I received the bipolar diagnosis two years ago this month (bipolar 2, rapid cycling).   I actually went to the two (independent) doctors trying to skew their diagnoses away from bipolar because I "knew" depression can be transitory while bipolarity is permanent. While I could immediately make sense of the previous 23 years of my life (and much of my mother's behaviour), I still did nothing about it until, 10 months later I had my worst dysphoria ever.  Then I finally put myself wholeheartedly into managing my situation.

Since then I have spent over 600 hours reviewing peer-reviewed research on bipolar disorder, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) strategies for managing bipolarity, and published research on the various drugs my medical team has tried.  My father worked in the pharmaceutical industry until I was in my thirties and I knew what kind of tricks they do as well as how much research they undetake.  I also know the combination of my research, experience, training, intelligence level and my 14 years of university put me ahead of most of my doctors and their pharmaceutical-rep-based initial suggestions.

Despite all this, we have yet to find a cocktail of meds that, combined with CBT and IPSRT, manages both poles of my condition.  I simultaneously distrust and appreciate what the pharmaceutical companies are doing and I especially like how much they have raised awareness.  I would rather a few false positive diagnoses occur than, as a previous poster mentioned, have to learn of another unnecessary psychotic or homicidal dysphoria gone worse.

In some respects I feel a greater danger for us superior mood types ;-) if a blood test or brain scan existed.  I encounter enough difficulty getting coverage for my "pre-existing condition" now and most of these meds cost a pretty penny.

How bipolar my post must appear (I appreciate the drug companies; I distrust the drug companies).  Such interesting vagaries this condition intensifies.

I've been a little concerned about the bipolar commercial that Mark Harmon speaks out in. My concern originates in the fact that, I too, suffer a bit from the disorder, according to my doctor. And in all reality, I believe it to be so. The disturbing fact is, when we, here in mid-Missouri, see the announcement it stops dead in mid sentence within the first 5 or 6 seconds. This has been going on for many, many months now if not a couple of years. I don't know if CBS is responsible or our own local station, channel 13 out of Columbia, MO. I am not kidding....this is not a joke, though it may sound so given the topic. This happens every single morning, without fail, between the hours of 6am and 7am. As a matter of fact, we have NEVER seen the commercial in it's entirety. In the beginning, it was kind of funny, being about bipolar dissorder and all. But now it's getting a little wearing.  I wonder, if anybody else has ever tried to report what is happening. I hope that this will soon be resolved.

In all sincerity,

Sherri L. Connell

Jamestown, MO 65046

     As someone previously said, it IS a double-edged sword.  However, our son, diagnosed with BPD at the age of 13 had also shown symptoms of this illness since he was very, very young.  Treated with an AD, Zoloft, for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety and Major Depression, since 2nd grade, some of his symptoms abated, but a rapid-cycling mania precipitated further investigation and resulted in the additional BPD diagnosis. We have three other children, none with any of these mental disorders.  However in family history, a paternal great-grandmother may have had schizophrenia (or BPD?) and a maternal great-grandfather probably had undiagnosed BPD. 

     Without drug companies continual research and introduction of new prescription drugs on the market, these disorders would continue unchecked or patients would resist continuing drugs that may cause completely individual side effects.  I, too, wish there was legislation prohibiting this kind of commercial advertising; however, the PSA element to their advertising is desperately needed to inform and educate not just those who may have these disorders but their loved ones, as well, not to mention society as a whole so that stigmas can be removed.

     Without the money behind the advertising that comes from the drug companies, the PSA's would not be aired nearly enough.  So, again, a double-edged sword, but giving people who are ill the benefit of the doubt seems more important to me.  There are always going to be bad doctors.  If you feel something is not right, go to a different doctor.  But when you've struggled with a child, as we have, for years and his life is a living hell, not to mention its effect on the entire family, I thank God for the drug that has given me my son back.  Bipolar Disorder is not a fad diagnosis, contrary to what people think.  When you have someone you love exhibit it, it is more real than you wish for.  Nobody fantasizes or idealizes such a dire diagnosis.  It is for a lifetime and there is no cure.  Have some compassion.