Could it be possible for one to experiance only a few symtoms in a state of mania, when my husbands in a state of maina I've never seen any signs of over sextual tendencies and hes been at his job for over 10 yers doesn't gamble is very carefull about how he spends money keeping account of every penny spent but at the time of his mania I do notice papid speech and he gets very irritated about any and most everything, he also gets in this cleaning mode and dosen't stop till it gets dark out and then he keeps me up talking til 1 or 2 in the morning. Although I have never timed his mania state as to how long it last now that I've read your post I'm going to see how long it does last. Thanks for the informaton.
What I have learned about mania is that there are probably about as many ways of expressing these symptoms as there are people who exhibit them. For years, I thought I just didn't have enough symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, even though I had strong suspicions that I did indeed have Bipolar Disorder. But now I know that I did indeed have enough, and more, symptoms to qualify. They just may be expressed differently from the next person, or definitely from a textbook or manual.
For example, during my latest hospitalization, which lasted from January through the end of March, I was sometimes reading a novel a day. I'd say that was pretty goal-oriented behavior. But before I knew better, I'd never have associated my excessive reading with Bipolar Disorder. And during previous hospitalizations, I actually typed whole books that I had read on mental illness so I could send them home for my family to read (yes, I know it was illegal, but I did't make money or get a grade for it or anything, and my family would never have shelled out the money to buy them. Besides, it may well have been a form of risk-taking behavior on my part). So you see, mania doesn't have to look like someone who has totally gone over the edge. It can seem logical and focused. But upon closer inspection, it is OVER-focused.
What I have learned about mania is that there are probably about as many ways of expressing these symptoms as there are people who exhibit them. For years, I thought I just didn't have enough symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, even though I had strong suspicions that I did indeed have Bipolar Disorder. But now I know that I did indeed have enough, and more, symptoms to qualify. They just may be expressed differently from the next person, or definitely from a textbook or manual.
For example, during my latest hospitalization, which lasted from January through the end of March, I was sometimes reading a novel a day. I'd say that was pretty goal-oriented behavior. But before I knew better, I'd never have associated my excessive reading with Bipolar Disorder. And during previous hospitalizations, I actually typed whole books that I had read on mental illness so I could send them home for my family to read (yes, I know it was illegal, but I did't make money or get a grade for it or anything, and my family would never have shelled out the money to buy them. Besides, it may well have been a form of risk-taking behavior on my part). So you see, mania doesn't have to look like someone who has totally gone over the edge. It can seem logical and focused. But upon closer inspection, it is OVER-focused.
Marcia, I read your SharePost with much interest (at 4:40AM Sydney Aust time). I will be showing it to my Psychologist today, Wednesday 14 April, and to my Psychiatrist when I see him next week.
I have had "all of the above" symptoms for about 12 weeks and have clearly self-diagnosed myself as being in a Manic state rather than a Hypomanic state.
My (female) Psychologist argues that a Manic state is not "just a more intense degree' of hypomania, but is not true a true manic state unless it is accompanied by hallucinations (how do I know if it is or isn't? How does she know?);
or psychosis;
(who is she [the Psydoc] to say that the Spirit of the as-yet-unrecognised Saint Caroline Chisholm - well known in Australian History - is now in contact with me and inspiring me to save Schapelle Corby (currently languishing in an Indonesian Prison) by having her brought home to Australia;
and to campaign to open a home for homeless women in Sydney - as indeed Caroline Chisholm did herself did in the 19th Century?
Who is in a better position to judge whether I'm in a manic state, I ask you?!?!
No, Marcia. This comment is not meant to be a hoax. I may be crazy, but I have a sense of humour (Oz spelling). Frances.
Of course I meant to say "Who is she [the Psydoc] to say that the spirit ... (of Caroline Chisholm)... is not in contact with me...".
Also, in the second last paragraph, Mrs Chisholm requires only one "did".
What do you expect at this time of the morning? I'm supposed to be in bed catching up on some much needed sleep. This morning is my last opportunity to see the $Million Prize Luxury Home which is to be drawn on Friday. The Lottery closes today. I've already ordered 10 tickets by phone. I usually buy only 1 ticket, but each extra ticket is worth an extra $10,000 in Gold Bullion to the winner. Frances
Frances, the DSM-IV and V criteria are what are used in the United States. Take a look at the International criteria. It clearly lists "Mania without psychosis."
Hope this helps,
Marcia
Hi Marcia,
Yep, I agree that there probably are as many ways to be (hypo)manic as there are people. I can't really recognize mine in teh DSM. In 'normal' circumstances, I am a very private person. Even leaning to the shy.
These were notes from last week Wednesday night, when I had had enough and started myself on seroquel.
I am talking to strangers who have no business knowing anything about my life, I am talking non-stop to anyone who will listen, I have shared WAY, WAY too much with the family I am staying, I am sleeping at most 6 hours a night, often less, I am dreaming about all sorts of stuff and waking up in a funk, I got a BIG crying spell tonight wishing I would just cease to excist.................LIFE SUCKS and I don't really know how to handle it.
I am still increasing the seroquel since I continue to be very talkative as well as much increased irritation (oh boy! watch out).
It's not that important to me what to call those episodes as it is more important to (learn to) know how to deal with them, physically, mentally and medically.
On the other hand: it's important for docs to know, as I went undiagnosed till I was 38..... cuz no-one knew what to look for I was diagnosed with major depression disorder. In the meantime I cycled through the stages of BP. And had major crashes, but of course that was my own fault (at least in my thinking). That is why blogs like those are so important, not just for use, but also for the medical community.
Well, it's late, need to get to bed so I an get my four hours in. Did I mention I am in my hectic state (my name for (hypo)manic state)? Ok, will stop rambling...
the crazy rambler
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Hi Marcia!
This is Merely Me from over on the depression site. I have often wondered if female hormones have any effect on manic episodes. Does anyone notice any correlation? It seems both my mood and neurological symptoms (I have Multiple Sclerosis) are greatly affected by my menstrual cycle.
Any research or thoughts on this?
Along the same line what about menopause having an effect on mania? When I was going through all the lovely things a woman goes through before I became post-menopausal, it was like the mania "manifested" itself.