I don't understand how I have social anxiety and bipolar disorder.... im pretty social, advice?

Question

So I went to the doctor.

He diagnosed me with Bipolar type 1 and said i have social anxiety disorder.

I don't get it though, I make a lot of friends when I am going through a manic episode, but looking at the doctor's diagnoses he makes sense.

He said that although I am social, I still have feeling associated social anxiety such as paranoia and being uncomfortable around people.

Does this make sense to anyone? Is the doctor just labeling me with social anxiety disorder because he wants me take extra meds or can this actually happen?

I haven't had a normal non-episode time since 2003, so obviously, when I am depressed I am anti-social, but when I am manic, I am the center of attention, sitting there telling stories, sweet talking girls to get them into bed(im sorry).

I just can't tell how his little questionnaire suggests I have social anxiety

Answer 1

For more info about bipolar disorder see http://www.identifybipolardisorder.com

Answer 2

Wow, if you dont sound exactly like my son.  He is in the mental institution right now having reeled completely out of control in his biggest manic episode to date.

What meds is your doctor currently having you take?  My son was given lamictal, zyprexa and depakote and haldol and benedryl, all at the same time.  He shaved his head to the core.  Perhaps if you tell me the meds, I will be able to tell if they are overmedicating you.

Please feel free to email me.

Good luck.  

Answer 3

Doctors can label a person for to long that the stigma stays if you doc is increasing your melds i would seek other medical advice.  see my doc says that i am not manic i am just hyper as a person when my depression has lifed that is me normal I'm not saying dont blieive what your doc is saying

what i would do is print your question and get him to answer it after all he is the expert in the world of text books.

its us that have to live with it good luck on your journey my friend hope you get the answers you crave

Answer 4

Hello There!!! You are the male (I presume) version of me....That is how I describe myself as well. It's weird hey...Only I have PTSD as well so it makes a little bit of difference in certain circumstances.

I make heaps more friends when I am in the "manic cycle". I can be the life of the party, the funny one, the smart one, blah blah blah.....The person I want to be all the time. And especially when amongst new people - that's when the best side of me comes out. But on the down cycle the paranoia kicks in, I don't want my new friends, Phone comes off the hook ect. (Sadly some friends don't understand this and go a bit funny, takes a while to get them back again)

I am with you on this one - I don't undestand the diagnosis completely, I just hope that one day (soon) I am halfway between the up & down and I know I will be "dazzling"!!

(yep - up today)