Guest Blogger: Dawn and Schizoaffective Disorder

Dawn....Guest BloggerThis is the latest installment of the bipolarhappens.com guest blogger series from Dawn:

The past few years have been extremely difficult. They would be difficult for anyone, but when you throw schizoaffective disorder into the mix, things seemed downright impossible! (Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of bipolar or depression with schizophrenia. Hell, in other words!) I was hospitalized in 2008 for suicidal ideations and should have been hospitalized in 2009 for the same. In fact, 2009 was worse than 2008. All I could think about was that my life was an irreparable mess (broken marriage, severe financial difficulties, low self-esteem, and an inability to hold down a job.

 I didn’t see how I could get out from under). The only solution I saw was to take myself out. However, even in that dark time, I still had a minuscule will to live. I talked to a [ Read More ]





Schizoaffective Disorder and Toastmasters

Dawn just sent the following question:

Hi Julie, I have decided that I will embark on a speaking career about my journey with schizoaffective disorder. Can you give me any suggestions on how to get started? Thanks, Dawn

 Hi Dawn,

Absolutely! I started with Toastmasters and was in a club for two years. That is definitely where I would start. I also found it opened a new world of friendship when I was unable to work. I loved it. There are many clubs all over the world- it’s essential to pick a club that fits with your schedule and style. Here are some tips:

1. Find an established club.

2. Check to see how long current members have been there- this is often an indication of a strong club.

3. Ask how many members participate in the contests- not everyone has to do this- but speaking contests are a great way to know if your [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder and Schizoaffective Disorder: What is the difference?

I just received the following comment from Laura regarding my article on psychosis for healthyplace.com.  She raises an imporant point- how do you know the difference between the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and schizo-affective disorder?

Hi Julie,

Your article was very helpful for me. It not only educated me but gave me hope which I desperately need right now. My 19 year old son is currently hospitalized after a suicide attempt. They have diagnosed with as BP type 1 but possibly schizoidaffective. After reading about the psychosis differences between the two, I am hopeful – he seems to display the BP type of psychosis instead of schizphrenic type.

Hi Laura,

I am so glad the blog helped.  Schizoaffective disorder is actually easy to understand in terms of a diagnosis-  If the psychosis comes with an obvious mood swing- such a psychotic mania- ie, a person could be euphoric with high energy, zero desire to sleep [ Read More ]





Posted on October 29th, 2009 | Tags: , , | Category: Bipolar Symptoms

Twitter Bipolar Definitions

Twitter makes a person write in really, really short sentences. I decided to define bipolar disorder terms with as few words as possible. Here are a few:

BIPOLAR DISORDER: A genetic illness that makes it difficult for a person to regulate their moods. It’s not a personal failing, and though it can look like we’re a mess –we’re not!

SCHIZO AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Separate diagnosis of bipolar and psychotic disorder. When person has psychosis without a coexisting mood swing, it’s schizoaffective disorder. BP psychosis often comes with mania. 

ABILIFY: Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) used for psychosis and mania. Side effects -agitation (akathesia). Less weight gain. Has less side effects than many anti psychotics.

LITHIUM: True mood stabilizer. Anti mania drug- not anti depressant. First drug of choice in hospital. Can have little to very strong side effects. Very inexpensive. A salt.

 This is a challenge. I will have to turn this into a newsletter!

 Julie

If you’re not [ Read More ]