(Hypo)mania

[Precarious]

I've been diagnosed with autism and have been having a (hypo)mania. According to my pdoc it wasn't a mania but a psychosis. Now she keeps talking about that I've been on a 'high' mood. I understand having ASD and bipolar disorder is rare. Anyone who can relate?

[Southern Discomfort]

Never had mania but I can relate to the psychosis part.

[Julietta]

My son has an ASD and has been having mania/anger and rage/depression cycles for months now.  His doctor does not think he is bipolar but he has almost all the symptoms.  You are not alone.  Wonder what could be causing this in you guys?

[Gearhead]

A dual diagnosis: I am autistic, and I have bipolar. It’s not impossible. 

[wilesoph]

I'm not sure it's rare to have both. The symptoms of one and traits of the other overlap with some key differences. I've been diagnosed bipolar 2 and recently autism spectrum. I've read that autism can readily be falsely diagnosed as bipolar first but the two can coexist. I find my autistic traits (newly discovered, long-time sufferer) involve far less mood disorder and the hypomania I experience feels different than when I obsess on a special interest or just don't have a filter when I'm speaking. Similar, but the mood disorder makes the traits so much worse and can rapidly damage relationships, reputation, finances. I've never been psychotic or hospitalized. Have you looked up the definition of psychosis? It sounds very different than anything I've heard of as associated with autism. If you were in a psychotic state, the pdoc might have admitted you to a hospital. It's serious.

You could get a second opinion if you have reason to distrust or doubt your current pdoc. I'd ask for clarification because what you describe the pdoc saying is confusing.

I think I could relate, but you didn't give much detail about what makes you feel like you are experiencing hypomania versus compulsive behaviors and perseveration. If you are experiencing hypomania, I think it's common to refer to that mood as "high".