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Monday, December 22, 2008 Kelly Cash asks

Q: Dissociation of the Extreme Kind (Neurotic or Psychotic)

What is the difference between PTSD Anxiety Dissociation (neurotic break) and a BiPolar Manic Episode (psychotic break).  If one has both in the same episode does that make them Borderline?

 

What is happening to me!
What place is this?
The darkest black hole
The blackest dark abyss
The nothing and my soul

I wake up with a start
A terror-stricken brain
And a frantic heart
Did I die and depart?

How long was I there?
Umpteen years I perceive
Like a million I swear
But my senses deceive

The alarm clock beckons
I can't believe my eyes
Gone for thirty seconds
Nothing but lies, lies, lies!

My stomach is furious
Raging to be heard
I'm no longer curious
My vision is blurred

Disoriented and humble
With feelings of dread
I'm ready to crumble
Have I lost my head?

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Answers (3)

Hi Kelly,

 

I'll answer your questions, but I first want to say that if you are experiencing a lot of distress, please seek help as soon as possible.  If you think your distress is life threatening or a serious emergency, then you can always call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.  Otherwise, you can seek help by calling a Psychologist (you can search here), or asking your Primary Care Physician for advice or a referral.

 

A Manic Episode is part of Bipolar Disorder, which is a mood disorder marked by swings between depression and euphoria.  Some people experience some psychotic symptoms during a manic phase, but not all people do.

 

PTSD, in contrast, is an anxiety disorder that results from experiencing a trauma. The symptoms of PTSD are a normal human reaction to an unspeakable, horrible human experience.  Dissociation may occur while a trauma is occuring, or in reaction to the symptoms of PTSD.

 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is used to describe a person who has a long-term history of instability in relationships, moods, and self image. People who suffer from BPD are generally impulsive too, especially when they are younger (20's-30's).

 

Bipolar and PTSD do not cause BPD.  It is possible for a person to have one, two, or all three of these conditions, but they do not cause one another.

 

Regards,

 

Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D.

The Stress Masters

 

Reply
12/23/08 9:20pm

Kelly - Jennifer did a nice job of defining these disorders for you but I agree with her completely that you need to get some help. It appears that you are trying to diagnose yourself based on these really uncomfortable experiences you've been having. It is important that you are trying to understand what is going on inside but you are confusing some diagnostic concepts that might lead you to some poor decisions about what to do. Please see a qualified and experienced mental health professional who can help you identify what diagnoses are consistent with your symptoms and experience and who can create the appropriate plan of treatment to help you.

 

Rick Wirtz

 

Rick Wirtz is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Although the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medications or give you specific advice about them, they typically have experience working with patients who take a variety of medications. The response above is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own physician

 

 

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1/17/11 12:21pm

I am 28 years old now, but when I was 13 I had sex with a 20 year old.  He had already gone to jail for messing with a minor, but I thought I was in love with him.  He was my first everything in my eyes sexually and mentally. 2 years later he called me from jail again.  This time he was going to prison.  I forgave him even after he cheated on me with at least 15 young girls.  That is all that came forward.  He spent 10 years in maximum prison and is now considered a sexual predator and registers.  His name and picture is on the net.  I was young and naive so I waited for him for 10 years.  I visited on weekends once I turned 18.  It is finally over now.  I got pregnant by him and he cheated on me and I lost the baby.  I know what he done was wrong now.  But now I am 28 and developed schizophrenia bi poler disorder in my late teens.  I was also in a very abusive relationship.  My mom got me away from him not willingly.  I was so naive.  I was 20 and he was 40 I met him at 18.  I also was addicted to drugs,but have been clean for 8 years.  I have also been diagnosed with depression.  I have a hard time sleeping or I sleep too much.   I don't trust men.  I was wondering if I needed to talk to a counselor.  It was so long ago, but now I am starting to wonder about it.  I never even told anyone because I did not want him to go to jail.

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