Bipolar Disorder/Bi-polar and OCD

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Expert: - 8/4/2009


Question
QUESTION: I was diagnosed as bi-polar about 2 and a half years ago, which explained so much of the things i have done in my life and my reactions to things as well, but there is one thing i have read recently which has made me wonder about one thing i do, and if its OCD and not the bi-polar.....for as long as i can remember, i have been obsessed with squeezing at my face, every tiny pimple, blackhead, or even just freckles or little abnormalities in my skin.....if i cant find something on my face to pick at, i will try my shoulders, chest, thighs, literally wherever.....i am 32 now, so not a daft spotty teen, yet i still cant stop....its daily....i actually like getting a heat rash cause i get loads of blisters to pop....is this linked to my bi-polar, or is this a form of OCD....your help is greatly appreciated!!

Thanx in advance
S

ANSWER: Hi Sammie,

I just finished writing an answer to a similar question; So her is the answer:

I am always somewhat sceptical when doctors come up with labels.  Bipolar disorder is often confused with the milder form of mood disorders that can be caused by hypoglycemia.

This is mainly caused by pre-diabetic insulin resistance that can also account for depression OCD etc. I suggest that you familiarize yourself with hypoglycemia, that can be treated by simple dietary means (mainly avoidance of sugar). Please read:

What is Hypoglycemia at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

The Serotonin Connection at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Nutrition at.
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/OCD_and_Nutrition.html

Depression is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/depression_disorder.html

Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/silentdiseases.html

And discuss with your doctor.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i have been tested for hypoglycemia.....all clear
and i know my symptoms are bipolar, and i know the treatment is working, just slowly....but thanx

Answer
I don't know how doctors tested you for hypoglycemia. Most conventional doctors do not know how to test for this. The test is explained at:

Testing for Hypoglycemia
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/self-help_personal_growth.html#Testing

For OCD please read:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Nutrition at.
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/OCD_and_Nutrition.html

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman

Bipolar Disorder

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Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist

Expertise

Have worked as a psychotherapist for overv twenty years, dealing with many personality disorders

Experience

I have a degree in Psychology from the Sydney University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. I am also the author of “GETTING OFF THE HOOK” which deals with the nutritional and psychological treatment of personality disorders. It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. I am interested in the relationship between nutrition and behaviour, and as a Probation ans Parole Officer facilitated groups for offenders, many of whom were alcoholics and drug addicts, sex offenders or compulsive gamblers, as well as the whole gamut of “personality disorders”. I am also the ex-editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia Newsletter, a quarterly publication dealing with hypoglycemia and related health problems. Its web site, together with a shortened course of PSYCHOTHERAPY can be visited at: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Organizations
Editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia. Its web site is at:

http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Publications
Author of the book "Getting off the Hook", It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. Various articles in the Hypoglycemic Health Association's Newsletters

Education/Credentials
BA (Psych) (University of Sydney), Post Gad Dip Clin Nutr (International Academy of Nutrition)

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