Confused about a mental disorder

[Jennifer]

Here I am confusd about what's going on with myself. I know I am bipolar, and skitzo effective. But there's a part of me (a male part of me.. if he's a real part of me or just a figment) which don't know) who is ruining my family life of me with my husband. I love my husband dearly but this male part of me is telling me lies about how much my husband doesn't love me, and loves to post that all over Facebook, and basically act like a wild fire-- he doesn't care that he hurts my step daughter he's ruthles he loves me and wants to be with me. But I want nothing to do with the male part of me. Can all of this even happen with skitzo effective or is there more to it--or in a different mental illness. Please don't think of me as crazy.

[Thirteen]

I find it odd that you'd be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder AND Schizo-Affective Disorder, due to the fact that Schizo-Affective is basically elements of Bipolar and Schizophrenia.

That being said, Schizo-Affective Disorder CAN make you delusional, hallucinate (which can include seeing things, hearing voices, etc.), which means it's entirely possible that the delusions could be things such as "your husband doesn't love you".

Obviously, you're seeing a mental health professional, right? This would be something to talk to them about, considering this could alter your diagnosis, or just make it more predominant, and helping them know how to treat you best.

[PSY]

I second what Julz said... this is really something you need to talk to your therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist about.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

There are differences with how schizoaffective and bipolar disorder with psychotic features are presented but the difference is tiny, so differentiating the two is difficult. This isn't a recent difficulty, in fact it was recognized in the early 1900s by the Kraepelinian dichotomy. I mention bipolar disorder with psychotic features as opposed to just bipolar disorder because schizoaffective disorder has elements of psychosis. Schizoaffective disorder also has some components of schizophrenia (since it's along the schizophrenia disorder spectrum), such as negative symptoms.

The problem with your question is in the nature of the psychiatric diagnosing process. Many disorders, including schizoaffective disorder, state a certain number of symptoms must be present for each criterion. The problem arises because we don't know which symptoms your doctor or you state you have, so while we can see a theoretical difference between the two disorders, it's uncertain how much it applies to you.

[LeapOfFayth]

I third the motion that doctors are your friends.

I also wanted to add that since it seems you don't entirely know a lot about your diagnosis that you also talk to your doctor about that too. Its equally important in treatment to take your medication and do therapy as it is to understand what's going on.

[Jennifer]

Well i'm not sure what diaganosis I have my new phsyc doctor doesn't give me an answer to what is wrong with me. I am not even sure if I have a mental disorder anymore or if I am just insane. She just pushes medicines to me. One when I was pregnant that killed my baby and a second that gave me bad dystonic reactions. I don't know if anything is actually wrong with me.

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

I would recommend seeking the advice of a different doctor then. Get a second opinion.

[LeapOfFayth]

Your doctor cannot legally keep your diagnosis from you, so if they are doing that I would suggest finding a new doctor. If you confront them they'll more than likely tell you.

And insanity is a legal term, you cannot actually be it.

[Dr.Bobby]

Originally Posted by Fricky Ricky

I third the motion that doctors are your friends.

I also wanted to add that since it seems you don't entirely know a lot about your diagnosis that you also talk to your doctor about that too. Its equally important in treatment to take your medication and do therapy as it is to understand what's going on.

^This! Just...this.

We cannot diagnose what you have (or don't have), or even comment on the assessment of a professional with the benefit of having met with you, diagnosis is a very complicated thing that requires an examination in person by a trained professional.

Whatever is going on for you, though, sounds very real and very disturbing. Therefore, whatever you call it should be assessed and treated by a doctor with experience in these matters. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to him/her, make a note of them and bring them up next time.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by Jennifer

Well i'm not sure what diaganosis I have my new phsyc doctor doesn't give me an answer to what is wrong with me. I am not even sure if I have a mental disorder anymore or if I am just insane. She just pushes medicines to me. One when I was pregnant that killed my baby and a second that gave me bad dystonic reactions. I don't know if anything is actually wrong with me.

Ask your psychiatrist to see the diagnosis or a five-axial report. Your diagnosis goes on your medical record, so it is unethical and illegal for the doctor to deprive you of that knowledge because it's not privileged information, it's your information you have a right to knowing. It's possible your psychiatrist is flying blind by pumping you medications without having a diagnosis, which is very shoddy on their part. If she refuses to provide you with that information, tell her you'll see another doctor and will report her unethical illegal actions. At that point, even if she does tell you the necessary information, find another doctor anyway because it shouldn't take such drastic measures to get that knowledge from her.