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DiscussionAnyone with Bipolar spectrum disorders?
Mental Health | Last Active: May 5 10:05pm | Replies (61)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I was diagnosed with bipolar in my thirties. It a very difficult journey to finding out..."
I was diagnosed with Bipolar at the age of 39. Prior to this diagnosis, a well-meaning physician misdiagnosed me with depressive disorder. He prescribed an SSRI (Celexa) which led to severe mania including two bipolar manic rage episodes in which I was almost arrested. I sought help from another physician who diagnosed me with bipolar (finally!). I was then referred to a psychiatrist who recommended that I submit a swab of my cheek cells (buccal swab sample) for a combinatorial pharmocogenomic test which revealed that Celexa would cause a significant gene-drug interaction. The test also revealed that I had extremely low serum levels of folate and I have been taking prescribed folate supplements to help with my depression. I wish I had known about this test before. I think that anyone who exhibits depression or manic behavior should take this test. So far, I have only tried medications recommended based on the test results and I have had no severe side effects or manic behavior. The test I took was not covered by my insurance. It is very frustrating because it should be available to anyone who might benefit from it.