milly Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 My doctor had her suspicions I had bipolar along with schizophrenia. I am also having doubts now. Whatever it was, it happened 10 months ago. I am on such a low dose of Abilify, it is not enough to have any antimanic effects (10mg). Yet my doctor is still unsure? I really want answers It's been so long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 One manic episode that is not caused by drugs is enough to get someone diagnosed bipolar. Some people cycle in the years, so it could be a long time before you have another manic experience. 10mg of Abilify might be enough to keep some people stable. These are the reasons your pdoc is still not sure. Sorry I don't have more definitive answers. You can look at it this way, though. As long as the meds are the same treatment, it doesn't really matter what all you have. Not much consolation, but it is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 It can take a while to come to a dx and I think it's a good thing your doctor is taking time. Have you talked to your doctor about your concern? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wj74 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I was on 5 mg. Abilify and it did keep me relatively stable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vapourware Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 It can be a long time to come up with answers. Other symptoms might arise, someone or yourself might have observations about past or present behaviour, etc. It can be frustrating, though. I don't think you should be looking at the dosage of your medication to determine whether or not you have a particular dx. People respond differently to medication. Sometimes 10mg of Abilify is enough to control your symptoms. For instance, I was on 80mg of ziprasidone for a while which, for my symptoms, shouldn't have been enough on paper but it worked for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milly Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 I have spoken to my psychiatrist but she doesn't have answers and I am getting more and more frustrated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SashaSue Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Why are you getting so frustrated? You mention having schizophrenia as well, so presumably you're going to be taking an AP regardless. What do you thonk would change if your dx was clearer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I'm confused as well why taking the abilify is making you frustrated since it's a fairly low dose, you don't mention side effects, and it's also a drug that may be helping your schizophrenia in any case.... Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milly Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 All I want is a clear answer as to what the hell is wrong with me. I read somewhere that even with schizo-affective it could be a one off episode. Since I haven't had an episode of bipolar I'm hoping I won't have another one ever again. But I guess it sounds like I'm going into denial and it's not going to be the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SashaSue Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hopefully, even if it is schizoaffective disorder, your meds will continue to be effective, and you have minimal, or even no, future episodes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hopefully, even if it is schizoaffective disorder, your meds will continue to be effective, and you have minimal, or even no, future episodes. Yes! To effective meds and no future episodes of any sort!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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