Dear Julie–I thought for the diagnosis Bipolar II you could not have any hallucinations–is this not the case?  Just wanted to understand.  Thanks, R

Hello R,
Oh yes! All people with bipolar disorder can have hallucinations. It’s a very normal part of bipolar I and bipolar II. There are many different types of hallucinations- from hearing voices that tell you to leave a store to seeing something that isn’t there. People with full blown mania (those with Bipolar I) almost always have psychosis with the mania. When my ex, Ivan was in the hospital for three months- it was to get his mania and psychosis under control.

I have rapid cycling bipolar II and have experienced hallucinations since age 19- I’m now 44.

A hallucination is a form of psychosis. Hallucinations are things you see, smell or hear that aren’t real. Such as seeing yourself get hit by a car or thinking you smell funny.

Many people with bipolar disorder need antipsychotics such as Abilify (Aripiprazole), Risperdal (Risperidone), Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and Seroquel (Quetiapine)to help with hallucinations.

If you have the Health Cards- my treatment system- you can read over the Psychosis Health Card to see all of my hallucinations.

Isn’t it amazing that people are still being diagnosed with bipolar disorder without getting all of the facts!

I have found that hallucinations are usually a result of stress. When I have one, I stop and think- darn it. I’m sick. What caused this? And I look for triggers. Managing hallucinations is possible, but you have to make sure you know what yours- or the person’s you care about actually look like.

Julie

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