Double whammy

Does anybody else here have "cyclothymia" and OCD together? It's a very hard thing to deal with as I don't know what on earth is going on at times...I get days of hellish obsessions, periods of depression and no obsessions..it's all inter related. I'm on Lithium and feeling a bit fed up by period.

I have bipolar I, so way more intense than yours (not meaning to compete hah). I have a lot of compulsive tendencies, as due a lot of folks with this type of mood disorder. Chances are if it isn't keeping you up at night worrying about it, then it isn't likely OCD, but rather simply the compulsive nature of the mood disorder.

Holodeck wrote:I have bipolar I, so way more intense than yours (not meaning to compete hah). I have a lot of compulsive tendencies, as due a lot of folks with this type of mood disorder. Chances are if it isn't keeping you up at night worrying about it, then it isn't likely OCD, but rather simply the compulsive nature of the mood disorder.

This is very insensitive.

By definition, cyclothymia is not as severe as Bipolar II, and Bipolar II is not as severe as Bipolar I, but that does not mean that anyone is not struggling with any of these illnesses. My mom has cyclothymia and she does struggle with the depression part of it.

OCD does not mean you stay up all night worrying. Worrying all night can be anxiety (I have that). People with OCD tend to have insomnia because of the obsessive compulsions and it does not affect every person with OCD, although it is common.

~

In response to the OP - My only advice is to talk to your pdoc because I can see that you are having a hard time with these obsessions. Maybe an increase in meds, or a med change could help.

Jellybeanery wrote:
This is very insensitive.

My apologies to OP if it came off that way. I was meaning to simplify the difference, but I can see how it could be taken as insensitive. I never meant that they don't struggle. I know quite a few people with both, and they absolutely do.

OCD does not mean you stay up all night worrying. Worrying all night can be anxiety (I have that). People with OCD tend to have insomnia because of the obsessive compulsions and it does not affect every person with OCD, although it is common.

I have OCD. OCD compulsions are done due to obsessive thoughts. Those with it do the compulsions to try to get rid of the thoughts. They aren't simply obsessed with cleaning, tapping, counting etc. They do those things to try to relieve the thoughts they are having.The thoughts can easily cause one to stay up all night, especially if the person has a mood disorder as well. I've found myself up all night even when I wasn't awake due to my mood disorder, and desperately wanted sleep, but stayed up AS a compulsions due to being afraid something would happen if I fell asleep. Granted I don't stay up every night, but there are many many nights I do. I honestly doubt anyone with OCD hasn't.

^ Well, as I said, insomnia or any other sleep disturbances are common in people with OCD but it does not happen with 100% of OCD patients. My cousin has OCD and she does not have insomnia. As in every illness, whether it be mental or physical, there are a set of possible symptoms. Not everyone has every symptom, and not everyone has the same symptoms.

Also, it seemed like you were belittling the OP's OCD as well by saying, "it isn't likely OCD, but rather simply the compulsive nature of the mood disorder" when they clearly wrote "I get days of hellish obsessions". This person did not ask if they have OCD, they said they have OCD and cyclothymia. They also mentioned nothing about their sleep.

I'm sorry for the rant @Holodeck and @TheModTeam - this just really irked me. I am done now.

I'm sorry for coming off offensive (to Jellybeanery and op).

I was trying to merely make a comparison and to keep it light like I normally try to do, but it read otherwise. I should have been a bit clearer and watched my tone more.

You're right that not every symptom needs to show for it to be a specific disorder. Since I have OCD, I tried to help out since they were asking about the two together. I didn't read it as they were for sure diagnosed with OCD. OCD is one of those that tends to get confused with OCPD as well as mood disorder compulsive behavior and more. They are quite different, so it made me think it could be different. That was my bad as well.

@op My bipolar has compulsions,but they are very different from my OCD compulsions. For instance shopping, binge eating and so on that I crave when manic verses OCD where I have to block out intrusive thoughts of hurting myself and others by doing random nonsensical things. I consider them both nightmarish in there own ways. I've unfortunately never been given anything for it due to shrinks telling me it was more mind over matter. I think it's true, since it seems to mostly be related to childhood trauma for me.

Enough sleep, and cutting caffeine helps me a lot.

@Jellybeanery No need to apologise to me. I do appreciate you for bringing this to my attention. I will do my best for it not to happen again.

I like to see such a kind and thoughtful ways that each member responds to one another. OP, you have such good information and support from these two members.