Is there a difference between Manic Depression and Bi-Polar?

Sweetie5112001 · 04-26-2005, 01:28 PM

Everything I have looked up on this so far says that they are basically the same thing. Is there any difference in them? If so could you please let me know. Also what are the symptoms of them. TIA.

Amy

TickledPink · 04-26-2005, 01:50 PM

I have some articles posted on bi-polar on my site if you'd like to check them out! I will do some research on manic depression as well and post them there too my link is in my sig.

AmyC · 04-28-2005, 07:53 PM

I was diagnosed as bipolar type 2 in 1997
manic is the same thing as bipolar

I take wellbutrin and lexapro and it's under control

here's an article with some warning signs:
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/mania/a/red_flags1.htm

cystsBgone · 04-28-2005, 09:52 PM

Manic depression and Bipolar are basically the same thing. A few years ago, psychiatrists and the DSMIV put out a Dx for Bipolar II, more depression than mania. I was Dx BPII in 1999, but then the "label" was taken off b/c I just don't get manic. Nice doc heh..Check out Pink's site

Anyway, I really think that Lexapro is the best "med" out there now to help people who have these types of diagnoses. But Bipolar sometimes requires AED, like Lamictal, Topamax, or Tegretol to "even" one out.

Good luck, if you have any other questions, tell me what ya need (I'm a medial assistant, and a psych major, BUT NOT going into psych, unless it's counseling children) Still figuring out what I wanna be when I grow up

lol

Sweetie5112001 · 04-29-2005, 12:13 AM

Thanks for the replies ladies. I am trying to find info - my 6 yr old dsd is having some major issues. We filled out a form on add - and I need to make an appt to take her to the dr. Her mother told me that ADD, Depression and Manic Depression run in her family. Is it even possible for her to have manic/depression - Bipolar at this age? Would they be able to give her the same medication that am adult takes just a smaller dose? We are very concerned about her - her K teacher told me that if we dont get her straightend out she will never make it thru first grade.

Amy

AmyC · 04-29-2005, 12:32 AM

6 seems very young, but I don't know, I'm not a doctor.
It is VERY hereditary though.
Everyone on my father's side has some sort of issue:
bipolar, ADD, chemical imbalance, depression, anxiety, etc.
I have a cousin who is autistic, and at one time the doctors thought there may be a link between it and the mental illness.

this is a blog I read often, this lady has a daughter with bipolar
but she's a teenager
http://liwebwoman.bravejournal.com/

here is a link for Juvenile Bipolar Research
http://www.jbrf.org/

cystsBgone · 04-29-2005, 06:57 PM

Amy, have you asked a psychiatrist or a psychologist to do a TOVA for your dsd?? That would help to Dx ADD/ADHD...
Yes--it is very possible for her to have BP, but IMHO, it is more liekly to be her age-6-it is very difficult to dx a 6 yr old with BP, however, it may be coming on so to speak early, it is possible. The thing is nowadays docs are so easy to appy LABELS, some correct, some incorrect, and some just downright unecessary.
Children at age 6 take meds for ADD/ADHD such as Straterra, etc..

Hoping those sites will help you and I have a friend who has two children w/ a rare form of MS, it did NOT run in the genes on either side...so I would seriously ask for a TOVA be taken for your daughter, it is a very accurate 'test' IMHO.

She will make it if she receives the appropriate help she deserves

vegangurl21 · 05-01-2005, 01:06 AM

It is very possible that your dsd could be bipolar, if she has some of the symptoms. According to my doc, I have had symptoms of Bipolar since I was 6 or 7 also. Of course I was not diagnosed until 18, so I went undiagnosed for many years. So your daughter would be very fortunate if she was diagnosed and treated now, instead of being like me, and going on being self-destructive for years and years before realizing I had a problem. I have Rapid Cycling Bipolar w/ Psychotic Features. Sounds scary, I know. But I am now on several meds, including Tegretol XR, Zoloft, and Risperdal. And I am doing very well for the most part these days. As far as if your daughter can take the same meds as adults, I'm not sure about that. You'd have to ask her doc about that, if she does happen to be diagnosed as Bipolar.
Please let us know if you take her to the doctor, and how it goes. I really hope things turn out okay.

psychobabyjb · 05-23-2005, 07:10 PM

Just be careful about them sticking a label on her. At 6, it will be very difficult to tell the difference between bipolar and ADHD and once someone is diagonosed with either it's very difficult to get it removed even if later they figure out it's something else. Also, be careful about any meds they put her on. If she has a tendency toward bipolar and the drs. put her on anti-depressants or stimulants (ADHD meds), it could cause her to have a manic episode. Ask lots of questions, and maybe even a second opinion or two.
Jennifer

paigettie · 05-28-2005, 02:04 AM

my ds in bipolar and has been for a few years now, he is eight right now, so it's possible. In fact, there was just an article in USAToday about how Bipolar is harder on Children, and to top that off, I've been doing a lot of research and have found several articles and reports stating how concerning it is because "adult diseases" are hitting the population younger and younger, and are now becoming childhood epidemics, including diabetes and mental illnesses.
Here are some things you may want to consider:

ADD and bipolar are very easily mistaken as mentioned before, but there are some cues to look at. ADHD is Hyper and distractable consistently. Bipolar is not consistant. ADHD are accident prone, but it's just that, injuries are accidental. BIpolar "accidents" are intentional. They just aren't thinking straight. In children, mania tends to be hyper and angry (or in our case, rage) and depression is sad at times, (I'm so bad, I'm evil, etc.) kind of a remouseful state, and grouchy or irritable. Some days are good, but it's very complex. Those are just a couple of things. There is a list that I have in my email that I can get you if you are interested, but I can't access it right now. If you want it let me know.

I know the concern of labeling, but as my son's Psychologist put it, kids this young having major problems are going to get a label, at least you can control the label. People of all walks are much more sympathetic, patient, and understanding when they know that a child is not just a "brat" or "bad" more or less, but they are really struggling.

DS is taking Risperdal and Zoloft. We feel strongly that it was brought by a traumatic experience when he was three.... that and chemical imbalance runs in 3 out of 4 lines in our family (DH mother's and father's side, and my mother's side.) so we wonder if it would have happened sooner or later anyway. There is a bright side to it though... Handling a 8 year old has been significanly easier than handling a teenager with bipolar. I'm still bigger than him. (and getting it under control with meds and therapy will help him through all the rest of his years, especially those hard teen years...) If I had to choose,I'd pick now for sure.

A great website you might be interested in checking out if you are suspecting bipolar is www.bpkids.org

Mainly, good for you for being in tune enough to notice something isn't right. It's a lot of worry, concern, and research, but you will get the answers if you are looking for them. May God bless you in your search...

Oh,and on the original question: Manic Depression are the two phases in Bipolar Disorder. Manic is the hyper phase, depression is the depressed phase, and it was referred to as manic depression before bipolar took a good hold years ago.

Paige

Sweetie5112001 · 05-28-2005, 02:25 AM

We took DSD to the dr. today as she had an episode in school last week and ending up being restrained and biting herself. The dr. diagnosed her with ADHD and put her on metadate. Ive been looking for info on this - to me it almost sounds like its the same thing as ridilan.(sp?) My ins. does not cover this so we will be paying out of pocket for the meds. We are to try them for a month and then bring her back in for a checkup to see if the meds are working or not. I hope that they do work. I was told by her teacher and the school principal that she would most likely fail the 1st grade when she gets there - if she still acts like she does now. But I am soooo hoping that this will help. Thank you so much for the replies so far. I really do appreciate it.

Amy

barneyb · 05-28-2005, 09:16 AM

Amy,

Now that you have a medical diagnosis for your daughter, she is eligible for services through your school's exceptional children's department. Rather than explaining all of those, let me share the situation of one of my children (I have 85 of the little darlings in addition to my biological daughter). I'm a middle school teacher and teach in an inclusion setting, which, if you're not familiar, means that I have "exceptional children" in the mainstream classroom.

This young man has a medical diagnosis of ADHD, for which he is medicated (can't remember what med right now). He's having a lot of difficulty with his medication - developing muscle tics, seeming over-medicated, etc) and his family has struggled all year to find a solution. His dr. doesn't want to change his meds., so he's now waiting to see a new one. At one point, his mom was so bothered by the side effects that she took him completely off the meds, but then he had a lot of behavioral difficulty - whispering constantly in class to no one in particular, not following instructions, singing at inappropriate times, bothering others, talking back. . . His mother and oldest brother have been very open with the school about his situation, and have supported our efforts to get him under control so that he can be successful. Obviously, the biggest thing you can do is really keep in touch with the school, which it sounds as if you're doing.

This little guy (who is 14!) has what's called a 504 plan - having to do with the legislature that provided the plan - which spells out requirements for teaching and testing him. For example on any and all tests, he must have extended time to take the test and a seperate setting. His specific plan also has a behavior component that gives steps teachers must following when dealing with him. This plan protects the child and also helps the teacher provide effective instructional opportunities for him.

Where it may be helpful for your DD to have a 504 plan is that it legally obligates the school system to provide certain kinds of support for her. My little man was not given his testing accomodations for 2nd or 3rd quarter end of period tests - these tests were used as 1/2 of his grade for the quarter and his scores were abysmal and could result in his retention in 7th grade. BUT because he wasn't given the prescribed accomodations, he cannot legally be retained. He did get his accomodations for year end testing and passed with flying colors, which illustrates that those accomodations are necessary for his success. It also assures me that he's capable of being successful in the 8th grade.

My point is this. . . this diagnosis is a good thing as far as her education. In the school system, there really isn't a stigma attached to having a 504 - these kids are in a "regular" classroom - and it provides the family with a lot of protection. Do some research and get a 504 in place for her ASAP so that you know the school is handling your DD in a way that will give her the best chance at success. Children with 504 plans are rarely retained when the plan is followed and most of mine are HUGELY successful students.

HTH - let me know if I can tell you more.

paigettie · 05-28-2005, 09:49 PM

Here is that guide. Watch her close. If she does not respond well to the ADHD medication, she had likely been misdiagnosed...