Glenn Close on Bipolar Disorder and Schizo Affective Disorder in the family….

The Actress Glenn Close and Family Tackle the Stigma of Mental Illness.

I knew that Glenn Close’s sister Jessie has bipolar disorder. I didn’t know that Jessie’s son Calen has schizoaffective disorder.  That is a lot for one family, but not uncommon at all. I’m glad to see people who are well known use their platform to say the words….

BIPOLAR DISORDER

SCHIZO AFFECTIVE DISORER

SCHIZOPHRENIA

in such an open way. Hallelujah! When I was diagnosed in 1995, most people didn’t know the term bipolar disorder, including myself!

Here is the article about Glenn Close and her family. If you are outside the states, Glenn Close is considered one of the best actresses in the US and has moved from movies to a successful television show.

Click here to read the Glen Close story.

You can read more about schizoaffective disorder on the blog- check out [ 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 ]