Bipolar Breakout Mood Episode 2003

I have captured an entire bipolar breakout mood episode of mine on paper (I was taking Lithium at this time). It was more an accident of timing then anything else, but I did go through a full high and low ending level. My diagnosis is Bipolar I Mixed with Psychosis, so my chart will look different then yours. For a more recent 2005 episode when I was Off Lithium see: Bipolar Breakout Mood Episode 2005 Mood statistics On Lithium (354 days), and Off Lithium (394 days) You know, from what we read - the meds can put us in remission, but then for a reason or no reason at all - we can have these breakout mood episodes anyway. So here is a full high and low as I experienced it (about 2 months). It is not at all what I expected! From what I have read, I guess I expected more of a curve high to low. I knew I was nearly never the same and I guess I assumed it was some sort of rapid cycling, but it doesn't look like that either - it looks like a constant jitter.

Note: Suicide caption is not Suicide, but rather Suicide Ideation with the urge to act Note: Seroquel is my emergency med Red = high Blue = low Green = level Purple = mixed underlines = days that gave me trouble

How did I make this? Or rather, you can make this too. Fill out a Mood Chart Daily I use the Harvard Mood Chart At that link there is a downloadable blank mood chart, as well as an example filled out mood chart. I have modified my usage of some of the blanks to be filled in, to suit my own illness. For instance to capture those "suicidal ideatiation with the urge to act" days, as well as the days I use my emergency medication Seroquel. Okay, now that you have the raw data for the graph: I use a spreadsheet. I use Microsoft Excel, but you could also use the Microsoft Works Spreadsheet Downloadable Sample Graph - Micorsoft Excel Downloadable Sample Graph - Micorsoft Works (Neither download or usuability of spreadsheets are guarenteed, there are too many variables i.e. your browser, your version of spreadsheet, etc.) Customize the graph to tell your story. My psychiatrist loved the pictorial representation of the mood chart data and it initiated very good communication. So tell your story. Using the DSMV IV Criteria as a Measurement Tool Using the depression criteria and hypo mania criteria from the DSMV IV is the only measurement tool we have. So to answer the question "Just how severe a mood episode is?", check off your symptoms against the DSMV IV criteria. This was more reveiling then I even imagined! It told me 4 things I didn't know: I was blaming the meds for problems sub clinical depression (less then 5 symptoms) was causing me I could see the exact pattern of symptoms where the troublesome suicidal ideation was occurring and the symptom that protected me from it. Where I was guessing myself symptom free in filling the mood chart out - I was often experiencing 1 and 2 symptoms. Only 15% of the time I tracked did I have enough symptoms for a diagnosis Printable DSM Depression Criteria Checklist Printable DSM Hypo Mania Criteria Checklist

By the way, my husband (Phd in Engineering) took a look at this graph and he said "Of course, transient behavior in a simple electrical network. (to us mere mortals, snap a rope and the declining waves it makes) What you need is a resistor on the high side and a capacitor on the low side." And then he showed me his books. Well, the brain is electrical activity, isn't it? Yes. So, honey "Is it fair to say it's electrical activity gone haywire?" Yes. Hmm... resistors on the high side and capacitors on the low side, this sounds like coping skills to me.

Recommended Reading - Must Reads For Bipolar's and Their Families

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, Second Edition Absolutely the best description of Bipolar Disorder I have read anywhere. An excellent read for giving your mind a chance to over come mood.	The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings By the same author as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. This is the CBT workbook I have needed from the beginning. Truly non-pharmaceutical Mind over Mood stuff - that works.
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness An easy, quick read that both the person with Bipolar will recognize themself in, and their loved ones will recognize what Bipolar Disorder is. Kay Jamison both has Bipolar Disorder, and is a Psychiatrist. If you read no other book - read this one.	Wellness Recovery Action Plan Wellness Recovery Action Plan WRAP - the most self empowering recovery method I have run across anywhere.

My name is Linda. I welcome your feedback.
However, please be gentle and speak softly.
Ordinary real life rocks my mood, and I really don't need Internet email, to set off a mood episode in motion - you know what I mean?
I look forward to hearing from you, and if I can be of help in any way, I sure will try.

Disclaimer

The intention of this site is to provide understanding, information, and commentary. The diagnosis and treatment of Bipolar Disorder requires trained medical professionals. The author of this site is NOT a trained medical professional and cannot give professional advice, diagnose, prescribe, or in any way treat Bipolar Disorder. The information here should NOT be used as a substitute for seeking professional care for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical/psychiatric disorder. If you feel you are ill or know someone who may be, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

© Copyright 2003 Linda Fisher™

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