MellowYellow Posted July 9, 2005 Share Posted July 9, 2005 I'm 50 and I had my first manic/psychotic episode at 35. Now I don't have them anymore. I thought I was Bipolar I, but now I'm wondering if we get better as we age? In many ways I'm more of an agitated bitch, and more depressed than I used to be, but why wouldn't I get psychotic anymore? And I've been off my meds lots in the last few years (liver damage). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dweii Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 I've remember reading somewhere bipolar usually gets better with age. Then again I also remeber reading the opposite... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MellowYellow Posted July 15, 2005 Author Share Posted July 15, 2005 I've remember reading somewhere bipolar usually gets better with age. Then again I also remeber reading the opposite... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know. I've heard both before, also!!! Pretty weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batou Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 According to the DSM, the interval between manic and depressive episodes tends to decrease with age. But if BP goes untreated for years then kindling can occur which can worsen the Dx or make it more difficult to treat. I think that it may be more likely that this differs on an individual basis but this is only my opinion. Erika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MellowYellow Posted July 16, 2005 Author Share Posted July 16, 2005 According to the DSM, the interval between manic and depressive episodes tends to decrease with age. But if BP goes untreated for years then kindling can occur which can worsen the Dx or make it more difficult to treat. I think that it may be more likely that this differs on an individual basis but this is only my opinion. Erika <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well John Nash got better by getting older, so I guess I can, too. But only the psychosis part; the mood part is NOT getting any better for me as I age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batou Posted July 16, 2005 Share Posted July 16, 2005 Well John Nash got better by getting older, so I guess I can, too. But only the psychosis part; the mood part is NOT getting any better for me as I age.<{POST_SNAPBACK}> The mood part sucks but it has to be somewhat comforting that you have not experienced anymore psychotic episodes, maybe? Are all meds out of the question for you now? Some ACs which help with BP and cycling like Topamax are metabolized in the kidneys instead of the liver. Sorry you having symptoms that can't be medicated that has to be depressing in itself. Erika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MellowYellow Posted July 16, 2005 Author Share Posted July 16, 2005 Well John Nash got better by getting older, so I guess I can, too. But only the psychosis part; the mood part is NOT getting any better for me as I age.<{POST_SNAPBACK}> The mood part sucks but it has to be somewhat comforting that you have not experienced anymore psychotic episodes, maybe? Are all meds out of the question for you now? I take lithium and clonezepam now. Yes its wonderful not to experience psychosis - or paranoia, even - anymore. Although I do notice a little paranoia creeping in if I have contact with my family of origin. I was telling someone that there is a doctor here: http://www.drmckenzie.com/about.html Who has done research, saying that contact with our family of origin stimulates an infantile area of the brain and it causes us to relapse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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