Newly diagnosed and a couple of questions...

Hello,

I was just diagnosed this past week as having a "bipolar spectrum disorder," suspected that it is Bipolar II. I just started lamictal today (25 mg. working my way up to 100 mg.). My husband initially had a difficult time with the diagnosis as he said he thinks I definitely suffer from depression but not mania. I tried to explain to him the difference between hypomania and mania, and that what he keeps talking about is more in line with mania.

I will admit though that my hypomania is definitely on the more mild end of the spectrum and I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that this sounds like hypomania? My husband says it is just "being happy," but I feel that it is more than that. However, I'd hate to start on psychotropic medication only to find out down the line that I had the wrong diagnosis...

When I am hypomanic, I feel almost high. I do not sleep much and am still well rested, I spend excessively on things I don't need (but not enough to make us go broke). I exercise much more than normal, feel hyper-religious/strongly connected to God and have much more goal-directed activity than normal. The reason why he doesn't think that this should be classified as hypomania is that I have never flown off the handle, I am still in control of my actions, and it has never caused many problems except that it is very hard to concentrate at work and I have gotten into some trouble for not doing my work properly (because I tend to start like ten projects but can't finish any of them, despite being more motivated than normal).

Is this how anyone else experiences hypomania?

Also, about how long did it take lamictal to start working for those who are on it? I'm sure at 25 mg. I won't feel a difference but I am hoping it will kick in soon. I am coming out of a REALLY bad depressive episode and am scared of ending up in a bad place again.

Sorry that was kind of long... Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Welcome to our world.
I don't worry about splitting hairs on a diagnosis.
I look more for results from the treatment.

While on the medication,
For mania:
Are you calmer?
Are you better able to focus on projects.
Have you stopped jumping from idea to idea?

For depression:
Are you able to sleep peacefully 8 or 9 hours per night without specific sleep medication?
Are you able to get up in the morning and go to work?
Are you taking care of personal hygiene?

Watch for positive outcomes... a general improvement in you quality of life.
Lucky you - you spending isn't out of control. Last month I picked up $3000 in extra camera gear.
Blew a hole in the budget, but it is all paid for.

Take care,

What you describe sounds like hypomania to me, but more important, it sounds like hypomania to your doctor.

25mg of lamictal was highly sedating to me and the next dose up brought me to an incapacitated level. I had to stop because of this side effect, along with a few others. For some people, they see results in 2 weeks, and others it will take 6 weeks or more to being working. it's a miracle drug for many so there is a good chance you will feel much better soon.

Good luck and I hope lamictal works for you.

hi

I cant say for certain if what you are experiencing is hypomania as I am not here in a professional capacity but I certainly recognise things you are describing as being part of my hypomania experience. I think it is more than just being happy from what you have said and your Dr seems to think that too as they would not have put you on a mood stabiliser unless they thought you had BP. I think this is something to point out to your husband.

Hope the meds work and you are doing better soon

Hugs

Cracked