AnnieS asked this question on 5/2/2000:

Hi, I'm a 36 year old female with a history of drug and alcohol abuse(12-25), several dysfunctional relationships, Sexual abuse(11), rape(21). I have been clean and sober for the past 11 years, gone through extensive psychotherapy(of which I found to be very benificial), I was relationship-less for 5 years and became quite sucessful and independent throughout that time. My question is this: up until very recently I believed, (and have been diagnosed with), Major Depression. I remember feeling depressed as far back as I can remember. My mother describes my moods like this, "you're up & down, up & down." My best friend of 34 years has always sworn I was Bipolar, and everyone else I know is always saying, "you're so moody." Until very recently, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of being Bipolar, (nor would the therapists), because of what I, and they, thought to be, an absence of manic episodes. I hang on to my "happy times" for dear life. They don't last long, and I'm never sure why they're there. But until recently, I never questioned the lack of reason, I just grabbed on to these very brief periods and enjoyed them while I had them. However, recently I have become more aware of these times because I am unable to sleep for very long during these times, I fall asleep for a few hours, awake, and am unable to get back to sleep. That's if I'm even able to get to sleep much before dawn. I've also noticed that I can be feeling happy one moment and have it turn into extreme irritability the next. Irritability to the point of being enraged. I'm over active, easily distracted, almost foggy or hazey at times. Recently I read about Biploar II. Do you think there's a possibility that I have this type of Bipolar? I feel like I'm on a mood roller coaster much of the time, and swing in and out of these moods so rapidly sometimes that I have difficulty distinguishing how I truly feel about most everything. It leaves me feeling very indecisive and confused. There doesn't seem to be any apparent reason for these shifts in mood. Up until now I've refused medication for the depression for fear of becoming active in my addictions again, but am returning to therapy to explore the possibility of meds, as the depression has become much more severe over the past two years, and I'm not sure I can handle it without the meds any longer. I intend to discuss the possibility of Bipolar with my new psychologist, but would like as many opinions, and as much input as I can get before I go. Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated, and to all of you that have already answered me; Thank You so much!!!! Annie S.

biolightman gave this response on 5/11/2000:

Hello Annie S,

Not being a licensed medical professional, I don't have the authority to diagnosis or prescribe. However, I do have some information (and educated opinion) that may be of value.

Up and beyond and personal issues that you may have that cause depression, it sounds like you may also have "natural" chemical imbalances that you may be unaware of. Sometime depression is "NOT YOUR FAULT" or caused by some personal flaw.

Your comments relating to your early childhood and your mother's response make me question the root cause of your depression ( in addition to any "personal" dysfunction that you or others may think you have.)

According to the Task Force Report of the American Psychiatric Association, "Light Therapy" a non-chemical alternative to meds may be a possible solution (or help) to your condition.

The Task Force report recommends light therapy as a highly regarded treatment for a wide range of clinical depression diagnosis including:

CODE NO. DIAGNOSIS DSM IV-296-3X Major Depression, Recurrent " "-4X Bipolar Disorder, most recent episode-Manic " "-5X Bipolar Disorder, Depressed " "-6X Bipolar Disorder, Mixed " "-8 Bipolar Disorder, NOS " "-311.00 Depressive Disorder, NOS

As you may see, you could well be included in this VERY wide range of possibilities!

If you or your "new" psychologist would like more information about light therapy I would recommend contacting me or checking out my co0mpany's web site-www.ottbiolight.com or 800.234.3724 x 14

Best wishes for an "enlightened" solution...kc " "

The average rating for this answer is 4.

AnnieS rated this answer a 4.