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Bipolar Disorder/Can someone be temporarily bi-polar?

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Expert: - 1/15/2007


Question
I have had a very blessed and successful life both personally and professionally the majority of my adult life. Two years ago I had a series of situations occur one after the other that were hard to deal with and unexpected.
Miscarriage, cancellation of my wedding, serious back surgery (spinal fusion), sold my house but sued by a friend for a real estate issue, quit my job intending to use profits from sale of house but had to pay all profits to "friend" during lawsuit... thus causing financial hardships etc. so you get the picture I'm sure.
In the midst of this turmoil my family has decided I am bi-polar. In short, the drama is over I am back on my feet, employed, happy and feel like myself again. During the turmoil I made some choices that I am not proud of but the past is over. I want to reiterate that for 15+ years I had a "normal" peaceful life and for the most part made good decisions. For 2 years it has been a rocky road. But my family will not let it go. They seem to have forgotten the 15 good years and are convinced I am now mentally ill. I made it through a rough time but instead of seeing my strength all they see is the dark side.
It is ruining my relationship with my family.
Your thoughts?

Answer
Hi Paige,

I would be very reluctant to diagnose somebody with Bipolar Disorder, because this is a more serious illness, than just haveing wild mood swings.

You have experience very serious stress situations and this must have interfered with the production of feel good neurotransmitters. It seems you are back on your feet again and I wonder why the question of Bipolar Disorder has been brought up. Why not have this diagnosed?

People can have unusual mood swings because of Hypoglycemia, which is a Nutritional Disorder. This can be tested and treated without recourse to drugs.

I suggest you investigate this first.

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

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

And discuss this with a doctor.

_________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
Editor: HYPOGLYCEMIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA at
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author: “Getting off the Hook” at
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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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