Topic Tuesday // World Bipolar Day with Bipolar Australia // Tues 29th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[Moodwisehub]

@cloudcore 

b) We often hear questions about the differences between schizophrenia, bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, can you explain the differences? 

This is a great question!

Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder share key symptoms which often leads to a misdiagnosis. With bipolar disorder, mood and psychotic symptoms are usually interrelated where the extremes of high and low mood lead to psychotic symptoms.

Psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia are more severe and persistent and are not only based on changes in mood.

It is more likely to be bipolar disorder when delusions or hallucinations occur exclusively during a major depressive or manic episode.

Bipolar disorder symptoms can be more focused on grand delusions of self-importance, but other research has shown no consistent findings in the differentiation of psychotic symptoms between schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. So, that’s why it can be hard to tell the difference in some cases.

Schizoaffective disorder is when a mood episode and symptoms of schizophrenia occur together, and when psychotic symptoms persist two weeks after mood symptoms have stopped.

In order to make a diagnosis a comprehensive examination by trained medical professional is needed.

[Olga]

In addition to bipolar 1 and 2  there is also "mixed states" and " rapid cycling", right?

[SusanaBA]

Hi @Olga I had exactly the same experience and was misdiagnosed. The recovery took a long time, but once I worked out the medications and about a year later, I looked holistically at my self care including diet and exercise. I started to feel really well, I met my husband, I came to Australia and had 2 kids, and built 2 long day cares. Years later out of the blue, I thought I had the flu, but it wasn't- it was a second episode.

When this happened, it helped me seek a diagnosis and for doctors to understand my experiences. A reason I didn't have symptoms was also about the diagnosis I had. With Bipolar 1, there was long periods of wellness and this is common for others too. But once I had my first manic episode, we were able to clarify I in fact had Bipolar Type 1 and not schizophrenia. This helped me to understand and make sense of my experience. 

[cloudcore]

Question 3: What are the positive experiences/traits of bipolar disorder? Are there strengths that living with Bipolar can bring to your life? @Moodwisehub @SusanaBA 

[SusanaBA]

b) We often hear questions about the differences between schizophrenia, bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, can you explain the differences? 

Building on my response to @Olga, From my experience, in 1980 I was diagnosed with schizophrenia only because I reached a psychotic episode. In the United States at the time, they did not know at the time that psychosis can be a sign of bipolar disorder. In the past they couldn’t differentiate schizophrenia with psychosis, and bipolar with psychosis. Schizophrenia is different because it has different causes and requires different treatment. If you have bipolar disorder, when you begin medications the psychosis will stop. 

When I had my diagnosis and began mood stabilisers and anti-psychotics, I was able to get my life back. With psychiatric support, mental health screening and understanding of the key signs of bipolar, good and accurate treatment is possible. 

Usually, the hallucinations in both are very different. Bipolar people tend to have very grandiose delusions, an example is believing they are Jesus. Schizophrenia tends to look like a very intense and specific fear, like aliens or your food being poisoned. Schizophrenia may also include hearing voices. 

Schizoaffective disorder is when a mood disorder and schizophrenic symptoms are mixed together. 

If you have any of these symptoms, contact a mental health professional and discuss your concerns. 

[Moodwisehub]

@Olga 

Yes but they occur as part of the bipolar 1 and 2. They are not separate.

Mixed mood (mixed symptoms) where a person experiences symptoms of mania, hypomania, and depression at the same time.

and rapid cycling - the experience of having at least four mood episodes in the previous 12 months that meet the criteria for manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episode.

[Jacques]

umm @cloudcore mum is a great support when i am supporting my girlfriend, i can talk to her about anything. i keep telling myself i have done all i can to support her. i use worry beads a lot which helps when i am really anxious about her. 

[Moodwisehub]

Question 3: What are the positive experiences/traits of bipolar disorder? Are there strengths that living with Bipolar can bring to your life?

People sometimes forget about the positive traits! @cloudcore 

While living with bipolar disorder can impair functioning from time to time, the disorder also comes with many positive psychological traits that have moral and social advantages, such as increased resilience, sensitivity, creativity, openness, empathy, spirituality, and a realistic mindset. Depression, while debilitating, can enhance empathy and realism whereas mania can increase creativity and resilience. It’s important to recognise these traits as they often get overlooked and can also be a source of strength for people living with the illness.

[SusanaBA]

Question 3: What are the positive experiences/traits of bipolar disorder? Are there strengths that living with Bipolar can bring to your life?

I had difficulty following a more structured life. As a student and a teacher in my times between episodes, I was very organised. However, when I was depressed, it’s like a switch was flipped and I became absolutely depressed. 

But throughout and after my recovery, I met people who had struggled and fought against all sorts of mood disorders and illnesses. Bipolar disorder broke down my walls and made me much more empathetic to the people around me. It took me a long time but I learnt to accept reality, and act upon it. Once I mastered my condition, I could accept other battles I have, such as my fight with cancer. Bipolar disorder has taught me to be accepting and resilient.

What have been some of the strengths for you @Jacques @Olga @HungryHippo? 

[cloudcore]

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It’s important to recognise these traits as they often get overlooked and can also be a source of strength for people living with the illness.

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Absolutely agreed!