic, and I think mood is one of them. So, it's very easy to talk yourself into having manic/depressed states. Factor in that there are 4 levels of bipolar disorder and the last 2 feature hypomanic states (not full blown mania) and it becomes extremely easy to come up with a diagnosis of "cyclothymia."

Like you, I find myself preferring the states where I feel like I have energy to burn, but in those times I struggle to sleep properly. Similarly, when I in a more depressed cycle (although, I wouldn't classify it as clinical depression), my appetite goes away, I find it harder to motivate myself to exercise etc. While this technically fits the diagnosis requirements of cyclothymia, I think it's important to remember the cyclic nature of the human body and accept that there will be times of heightened mood and energy and those where those are more depressed.

The standard treatments of bipolar disorder are really unpleasant medications that can carry some nasty side effects. The standard of care for a long time for Bipolar I was lithium. The problem with lithium is that you need to be very careful about salt intake as you can easily become hyponatremic. How you would adequately compensate in someone with CF, I don't know. The others are depakote, lamictal and atypical antidepressants like seroquel.

This is a really good topic. I had a resident suggest that I perhaps had cyclothymia when he learned of my patterns of insomnia coupled with a seemingly high amounts of energy. I followed up with a psychiatrist/sleep medicine specialist who was very informative. I kept a log of sleep/wake patterns, general mood, appetite and energy level. I did find a cycle, and it would technically support a diagnosis of cyclothymia, but I couldn't justify medication.

I wonder how many people with CF are treated needlessly, since it is so easy to support a diagnosis and since we are probably more likely to talk about such things and more conditioned to turn to medication.

 

[Havoc]

I've had this discussion with a few people (including some medical residents) and found that bipolar disorder has become somewhat of a fad, at least in the US. It's the new ADHD. There are many biorhythms that are cyclic, and I think mood is one of them. So, it's very easy to talk yourself into having manic/depressed states. Factor in that there are 4 levels of bipolar disorder and the last 2 feature hypomanic states (not full blown mania) and it becomes extremely easy to come up with a diagnosis of "cyclothymia."
<br />
<br />Like you, I find myself preferring the states where I feel like I have energy to burn, but in those times I struggle to sleep properly. Similarly, when I in a more depressed cycle (although, I wouldn't classify it as clinical depression), my appetite goes away, I find it harder to motivate myself to exercise etc. While this technically fits the diagnosis requirements of cyclothymia, I think it's important to remember the cyclic nature of the human body and accept that there will be times of heightened mood and energy and those where those are more depressed.
<br />
<br />The standard treatments of bipolar disorder are really unpleasant medications that can carry some nasty side effects. The standard of care for a long time for Bipolar I was lithium. The problem with lithium is that you need to be very careful about salt intake as you can easily become hyponatremic. How you would adequately compensate in someone with CF, I don't know. The others are depakote, lamictal and atypical antidepressants like seroquel.
<br />
<br />This is a really good topic. I had a resident suggest that I perhaps had cyclothymia when he learned of my patterns of insomnia coupled with a seemingly high amounts of energy. I followed up with a psychiatrist/sleep medicine specialist who was very informative. I kept a log of sleep/wake patterns, general mood, appetite and energy level. I did find a cycle, and it would technically support a diagnosis of cyclothymia, but I couldn't justify medication.
<br />
<br />I wonder how many people with CF are treated needlessly, since it is so easy to support a diagnosis and since we are probably more likely to talk about such things and more conditioned to turn to medication.

 

[BikerEd]

This is a really good topic. I had a resident suggest that I perhaps had cyclothymia when he learned of my patterns of insomnia coupled with a seemingly high amounts of energy. I followed up with a psychiatrist/sleep medicine specialist who was very informative. I kept a log of sleep/wake patterns, general mood, appetite and energy level. I did find a cycle, and it would technically support a diagnosis of cyclothymia, but I couldn't justify medication.

Sorry I was depressed thinking about my ADHD, and possibly my autism because of my ability to do math in my head and answer trivia questions. (Please take that as the sarcastic joke it was intended)

I can completely relate to the insomnia and high energy. Been like that most of my life, when I was younger it was called hyperactive. I'm 39; I'm still hyperactive. I think as a whole we as a society (not just in the CF world) have become over medicalized (is that even a word?). Everything is a condition and every condition has a medication. There is a poster I see on the way to work its got some 40-50ish looking woman that looks a little depressed or tired and the verbiage is "I'm tired and have no energy, and my joints hurt. Could it be Lupus?" And I think to myself achy joints, tired and lack of energy? "NO! You got CF with arthritis and pseudomonas! I know those symptoms!" I remember one time when I was around 25 a doctor was very concerned over my "agitation and lack of sleep" could it be because by an imbalance of hormones or chemicals in my head. I then explained to the panel assembled before me that I regularly worked between 40 and 60 hours a week; as well had an active social life and for the past two weeks they had me in a bed or a chair and my only exercise was walking a few stars with the PT. want to see me depressed put me in a cage for a few weeks and worse yet I know I need to be there. So high energy or not when you don't feel well and you can't do what you want, I believe it is natural to be at a minimum a little depressed.

 

[BikerEd]

This is a really good topic. I had a resident suggest that I perhaps had cyclothymia when he learned of my patterns of insomnia coupled with a seemingly high amounts of energy. I followed up with a psychiatrist/sleep medicine specialist who was very informative. I kept a log of sleep/wake patterns, general mood, appetite and energy level. I did find a cycle, and it would technically support a diagnosis of cyclothymia, but I couldn't justify medication.

Sorry I was depressed thinking about my ADHD, and possibly my autism because of my ability to do math in my head and answer trivia questions. (Please take that as the sarcastic joke it was intended)

I can completely relate to the insomnia and high energy. Been like that most of my life, when I was younger it was called hyperactive. I'm 39; I'm still hyperactive. I think as a whole we as a society (not just in the CF world) have become over medicalized (is that even a word?). Everything is a condition and every condition has a medication. There is a poster I see on the way to work its got some 40-50ish looking woman that looks a little depressed or tired and the verbiage is "I'm tired and have no energy, and my joints hurt. Could it be Lupus?" And I think to myself achy joints, tired and lack of energy? "NO! You got CF with arthritis and pseudomonas! I know those symptoms!" I remember one time when I was around 25 a doctor was very concerned over my "agitation and lack of sleep" could it be because by an imbalance of hormones or chemicals in my head. I then explained to the panel assembled before me that I regularly worked between 40 and 60 hours a week; as well had an active social life and for the past two weeks they had me in a bed or a chair and my only exercise was walking a few stars with the PT. want to see me depressed put me in a cage for a few weeks and worse yet I know I need to be there. So high energy or not when you don't feel well and you can't do what you want, I believe it is natural to be at a minimum a little depressed.

 

[BikerEd]

This is a really good topic. I had a resident suggest that I perhaps had cyclothymia when he learned of my patterns of insomnia coupled with a seemingly high amounts of energy. I followed up with a psychiatrist/sleep medicine specialist who was very informative. I kept a log of sleep/wake patterns, general mood, appetite and energy level. I did find a cycle, and it would technically support a diagnosis of cyclothymia, but I couldn't justify medication.
<br />
<br />Sorry I was depressed thinking about my ADHD, and possibly my autism because of my ability to do math in my head and answer trivia questions. (Please take that as the sarcastic joke it was intended)
<br />
<br />I can completely relate to the insomnia and high energy. Been like that most of my life, when I was younger it was called hyperactive. I'm 39; I'm still hyperactive. I think as a whole we as a society (not just in the CF world) have become over medicalized (is that even a word?). Everything is a condition and every condition has a medication. There is a poster I see on the way to work its got some 40-50ish looking woman that looks a little depressed or tired and the verbiage is "I'm tired and have no energy, and my joints hurt. Could it be Lupus?" And I think to myself achy joints, tired and lack of energy? "NO! You got CF with arthritis and pseudomonas! I know those symptoms!" I remember one time when I was around 25 a doctor was very concerned over my "agitation and lack of sleep" could it be because by an imbalance of hormones or chemicals in my head. I then explained to the panel assembled before me that I regularly worked between 40 and 60 hours a week; as well had an active social life and for the past two weeks they had me in a bed or a chair and my only exercise was walking a few stars with the PT. want to see me depressed put me in a cage for a few weeks and worse yet I know I need to be there. So high energy or not when you don't feel well and you can't do what you want, I believe it is natural to be at a minimum a little depressed.
<br />

 

[krisgabes]

There are other aspects to Bipolar disorder that must be taken into consideration before self diagnosing. It is always very important to speak with a therapist as well as a psychiatrist to determine if you are Bipolar. Mental illness and chemical imbalances show up through those symptoms described but it also needs to interfere with your day to day life. Some people go on shopping binges, during a manic state you experience pressured speech, flights of ideas, and speedy talking. The major symptom for dx of Bipolar I disorder is that you must experience a manic episode that lasts anywhere from one to two weeks with no break. If your experience lasts from 4-5 days it is considered hypomania and that is a dx of Bipolar II disorder.

I have Bipolar I disorder and after a long bout of finding the right psychiatrist, my life has completely turned around with the proper medication. I do agree with Havoc with the lithium. I had a terrible experience on it. Rather now I am on Depakote, Seroquel, and Wellbutrin. There are some side effects but very minimal. This is a very good topic.

 

[krisgabes]

There are other aspects to Bipolar disorder that must be taken into consideration before self diagnosing. It is always very important to speak with a therapist as well as a psychiatrist to determine if you are Bipolar. Mental illness and chemical imbalances show up through those symptoms described but it also needs to interfere with your day to day life. Some people go on shopping binges, during a manic state you experience pressured speech, flights of ideas, and speedy talking. The major symptom for dx of Bipolar I disorder is that you must experience a manic episode that lasts anywhere from one to two weeks with no break. If your experience lasts from 4-5 days it is considered hypomania and that is a dx of Bipolar II disorder.

I have Bipolar I disorder and after a long bout of finding the right psychiatrist, my life has completely turned around with the proper medication. I do agree with Havoc with the lithium. I had a terrible experience on it. Rather now I am on Depakote, Seroquel, and Wellbutrin. There are some side effects but very minimal. This is a very good topic.

 

[krisgabes]

There are other aspects to Bipolar disorder that must be taken into consideration before self diagnosing. It is always very important to speak with a therapist as well as a psychiatrist to determine if you are Bipolar. Mental illness and chemical imbalances show up through those symptoms described but it also needs to interfere with your day to day life. Some people go on shopping binges, during a manic state you experience pressured speech, flights of ideas, and speedy talking. The major symptom for dx of Bipolar I disorder is that you must experience a manic episode that lasts anywhere from one to two weeks with no break. If your experience lasts from 4-5 days it is considered hypomania and that is a dx of Bipolar II disorder.
<br />
<br />I have Bipolar I disorder and after a long bout of finding the right psychiatrist, my life has completely turned around with the proper medication. I do agree with Havoc with the lithium. I had a terrible experience on it. Rather now I am on Depakote, Seroquel, and Wellbutrin. There are some side effects but very minimal. This is a very good topic.

 

[TestifyToLove]

Micah was diagnosed with Bipolar at age 6. With rare early childhood onset cases, its hard to identify which type, as all children with Bipolar rapid cycle but might not rapid cycle as adults and this might not truly be type Is. I have never seen his Bipolar be a positive for his CF condition. However, his Chest clearance and treatment tolerance is highly complicated by his co-mordity of Autism.

 

[TestifyToLove]

Micah was diagnosed with Bipolar at age 6. With rare early childhood onset cases, its hard to identify which type, as all children with Bipolar rapid cycle but might not rapid cycle as adults and this might not truly be type Is. I have never seen his Bipolar be a positive for his CF condition. However, his Chest clearance and treatment tolerance is highly complicated by his co-mordity of Autism.

 

[TestifyToLove]

Micah was diagnosed with Bipolar at age 6. With rare early childhood onset cases, its hard to identify which type, as all children with Bipolar rapid cycle but might not rapid cycle as adults and this might not truly be type Is. I have never seen his Bipolar be a positive for his CF condition. However, his Chest clearance and treatment tolerance is highly complicated by his co-mordity of Autism.

 

[bethylove]

I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder a few years ago due to my rapid mood swings. I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar (where in a 48 hours period you can experience both mania and depression). Anyway, mania isn't all it's cracked up to be. I had a few episodes of manic behavior (so everyone automatically jumped to the bipolar diagnosis) but it wasn't all exercise and laughing. I broke a few laws and engaged in 'risky' behavior-- and had no remorse. Looking back that period of my life terrifies me.

Anger was also a part of my manic episodes. I would pinch people and intentionally hurt them (more so with words than pinching). I could be happily giggling one minute and punch a wall the next. I was irrational and it was scary. Sure, I didn't sleep and had bundles of energy but never did I put that towards productive activities.

Real mania is not fun. It's not helpful.

Hypomania is a lesser form of a manic state and might not be so dramatic and disruptive. In this state you might put your energy towards more constructive activities and be able to control your thoughts a bit more. However people in prolonged states of hypomania can sometimes cross into true manic states.

I originally stated I was misdiagnosed. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder your symptoms cannot be contributed to any other illness. --so throw out loss of appetite, increase in need of sleep, irritability, sense of hopelessness, etc --In my case CF played a big part in a lot of my symptoms. Turns out I have an adjustment disorder where stress triggers these emotional outbursts, that appear to mimic both mania and depression. After a year or so of therapy I'm doing great and I've learned a lot about coping with my triggers.

When I was medicated I used to lonnnggggg to be manic again. Turns out I wasn't wanting the mania I was wanting my personality back! It's hard to diagnose mood disorders with a chronic illness. Unfortunately I didn't question the diagnoses soon enough and I spent almost a year on an outrageous dose of anticonvulsants and mood-stabilizers. My advice is seek as many opinions as you can.

 

[bethylove]

I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder a few years ago due to my rapid mood swings. I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar (where in a 48 hours period you can experience both mania and depression). Anyway, mania isn't all it's cracked up to be. I had a few episodes of manic behavior (so everyone automatically jumped to the bipolar diagnosis) but it wasn't all exercise and laughing. I broke a few laws and engaged in 'risky' behavior-- and had no remorse. Looking back that period of my life terrifies me.

Anger was also a part of my manic episodes. I would pinch people and intentionally hurt them (more so with words than pinching). I could be happily giggling one minute and punch a wall the next. I was irrational and it was scary. Sure, I didn't sleep and had bundles of energy but never did I put that towards productive activities.

Real mania is not fun. It's not helpful.

Hypomania is a lesser form of a manic state and might not be so dramatic and disruptive. In this state you might put your energy towards more constructive activities and be able to control your thoughts a bit more. However people in prolonged states of hypomania can sometimes cross into true manic states.

I originally stated I was misdiagnosed. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder your symptoms cannot be contributed to any other illness. --so throw out loss of appetite, increase in need of sleep, irritability, sense of hopelessness, etc --In my case CF played a big part in a lot of my symptoms. Turns out I have an adjustment disorder where stress triggers these emotional outbursts, that appear to mimic both mania and depression. After a year or so of therapy I'm doing great and I've learned a lot about coping with my triggers.

When I was medicated I used to lonnnggggg to be manic again. Turns out I wasn't wanting the mania I was wanting my personality back! It's hard to diagnose mood disorders with a chronic illness. Unfortunately I didn't question the diagnoses soon enough and I spent almost a year on an outrageous dose of anticonvulsants and mood-stabilizers. My advice is seek as many opinions as you can.

 

[bethylove]

I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder a few years ago due to my rapid mood swings. I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar (where in a 48 hours period you can experience both mania and depression). Anyway, mania isn't all it's cracked up to be. I had a few episodes of manic behavior (so everyone automatically jumped to the bipolar diagnosis) but it wasn't all exercise and laughing. I broke a few laws and engaged in 'risky' behavior-- and had no remorse. Looking back that period of my life terrifies me.
<br />
<br />Anger was also a part of my manic episodes. I would pinch people and intentionally hurt them (more so with words than pinching). I could be happily giggling one minute and punch a wall the next. I was irrational and it was scary. Sure, I didn't sleep and had bundles of energy but never did I put that towards productive activities.
<br />
<br />Real mania is not fun. It's not helpful.
<br />
<br />Hypomania is a lesser form of a manic state and might not be so dramatic and disruptive. In this state you might put your energy towards more constructive activities and be able to control your thoughts a bit more. However people in prolonged states of hypomania can sometimes cross into true manic states.
<br />
<br />I originally stated I was misdiagnosed. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder your symptoms cannot be contributed to any other illness. --so throw out loss of appetite, increase in need of sleep, irritability, sense of hopelessness, etc --In my case CF played a big part in a lot of my symptoms. Turns out I have an adjustment disorder where stress triggers these emotional outbursts, that appear to mimic both mania and depression. After a year or so of therapy I'm doing great and I've learned a lot about coping with my triggers.
<br />
<br />When I was medicated I used to lonnnggggg to be manic again. Turns out I wasn't wanting the mania I was wanting my personality back! It's hard to diagnose mood disorders with a chronic illness. Unfortunately I didn't question the diagnoses soon enough and I spent almost a year on an outrageous dose of anticonvulsants and mood-stabilizers. My advice is seek as many opinions as you can.

 

[Havoc]

Yeah, you make a good point, most of the mood stabilizers flatten your affect making you pretty zombie-like.

 

[Havoc]

Yeah, you make a good point, most of the mood stabilizers flatten your affect making you pretty zombie-like.