My mother (whom I live with) has a seizure disorder. The doctor’s have yet to figure out why, but they have her on Neuronten (sp) which is pretty much a downer that is also used to some pain. She has bad side effects from her medication, it’s almost like she’s sleep walking. She can’t control most of her muscles, and she gets weak and limp, we’ve had to help feed her during these spells, and help her get to bed (a nap helps), she’s told her neurologist about these, and he told her that she had to have a CAT Scan, and some other physical type test before he could change her medicine. Is this right? We are now in debt to a hospital for these tests that showed nothing, and he still didn’t change her meds. Is Neuronten the most mild seizure medication she can have? Health rite (which helps pay for some procedures)doesn’t want her to change doctors, but we might have to. I want to know, is he wrong?
I was running out of room before. She’s had an EEG, and they can’t find anything at all! Her first seizure was thought to be caused by diet pills (before they were ephedrine free), but they kept coming. It isn’t epilepsy, at least that isn’t the diagnosis. What we were told was just "We don’t know why, but here, take these, no problem" Only, there is a problem. She may have been able to go back to work if her medication didn’t cause such harsh side effects, and we’re battling with social security right now. Thank you for the link. I’m frustrated because I’ve watched my mother deteriorate all through my preteen and beginning of teenage years (I’m now 16). The main question is, did they have to do those tests AGAIN to switch her meds?

I always had a few little ‘quirks’. Never really thought about them. But people mention them sometimes. Please don’t turn away at how long it is.

When I was younger, I would sit in my room for hours just organizing and reorganizing my book shelf until I found the way it looked best.(I don’t do it anymore) But I still can sit in my room and orginize the posters until they look right, the boxes in the corner of my room I will fool around with to make them look better, but they always end up in the same place. Ive always felt that if my room feels to messy I cant sleep in it. I cant go to my locker without someone talking to me so that someone wont come up and ask me out when I dont like them. I always seem to touch the side of my nose so it makes a cracking sound, and I make sure all the food on my plate doesnt touch. I always have a song stuck in my head. For the past 4 days Ive had Ponyo in jappenise stuck in my head and I almost couldnt go to sleep because of it. It takes me a long time to write a paper at school because I try to write in a perfect way that doesnt even look like my normal handwriting. I have noticed that I wont step on cracks in fear of tripping, but sometimes I forse myself to step on them. I forse myself to eat foods I hate because I think I should like them because everyone else does, but other things like milk I dont drink even though everyone else does. I sometimes will be walking in the hall behind someone and my mind starts to wonder what their butt looks like and I hate that thought. I also think about witchcraft and stuff like that, but I cant because I am Christian. I sometimes worry to much that I will say something stupid so I spend time thinking about what to say, but them I say it after the conversation is over. That makes me feel stupid so I dont talk the rest of the time, and then I feel like a nerd because Im so quiet!!! I also delete my brozing history before I turn off the computer so that no one could hack into the computer and see my email. None of these really have effected my life to much, but I heard that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can get worse as time goes by. Is there anyway I can test myself for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at my own home. (No screening tests please)

Thanks in advance.

I went to see a therapist about a week ago and she is looking to see if I have a mental disorder of the sort. I’ve already been diagnosed with anxiety depression but now they are testing for depersonalization disorder, bipolar, and a bunch of other ones. I only remember those two because I’ve been told in the past by a doctor I may have depersonalization disorder and the other because my aunt has bipolar.

In association with depersonalization disorder I have the out of body experiences, always feel disconnected from myself and in many incidents I have found myself completely baffled when looking at a reflection who is looking back at me. I was abused by a pedophile when I was twelve and I was told that this could be what triggered this mental disorder if I do turn out having it.

And, in association with bipolar disorder my aunt was diagnosed when she was eighteen because a drug she did triggered it. I don’t do drugs but I am very similar to her in looks and in how I think. Her oldest son was just recently diagnosed with bipolar as well and my great grand-ma had it as well. My dad doesn’t have it but I was curious to know if I could have it even though she’s my aunt. I have a lot of episodes where I go from being jumpy off the wall, full out happy about life, so confident and positive about myself and then suddenly I just hate myself, hate everyone around me, can’t function, can’t do anything. It’s starting to really interfere with my life. When I told them this they said it was the depression and now I’m on anti-depressants but now they aren’t too sure. For the past few weeks I’ve only been sleeping four or three hours a night and I have a lot of energy which is weird but I get through it. I have a lot of suicidal thoughts when I go into my low phases and have cut myself in the past when like this.

I’m really worried about what’s going on with me and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it’s possible from what I’ve said that I have either of these disorders. I only need to brace myself for what can happen so I’m not stressing. My mind is very powerful and when I’m freaking out about something it revolves around what I’m thinking and I could get a false diagnostic, it’s happened before. Knowing if it’s possible will help me relax. Please help!!

I know I have an anxiety disorder because I’ve taken many tests online. I get stressed, I’m scared of the future, large crowds, being left alone… I’m always tired, but I can’t sleep because I get nightmares. I’m constantly worrying about my health. I get muscle pains. My neck and back is always sore.

I love my parents, but they’re just not very understanding. I’ve been trying to tell them about my anxiety disorder a while ago and they just snapped at me. They don’t believe me as our family is full of over-achievers and they won’t let me get a proper doctor diagnosis~

How would I tell my parents, in a convincing way, that I need to see a doctor? I just need them to understand at least this one thing.

I am 31, I wake up at night hitting my fionce, biting him, screaming obsenities, and other wierd stuff, always with a vivid dream in tow in the back of my mind.
Gotten so bad I sleep on the couch to avoid hurting him or getting hit back….
I have looked on internet and seems to be the closest match for a sleep disorder, others suggest getting thyroid tested….
Is anyone else having these probs? What to do?

About 3 months ago I had an attack of sorts that seemed to be heart related (chest pain, sweat, dizzy, racing heart rate). I thought I was going to pass out! No warning signs…nothing. I recovered after about 5 mins. but my heart kept racing. 120 bpm resting rate. I went for 2 days this way…little sleep. Finally off to the ER. EKG, blood tests, Holter monitor-nothing wrong. Problem is they let me go with no medication for the rapid heart rate. Went to my GP who put me on atenolol to control the heart rate. Still felt anxious all the time. Went to the cardiologist for more tests. Nothing wrong. Went to another GP (recommended by friend). He said I was suffering from General Anxiety Disorder and put me on Lexapro (5mg/day) and Alprazolam (10mg/2xs day) for the anxiety. This worked great for about 3 weeks. I thought I was cured. Then…it happened again. It’s happened a few more times. I’m seeing a pshyciatrist starting tomorrow. I had no other symptoms/worries until this all started??
Yeah, I quit the coffee too. Also went to a glass of red wine a day. Never did drink much soda. Up until this happened I was pretty active and healthy (cycling up to 100 miles a week seasonally, kayaking, hiking). I can’t figure out what happened. No major events in my life…good job, not much stress, great relationships. GP says it’s all chemical. My mom was always a bit off though…Hmmm.
Regarding the physical issues: No smoking, lots of exercise, only a bit overweight for my height (recent weight gain since this started I can hardly ride anymore!).
I try to buy/eat only organic at home but I’m quite guilty of the fast lunch while at work (Subway, teriyaki, a burger now and then). As to my mom’s "issue" she had an episode at age 57 that sent her to a psych ward for a couple of weeks. The diagnosis was depression, but I’ve always wondered if it really was. My sister and I couldn’t get her on the phone for 2 days (line was busy) and her neighbor found her sitting in the corner muttering something over and over about her phone number. She continued to do this for 2 days after being admitted. Thanks afor the great answers!

Ok this has happened since i started school when i was like 4. I go to bed at like 10 at night maybe 11 at the latest…and i get up around 7/8. My tutor comes and we start school. Well the problem is i am ALWAYS sleepy during class ALWAYS i mean i’m about to fall over the whole time. My eyes start to cross and everything. BUT when i’m doing something i wanna do OR something more active i am wide awake….I dont get it!! My mom yells at me ALL the time about it. She thinks i’m doing it on purpose but i promise yall i’m not!! My mom always says "I didnt have problems like this with any of your siblings ever no one has problems like this" I feel like a retard. I guess i should my mom calls me 1 all the time! She calls me a A.D.D. retarded child. and i might be A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. But i dont know. My mom refuses to test me because i cant go on any medication due to the fact i’m already on medication for a ganectic problem she even says stuff like "I hope Matthew finds out what a retard you
are." ((Matthew is a guy i like…)) and yea thats her…Anyways! I didnt mean for this to turn into a vent…But i’m really upset. Long story short. I sleep alot yet when i do school i feel like i’m gonna pass out?!!
What do i do?

I need help. I’ve been looking all over the internet. I’ve taken hundreds of online tests about bipolar disorder and depression because I think I have a serious problem, but no one believes me. The tests I’ve taken don’t seem specific enough, though. I’ve had a history of depression, and I think it’s coming back, but worse. I’m having mood swings. Just today I was sitting in the car with my mom and I got all hyper and antsy, but there was no reason for it. But something made me really mad and my mom was really worried because I was practically yelling at her, but I don’t know why I was so mad. I’ve been having really bad suicidal thoughts but I don’t know if this whole thing is me just overreacting or what. I’ve been sleeping more than I should even though I know the night before I got 12 hours of sleep. I don’t want to go to the doctor and have them tell me that nothing is wrong when I know there is, and no one else believes me. Please, I need someone’s help
You guys are being very helpful, but, I have another question. Is depression or Bipolar disorder hereditary?
There is a history of both in my family, and that would really help to know.

I don’t know whats wrong with me.
-I’m always tired even if I sleep 10 or more hours! (i’ve been tested for many sleep disorders all coming up negative)
-I’m depressed a lot for no reason. I can be having the greatest day but then I’m suddenly feeling worthless and depressed.
-I’m easily aggravated a lot
-I’ve felt this way for a year
I have no idea what to do. I normally lock myself in my room when I’m depressed or agitated because I get in trouble a lot when I’m in these moods. Because of this my parents don’t really see that anything is wrong with me. If I do have something wrong with me how do I tell them? I want help but I’m afraid to tell anyone and if I do I don’t think they’ll understand. Please help me I also get angry a lot. And when I do I’m violent towards myself or I throw and punch things (not people)
I also get angry a lot. And when I do I’m violent towards myself or I throw and punch things (not people)
Amanda- my home and social life is fine, my parents make time for me

Here is the deal…my Mom is 45, formally bulimic and had panic disorder, frequent anxiety/panic attacks, irrational fears, scared to venture too far from home..She always needs to be the center of attention and well liked by everyone. She gets herself overly involved in activities and then stresses WAY too much. Lately she has gone to 18 doctors claiming to have the following symptoms..keep in mind she has had bloodwork, a CT scan, an MRI, glucose test, sleep study, and everything came back normal. She IS on Wellbutrin. Currently she says…
-She has severe insomnia (has been put on ambien, ambien CR, lunesta, claims nothing works)
-Demands the house be silent between 10:30pm and 9:00am so she can sleep
-Has frequent mood swings, where one week she is overly fine and the next she is nasty
-Frequently targets me and will call ME bipolar, belittle me (I’m 24), tell me IM the problem when I try so hard to keep the peace. Very irrational, becomes manic at times as well
Also: OCD, almost "enjoys" creating chaos, Never has apologized, every issue somehow becomes all about her, Has NO patience, Frequently will not go to work for an entire day and lay in bed all day, Demands a lot of attention and needs to be praised often
I feel bad I really would love to help her but if she ever was told that she may have a mental disorder she would go crazy…the ironic part is that she is a therapist!!! She has apparently been going through menopause for 7 yrs