[whereisthesun]

My psychologist told me that I am either bipolar or manic depressive. I only visited with her once and have to go for more evaluations.

Can someone explain the difference between the two? I feel weird calling her to just ask her that question.

Thank you.

[kp42484]

Hi,

I need help from other forum members, but I believe the two terms refer to the same disorder. My father has it, so I did a little research. I've heard it referred to using both those terms, but what I understand is that "manic-depressive" is the more dated term.

If I am not wrong, I wonder why your psychiatrist told you that you are either one or the other. They're the same. But, I am sure the doctor knows more than I do...

Any more input from others?

[orange]

Yes you're right, kp42484. The two terms are used interchangeably, and bipolar disorder is the current term, whereas manic depression was the older term. There is actually more than one kind of bipolar disorder listed in the DSM, the diagnostic and statistical manual used by psychiatrists to diagnose various mental illnesses. Whereisthesun, you might want to see a psychiatrist so that you can get a definitive diagnosis and therefore better treatment. Most psychologists are not licensed to make a diagnosis of this kind.

[zoophilian]

Hi,

I need help from other forum members, but I believe the two terms refer to the same disorder. My father has it, so I did a little research. I've heard it referred to using both those terms, but what I understand is that "manic-depressive" is the more dated term.

If I am not wrong, I wonder why your psychiatrist told you that you are either one or the other. They're the same. But, I am sure the doctor knows more than I do...

Any more input from others?

============

to tell u the truth psychiatrist are a waste of time.One needs a guru in his or her life.psychiatrist's are like lawyers ,one is compelled to see them but they are not really helpful.One can be sad and successful.dont; run after happiness,none is fully happy,sadness is part of life and try to enjoy it also.juat make sure u end up being a important person in life,that is what counts.being a ordinary person is the most depressing thing in life.I hate myself for being ordinary.I strong hate myself for it.llomll

[icequeen28]

Manic Depressive and Bi-Polar disorder are one in the same. I guess the reason they "changed" it from Manic Depressive to Bi-Polar is it "just sounds better".
I suggest you find someone qualified to help you. It may take several calls and visits to find the right person. I know all too well. My husband is Bi-Polar. He was diag. over 2 years ago. We have been through several doctors, some agree, some don't.
Bi-Polar is a very hard illiness to accept. It has taken my husband almost 2 years to accept the fact that he has an illness.
Try to find a good support group in your area for people that have Bi-Polar. It took my husband 2 years to get involved in a support group while in the hospital. He felt he didn't need to hear anyone else's problems. It was helpful for him to hear that others were going through the same thing he was/is. He isn't alone.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for help, get your family involved. Not only do you need support, your family does also. Support is as important as medication.
Don't be afraid to call a "hotline" even if its to talk to someone other than family or friends. Don't wait, call as soon as you feel the need.
Do not try to handle this on you own.
Do not give up, there is help out there, you just have to keep looking.

[jurplesman]

The older term of manic depression has now been replaced with the term of Bipolar Disorder, but before you accept this diagnosis from a psychiatrist make sure that it is not in fact the hypoglycemic syndrome. This is also marked by wild mood swings - ups and downs - and can be treated by going on a Hypoglycemic Diet.

The condition can be tested with the four hour Medical Test for Hypoglycemia (not a test for diabetes!).

It can also be tested by the paper-and-pencil test called the Nutrition Behavior Inventory Test (NBI) , although this test is not as accurate as the medical test.

Please discuss with your therapist.