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Anyone with Bipolar spectrum disorders?

Mental Health | Last Active: May 5 10:05pm | Replies (61)

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@tjprather1

I was diagnosed with bipolar in my thirties. It a very difficult journey to finding out what works for you as far as medication. Recently I did a mouth swap by my physician for genetic psychotic evaluation and found out that I can only take 5 helpful medication. The others would cause some form of reaction. This is a new genetic test and I recommend for all ages. The test also includes benzodiazepines that will work or not. Also the older you age the less medication required. It was a difficult journey, but if I can help someone from my experience; especially the younger bipolar people then I fulfilled my humanity.

Sincerely
Tom

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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.