Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 10/14/2008

Question
Hi!
I took 2 online screening tests/quiz of bipoler disorder and the results show that I have severe bipolar disorder.
I am a bit confused so please help me.Here are a few things about myself.

I have so many plans and new ideas that it is hard for me to work

I have more new ideas than I can handle.

I have a tendency to do several things at the same time.

I have little control over my body language,speech and tone.
So sometimes I talk excesseively loud and fast without knowing.I behave in an exactly opposite manner in some situations.This happens but I don't come to know it until later.

I am extremely imaginative.Though really creative.But too much imagination has not proved good.

I have mood swings mostly when angry.I get angry over peole.Behave rudely.Speak loudly.After a few minutes I am calm like water.Even I begin to feel guilty of the situation.

I have difficulty concentrating entirely on one thing.Infact its my habit to think about things unrelated to the task at hand.Talk about the things which are not under discussion.Do things which are not required to do something important.

I laugh thinking about jokes.Get sad on thinking about past events.This happens a lot.It changes my body language and speech tonality.

I do self talk.People notice it.

My descisions are often wrong.I later come to know that the right descision was so simple but it remained hidden somewhere.

And the biggest problem is that I never remain tuned in with the  situations and people around.I am always thinking about other things,planning other things.I don't live in present.

Here is all I have to say about myself.

Please tell me what might be my problem.

Thanks.  

Answer
Hassan:

I can't make a diagnosis but it is evident there is something going on.  It may be ADHD and not bipolar disorder, but only a licensed psychiatrist can make that determination after a careful evaluation of not only your present symptoms, but your past medical and emotional record.

I would suggest you call your local mental health clinic and set up an appointment for an evaluation.  Explain everything to the people there just as you have me and answer their questions truthfully.  They will be able to get you started on a program that is right for your particular needs.

                      Joyce A. Anthony