Thursday, May 31, 2012
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!

Monday, November 03, 2008 acabrales asks

Q: Is it common to have anxiety with being bipolar

I get anxious alot with racing thoughts are these symtoms of being bipolar?

Answer This
Answers (10)
11/ 6/08 3:25pm

I can't honestly remember a time in my nearly 52 years of living that I haven't suffered from anxiety to one degree or another. I have only had 5 or 6 anxiety attacks; a lower level of anxiety has been my constant companion for most of my life. Just like all of the other ways that bipolar manifests itself in my life, I have learned to cope. However, I am heavily medicated, so make sure to let your pDoc know; it might be easily treatable.

Reply
11/ 4/08 1:10am

Some people with BiPolar Disorder do have anxiety issues. This one issue does not mean you are BP.

 

I hope this helps!

 

~Cathy

Reply
11/ 4/08 6:07am

Some BP may have high levels of anxiety. I have. But anxiety itself is not a indicator for BP. Racing thoughts alone or with anxiety may also not indicate you're BP. The best you can do, in case you have doubts, is to go to an appointment with a pdoc. He may know better.

Reply
11/ 6/08 7:27am

yes

Reply
11/ 6/08 7:39am

Anxiety goes along with being human! :)  Seriously, though, I think more and more, the mental health community is recognizing that anxiety and depression are two sides of the same coin. I'm no scientist, but having been in and out of hospitals WAY more than I'd like to admit, I have noticed that generalized or social anxiety seems present to some extent in most patients/consumers. Maybe it's related biologically or maybe it's just the life styles we adopt over years of illness; whatever the relationship, anxiety sure seems to be a big problem for us.

-A

Reply
11/ 6/08 2:08pm

I have been bipolar with chronic anxiety for about 30 years. My symptoms of anxiety are difficulty breathing, feeling like I am about to run out of air, my thought do seem to race around in my head when this happens (something I'd never thought of 'til you brought it up), and I feel like a very cold breeze races by immediately before the attack occurs.

 

The racing thoughts are somthing that you should talk to your counselor/pych about, because it may be something else. But, to me - and I am not a doctor (I just play one at homeWink) - sound like you are in need of an increase in your medication.

 

The racing thoughts and anxiety aren't only signs of being depressed. It could be something else. So... Please see your doctor ASAP and tell them about how you are feeling so that you can get good advice and instruction as to what to do!

 

Good luck!

Reply
11/ 6/08 2:23pm

Had it not been for anxiety or panic attacks that were so severe my BiPolar would never have been diagnosed.

The key words you used were "racing thoughts"; anxiety doesn't give you those type of thoughts...not racing ones..it's a symptom of BiPolar. And yes you can have anxiety and BiPolar plus other emotional illnesses all at the same time.

Reply
11/ 7/08 9:22am

I have both bipolar plus anxiety disorder. Was having really bad panic attacks for a few years. I don't know if it had anything to do with the bipolar or if it was a completelt seperate issue.

Reply
11/15/08 1:51pm

yes u can have anxiety with Bi-polar as I suffer from both.,.,But Add in adults can have those symptoms to so check with a doctor to get right meds good luck .,.,Panicking with fits of rage.,in tn

Reply
11/18/08 6:42pm

  yes i ve been told by my psychiatrist that anxiety

 and racing thoughts are definitly a symptom of bipolar.

     but only a psychiatrist can diagnose this.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (2514) >
By acabrales— Last Modified: 12/14/10, First Published: 11/03/08