Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar And Not Clinical Depression ?
How can my psychiatrist tell that I have bipolar 2 and not clinical depression? Aren't they the same symptoms? I'm concerned because I've been asked to slowly reduce the 300mg of venlafaxine I'm on and will soon be prescribed mood-balancing meds, but what if he's mistaken?
Thu, 20 Feb 2014
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
In depression patient used only depressive symptoms and depressive episodes in their life. If a person has some hypomanic symptoms currently or in past, with history of depressive episode, then they are diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder.
Even a patient with depression (on treatment) develop some hypomanic symptoms, their diagnosis change to bipolar 2 disorder. In such cases it is better to leave decision making on psychiatrist, as patient can identify depressive symptoms, but they lost ability to identify symptoms in hypomania or mania during these phases.
You can also tell me about other associated symptoms to understand case and help you better.
Wish you good health and all the best.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
In depression patient used only depressive symptoms and depressive episodes in their life. If a person has some hypomanic symptoms currently or in past, with history of depressive episode, then they are diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder.
Even a patient with depression (on treatment) develop some hypomanic symptoms, their diagnosis change to bipolar 2 disorder. In such cases it is better to leave decision making on psychiatrist, as patient can identify depressive symptoms, but they lost ability to identify symptoms in hypomania or mania during these phases.
You can also tell me about other associated symptoms to understand case and help you better.
Wish you good health and all the best.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Bipolar spectrum
Loading Online Doctors....