system
Diagnosed with GAD, panic disorder, taking increasing Epilim. Could I have bipolar ?
human
HI there,I am 34 year old female. I went through a lot of upset in my early teens and by 16 was diagnosed with GAD and panic disorder including phobias (which come and go - planes, tunnels bridges etc).At 19 I began drinking excessively and using illegal drugs - all stimulants, cocaine and speed etc. The whole time I was taking 40mg daily arropax for the anxiety disorder from 20 years to 30. At 30 years i realised I was an addict and sought help. I am now 33 and have been clean and sober for 3 years. In this 3 year period I have suffered quite a lot. up and down. I was prescribed epilim on top of my arropax (200mg daily) as i was having severe panic attacks, often collapsing and 4 times had fits. They calmed down, but as the years have gone on this dose has now increased to 800mg Epilim + 60mg Arropax. I am yet to be given a diagnosis as my biggest fear is that I have bipolar. Perhaps this is why we have not discussed it. What do you think is wrong with me? Could I have bipolar? or just be an extreme worry wart who frets and then gets run down and has a cry every few weeks?  Uncertainty is sending me mad. Whilst I am more racing thoughts and stressful minded "pressured" perhaps, i don't suffer much depression, only after weeks where my work load is full and my lifestyle is jam packed. I.e less sleep, too many social and work obligations. I just get chaotic and unman gable, but certainly don't do crazy stuff like sleep with a million people or spend millions of dollars on my credit card. I have also been told a racing head full of thoughts and crazy mind is in fact a symptom of addiction in itself. "the diseased mind"! Oh god i don't know.  I just feel like suddenly Im on a lot of meds for a supposed anxious girl. Feeling very confused and not sure I'll cope if I'm told i have bipolar
gpt
DearWe understand your concernsWhy are you worrying about Bipolar? You came to this situation just with the help of unnecessary anxiety. Anxiety then developed in panic attacks and then further deteriorated. I should say that you yourself worsened your condition by not taking proper advice from experts. No,Iam notblaming any of your doctors including psychiatrists. But it is well known fact that anxiety and panic attacks cannot be cured only with the help of medication. But it can be well managed with the help of meditation, yoga and psychotherapy. Meditation and yoga can streamline your metabolism and thought process and psychotherapy streamlines your living style and condition.Consult a psychologist and get well soon. I can help you if you desire so.