Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 92

Does Bipolar Disorder II (two) have Hallucinations?

 

Dear Julie–I thought for the diagnosis Bipolar II you could not have any hallucinations–is this not the case?  Just wanted to understand.  Thanks, R

Hello R,

Oh yes! All people with bipolar disorder can have hallucinations. It's a very normal part of bipolar I and bipolar II. There are many different types of hallucinations- from hearing voices that tell you to leave a store to seeing something that isn't there. People with full blown mania (those with Bipolar I) often have psychosis with the mania. When my ex, Ivan was in the hospital for three months- it was to get his mania and psychosis under control.

I have rapid cycling bipolar II and have experienced hallucinations since age 19- I'm now 44.

A hallucination is a form of psychosis. Hallucinations are things you see, smell or hear that aren't real. Such as seeing yourself get hit by a car or thinking you smell funny.

Many people with bipolar disorder need antipsychotics such as Abilify (Aripiprazole), Risperdal (Risperidone), Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and Seroquel (Quetiapine) to help with hallucinations. (These are also used as anti mania drugs.)

If you have the Health Cards- my treatment system- you can read over the Psychosis Health Card to see all of my hallucinations.

Isn't it amazing that people are still being diagnosed with bipolar disorder without getting all of the facts!

I have found that hallucinations are usually a result of stress. When I have one, I stop and think- darn it. I'm sick. What caused this? And I look for triggers. Managing hallucinations is possible, but you have to make sure you know what yours- or the person's you care about actually look like.

Julie

Related posts:Bipolar Disorder Medications: What is Zyprexa? (Olanzapine)
Abilify and Bipolar Disorder: Reader Question
Reader Question: The Bipolar Antipsychotic and Weight Gain Dilemma

Bipolar Disorder II and Hallucinations

 

Dear Julie–I thought for the diagnosis Bipolar II you could not have any hallucinations–is this not the case?  Just wanted to understand.  Thanks, R

Hello R,

Oh yes! All people with bipolar disorder can have hallucinations. It's a very normal part of bipolar I and bipolar II. There are many different types of hallucinations- from hearing voices that tell you to leave a store to seeing something that isn't there. People with full blown mania (those with Bipolar I) often have psychosis with the mania. When my ex, Ivan was in the hospital for three months- it was to get his mania and psychosis under control.

I have rapid cycling bipolar II and have experienced hallucinations since age 19- I'm now 44.

A hallucination is a form of psychosis. Hallucinations are things you see, smell or hear that aren't real. Such as seeing yourself get hit by a car or thinking you smell funny.

Many people with bipolar disorder need antipsychotics such as Abilify (Aripiprazole), Risperdal (Risperidone), Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and Seroquel (Quetiapine) to help with hallucinations. (These are also used as anti mania drugs.)

If you have the Health Cards- my treatment system- you can read over the Psychosis Health Card to see all of my hallucinations.

Isn't it amazing that people are still being diagnosed with bipolar disorder without getting all of the facts!

I have found that hallucinations are usually a result of stress. When I have one, I stop and think- darn it. I'm sick. What caused this? And I look for triggers. Managing hallucinations is possible, but you have to make sure you know what yours- or the person's you care about actually look like.

Julie

No related posts.

BP Magazine Blog: Dysphoric Mania. I've got to get out of here! I hate my life!

Here is my latest blog from BP Magazine:

The BP Magazine Blog is great!

 

If you're new to bipolar disorder lingo- there are two kinds of mania: Euphoric (we all love it when it first starts!) and the dreaded dysphoric mania, also known as agitated mania.

I'm what's known as an ultradian rapid cycler. I rarely go more than a few days without a mood swing and sometimes have four or five mood swings a day. It's unpleasant.

But I've never had a lot of dysporic mania which is probably why I missed this off and on six week episode.

For weeks I said I was unhappy, miserable, bored, worn out and sick of my work. I kept saying, "I just want to get out of here. I want to leave Portland. I've got to get on a plane and leave this awful life!" My therapist said, "I've never seen you this bad Julie. You're negative about everything. This isn't you!" I said, "Yes, it is. You don't understand. I've got to get out of here!"

A week ago I woke up and felt truly stable.  I simply got out of bed and did my thing without a struggle and that's when it hit me.

It was dysphoric mania – sneaky and deadly.

I'm glad it's over. And I'm glad I didn't get on a plane like I have so many times in the past.

Julie

PS: The comments on this blog were amazing. Here is a link to check them out:

PSS: I love this magazine. I believe that everyone with the illnes and all who care about someone with bipolar disorder can get a lot of great info just in one magazine!  You can get a subscription from the website.

In fact. I will give away a subscription right now! For the first person who goes to the link above and leaves a comment on the post- let me know and I'll send you a yearly subscription to BP Magazine!  (You can come back to this blog and leave a comment with your name and that  you want to win the contest!)

It's now 11:00 PST on Monday July 4th.

Related posts:BP Magazine Blog is posted!
Bipolar Disorder Agitated Mania/Dysphoric Mania
Bipolar Disorder Dysphoric Mania: Just work through it Julie!

Where do I find a good bipolar disorder psychiatrist or nurse practitioner?

I often get letters from people throughout the US asking if I know of psychiatrists in specific areas.

Hi Julie,

Maybe you can help? I'm bipolar and on Medicare trying to get a psychiatrist in the San Jose, CA area and am having a hard time finding someone. Do you happen to know someone in this area? Thank you.

Brent

Hi Brent,

I don't know of psychiatrists in certain areas- but I do have a suggestion. If there is a teaching hospital in town, I would call and ask to make an appointment with the head of the psych department. It's not likely you will get in, but they will definitely have great references for other psychiatrists! If there is no teaching hospital- it's fine to call any hospital and see if they have an outpatient psych program. They will even be able to direct you to private doctors. The Medicare makes it difficult, but if you keep calling, you will find someone!

I also suggest that you look for a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They are an excellent resource and often much easier to find than a psychiatrist. I always suggest that a person get fully diagnosed by a psychiatrist and then if possible, move to a psychiatric nurse practitioner for medication management. There are not enough psychiatrists in the US. We often have to find qualified alternatives. In your case, it will probably depend on who will accept Medicare.

Good luck. I have been lucky with my health care professionsals and hope the same for you!

Julie

PS: My nurse practitioner,  Julie  Foster is the best I know. She handles my medications and has a lot of experience with bipolar disorder and depression. She is also a natural oriented practitioner and uses homeopathic treatments in her practice.

Her practice is called Pohala

503-572-4196

She is in Portland, Oregon- but she does appointments by Skype.

If you talk with her, please tell her I say hi!

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Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Depakote (Divalproex Sodium)

Depakote, like Tegretol is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat bipolar disorder MANIA. It's a misconception that Depakote is a complete mood stabilizer as it's not as effective for depression treatment- it's often used in conjunction with other medications that do help depression in order to fully treat bipolar disorder.

When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I started with lithium (considered the only true 'mood stabilizer' ) – I had really severe side effects with lithium and had to try the next in line drug for people initially diagnosed with bipolar disorder – Tegrotol. When that didn't work I tried Depakote.

This was a very normal treatment plan in 1995. These days, for those of us with bipolar II (we don't have full blown mania), Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is often the drug of choice instead of Depakote or Tegretol.

For people with bipolar I (full blown mania), Depakote is still a common drug. Depakote works for many people, but the problem is often weight gain.

It's estimated that Zyprexa can lead to around a 20 pound weight gain- it can be more for Depakote. NOT FOR EVERYONE, but for some.Depokote side effects completely depend on how well your liver can process the drug. Some truly can take Depakote with no weight gain!

These days, you have more options than Depakote alone- talk with your health care professional and explore Lithium, Tegretol and anti psychotics. All are anti mania drugs- even the anti psychotics such as Abilify and Serequel are used for mania control. It should be noted that Tegretol can have some pretty strong side effects and those on Lithium have to carefully monitor their kidney function.

If you've had a lot of weight gain on Depakote, you definitely need to check out your options with a health care professional. If it's working with little weight gain- that's fantastic!

Drug side effects are a trade off. These drugs seriously alter our brains which leads to side effects, but they also save our lives!

Julie

PS: I love my Lamictal!

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Do You Have a Teenager with Bipolar Disorder?

This is a note from Julie Fast on teenagers and bipolar disorder treatment.

If you have a teenager with bipolar disorder, I'd love to know any questions you may have regarding their bipolar disorder treatment. I'm working on a new project for parents and want to make sure I cover all of the areas parents find confusing.

Here are some guidelines:

- Your teenager started symptoms in the teen years and not earlier. This is a project regarding teenage onset bipolar- Childhood onset before age 13 is quite different.

- Your teen has been professionally diagnosed with bipolar disorder- whether they accept the diagnosis or not!

My goal is helps parents work together and then ultimately with their teens on a treatment plan for bipolar disorder that works. My first manic episode was at 17, so I know what teens go through. Their needs are so different from adults- and as parents, the stress of helping a teen can be enormous.

All people who participate in this project will be entered into a contest to win a set of my books.

This project is part of a large website project that is going to create a lot of buzz! I will blog on the details soon!

Please click on the comments button below to leave a message.  Please note in the comment box if you would like to be entered in the contest. You will receive a thank you email with more detailed information on the project. Please note, I never use, sell or distribute your private information. When you send a comment, I have to see them before they are posted. So yours will be kept private.

Thanks so much for your support. When bipolar disorder  is treated in the teenage years, the future is bright.

Julie

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Ok: A note to my dear friends… summer bipolar mania has arrived!

 

Bipolar mania and sunshine: I feel great, but I am dangerous too!

I know, I know. I am the broken record. In fact, if you look at the categories on the right and click on the mania tab, you will see my summer mania entries.

It may seem odd that the weather can cause such a significant change in mood, but it can.  It's very well documented. All of my long hypomanias have been in the summer.

There are a few reasons for this:

- Summer vacations.

- School takes a break.

- Lots of travel.

- The sun makes you feel good and so you spend more time in the sun- and this affects your brain.

- You may have been depressed during the winter and it's great to finally feel so good.  … and you miss the signs of mania.

I'm sending out my yearly summer mania newsletter tomorrow as well as a link to my article from BP Magazine.

Are you seeing signs of mania? If you care about someone with bipolar disorder, are they showing signs of mania?

Now is the time to get help.

Julie

PS: Wear sunglasses. It does make a difference.

PSS: Make sure to click on the comments button below and read the comment from Debra. She's being honest with herself. I admire that!

Related posts:Watch Out for Summer Mania Newsletter
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Ok: A note to my dear friends… summer bipolar mania has arrived

 

Bipolar mania and sunshine: I feel great, but I am dangerous too!

I know, I know. I am the broken record. In fact, if you look at the categories on the right and click on the mania tab, you will see my summer mania entries.

It may seem odd that the weather can cause such a significant change in mood, but it can.  It's very well documented. All of my long hypomanias have been in the summer.

There are a few reasons for this:

- Summer vacations.

- School takes a break.

- Lots of travel.

- The sun makes you feel good and so you spend more time in the sun- and this affects your brain.

- You may have been depressed during the winter and it's great to finally feel so good.  … and you miss the signs of mania.

I'm sending out my yearly summer mania newsletter tomorrow as well as a link to my article from BP Magazine.

Are you seeing signs of mania? If you care about someone with bipolar disorder, are they showing signs of mania?

Now is the time to get help.

Julie

PS: Wear sunglasses. It does make a difference.

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Summer Mania
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Charlie Sheen and Mania Update: You're Doing What?

Charlie Sheen on Tour

I just read the following on Yahoo.

Charlie Sheen

By Mike Krumboltz, Yahoo!

Tue, Jun 28, 2011, 3:46 am PDT

What's worse than being replaced by Ashton Kutcher? How about having your character die a fiery death. Word around Tinseltown is that Sheen's character on "Two and a Half Men" could be killed off in the coming season…… *

Wow. Do they have to kill off his character? I know he has broken a lot of promises and people are really mad, but killing off his character is a bit harsh.

As you know if you read this blog, I don't believe people should be punished for getting manic.  I had hoped Charlie Sheen would go down enough to get help, but it just goes on and on.

Here is a link with more information: I hope it's all gossip. But one never knows!

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20074976-10391698.html

Julie

PS: I'm lucky there were no cameras around in my younger manic days!

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Julie Fast Talks About Charlie Sheen and Bipolar Mania

Charlie Sheen's story took over the US media for a few months this year. Everyone wanted to interview the man who was saying 'crazy' things! Of course, those of us with bipolar disorder could see it was  mania, but the world just kept on exploiting what they called the Charlie Sheen circus. Mania is like a circus!

Here is a video I recently filmed on the topic:

Julie

 

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