See a good, trained with MS patients as well, psychiatrist. They can correctly diagnose you and treat you.

I am manic/depressive. It started with rages (blow-ups...things that would have never bothered me before set me off). I was put on Trilafon which has been a lifesaver in this regard.

The manic side occurs and with MS fatigue helps me feel somewhat normal. As time went on the manic side appeared more often making it difficult to sleep for days on end. I would feel on-top-of-the-world; very happy and up. Let me add near the beginning I was put on a low dose of Klonopin to help me sleep at night which too is common with MS.

Poor decision on purchases occurred but with our limited income it didn't amount to much. Have someone else help monitor your buying habits 'if' possible.

So far I am managing as is on the medications I'm on. Lately, MS fatigue has become more of an issue and it has been months since I've been manic, unable to sleep.

Too, let me add I'm on Wellbutrin SR to help with the depression which pops up from time to time.

Take care.

Did you take the MMPI or MMPI-2 tests? I agree with some of the other posters, try to find a good therapist who is knowledgeable about both Bi-Polar and MS(or neurological conditions). Sorry to hear that you lost your cool at work, however, they did interupt your smoke break to come in to a dead zone.

Oh, also want to add it's easy enough to lose your ability to concentrate when you are feeling like you are doing boring, mundane work. Maybe that plays a huge role in your irritability?? Customer service call centers aren't the easiest of jobs...

And also, I think it's great that you are seeking some outside help, where you are feeling like your emotions are getting the best of you.


ADDING: Do you think it's possible that your irritability is caused by some form of nicotine withdrawal? I mean this, if nicotine is such an addictive drug(albeit legal), then wouldn't it stand to reason that the irritability you suffer with is some form of withdrawal? I mean, it seems sooooo quick for you to get this Bi-Polar dx. Just a thought on my mind as I was reading through the NIMH link shared by Cherie.

I forgot to post the info I have on "emotional lability" (or Pseudobulbar affect (PBA)) that often occurs with MS:

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/doc_stor...d_Emotions.pdf

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ges/index.aspx

http://www.pbatrial.com/

My mom had schizophrenia (not MS tho'), and I've witnessed "mild" through to "severe" mental illness. I've also seen what the wrong chemicals can DO to a person, so I think it is very important you are properly evaluated!!

Bi-polar is more common in MS then the general population, but if I recall correctly, not THAT much more common. I think something like 1% of the general population has bi-polar, and 2% of people with MS have it. MANY of us have emotional lability though, and it manifests itself somewhat similar to bi-polar . . . the difference really is how "extreme" the behavior is.

Please get a proper evaluation before starting on a drug such as lithium.

Cherie

Thanks Cherie for these links! Very Informative

I like the idea of emotional lability as a means to explain a quick and sudden burst of anger over the idea that one is bi-polar---even if such a dx runs in the family. Also, I think in the States, so many dr's are a bit quick to jump on the Bi-polar bandwagon based on anger alone.

I'd like to think that in this day and age, one would could through a period of consultation before an official dx was handed out---even with those tests. As Cherie stated the wrong meds can wreak havoc with an individual....