Do symptoms worsten after a breakdown?

I had two breakdowns that sent me to the ER about a year ago and every since I've noticed a decline in my attention and memory. I've also become regularly paranoid people are stealing from me or scheming up ways to screw me over. I now hardly sleep, have severe night terrors and rage problems. I'm currently overcoming a hypomanic state which has improved incredibly with the help of abilify but I'm still pretty confused as to if this was triggered by my breakdowns. My social anxiety has reached an all time high, but I'm actively working to improve myself and build new relationships with others. Anyone have similar experiences or advice about this? I've been questioning this for a year now and it seems that I've only grown worse.

I'm not sure if symptoms technically worsen after a 'breakdown', but I do know that the consequences of major episodes (I presume that's what you mean when you say 'breakdown') can last for a considerable length of time, especially if your meds aren't right. I've noticed it can take me months to get back to 'normal' after a severe episode, like my last psychotic break which happened last year.

Have you tried talking to your psychiatrist about all this? That would be the first thing I'd do, particularly since you still seem to be experiencing a range of symptoms. It's amazing what even a small tweak in your meds can do for residual symptoms and instability in general. Hope this helps somewhat and you get some answers regarding the unanswered questions you have. Hugs, if wanted.

Ennui wrote:I'm not sure if symptoms technically worsen after a 'breakdown', but I do know that the consequences of major episodes (I presume that's what you mean when you say 'breakdown') can last for a considerable length of time, especially if your meds aren't right. I've noticed it can take me months to get back to 'normal' after a severe episode, like my last psychotic break which happened last year.

Have you tried talking to your psychiatrist about all this? That would be the first thing I'd do, particularly since you still seem to be experiencing a range of symptoms. It's amazing what even a small tweak in your meds can do for residual symptoms and instability in general. Hope this helps somewhat and you get some answers regarding the unanswered questions you have. Hugs, if wanted.

I guess I would call it an episode, my doctor told me they were a series of severe panic attacks (I have a hard time identifying a panic attack because I'm still in denial of my diagnosis). In what way do you mean that the consequences last a long time? I was in a dark place but I also believe it was triggered by bad meds. But yes, hugs wanted

Yes, when I've been in mixed episodes, sometimes it's felt as if I'm having a series of panic attacks with hardly any break in between. It's awful and so scary, so I feel for you.

What I meant about the consequences lasting a long time is that sometimes after a severe episode, it's taken me about 3-4 months to feel back to being properly myself again, as episodes usually shake me up and it can take a while to feel completely stable, especially if my meds aren't right. That's just my experience though, I'm sure everyone's different. Hope this helps somewhat. Hugs!