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Avatar universal

Does BiPolar get worse with age?

I have seemed to get worse through the years, even though, I was just diagnosed (20 years as depression before now at BP1), it does seem that the episodes got worse and worse through the years.

As my father got older, he seemed to get worse, and worse (he wasn't diagnosed or medicated), and I just wonder what it's going to be like as I get older.  What does my family and friends have to "look forward to"?

I know we can get "stable", but does it continue to get worse?  Also, I have a history of dimentia in my family - I wonder if it's linked?

Thoughts???
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Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with bp 21 years ago when I was 34 and had a two year old child and a failing business. Additionally I had become involved in an extra marital affair which threw me over the edge. Luckily I wasn't suicidal and have never been hospitalized. Primarily I am depressive with only a very few hypomanic episodes.My psychologist spotted it when even a yoga class would make me dissolve into tears. I was initially started on Lithium but my gastric system could not tolerate this at all. I was then started on Depakote  and Tegretol plus Paxil and Elavil. This worked for about 12 years but once I got into my mid 40's the weight gain was getting out of control so my new doctor switched me to Prozac. Unfortunately within a few months I became hypomanic and we had to change that to Cipramil. At 50 with the onset of menopause everything went haywire again. However then due to dysmenorrhea from a fibroid I was recommended to a medical doctor  who was also a fully qualified Asian trained acupuncturist who additionally prescribed Chinese herbal supplements. Yes I can say that my episodes have increased and become worse since menopause began but the acupuncture detox treatments have worked wonders. They seem to stabilize me when stress levels throw my chemicals out of balance. In the last few years my pdoc has added Seroquel to my regime and due to the extreme stress of a new management position in the last year I am now on this cocktail of 5 meds at the highest doses I have yet to be on. Although I wish I wasn't on these meds as a medical professional I will never forget my first pdocs comments about taking the drugs. He said if you had heart disease or diabetes and could take meds to control it you would, so consider this as the same. Yes depending on your life style it may worsen with age and yes I think it may be somewhat hereditary but be thankful today that there is help and I recommend that one should not be afraid and seek the help they need.
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Avatar universal
I'm so glad I found this forum! So much insight! Thank you all for sharing your experiences; it helps knowing we're not alone. I'm 51 years old, diagnosed at approx 40. I do fear dimentia. Actually think it's started. My body is intolerant to medications... they all made me sick. Lithium gave me tremors so bad I couldn't eat a bowl of soup. I'm unmedicated at this point but I'm also, after many years of treatment, able to 'kinda' feel an episode coming on, not always tho. I also know what triggers me so I stay away from those situations. Sadly that limits my ability to join life.
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Avatar universal
Hello , I'm 17 almost 18 and also deal with bipolar disorder , I just read one of your post on your struggles of dealing with your disorder and I'm really interested on how you are now , my story is a lot like yours , from 1st grade to 5th grade I had a doctor for severe anxiety and depression , when I was around 11 I told my mom I wanted to kill myself , by the time o was 14 I starting smoking weed everyday and than worked my way up to hard drugs doing cocaine and heroin by the time 16 . I've dealt with depression anxiety and mania all my life but was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder a little over a year ago when I had an episode . I went through 2 months of severe depression not leaving my room than became delusional and starting becoming paranoid and manic and then was hospitalized , I was thankful for my meds they've really helped but I still deal with my cycles , I'd just like to see how your doing today
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Avatar universal
Mine has gotten better the older I have gotten But and that's a big But.  One of my problems happened to be financial.  I won't go into details but I almost caused us to go into bankrupsy.  the federal govt had a lein on our property.etc.  I'm not sure along with the bipolar if I didn't have a breakdown.
bipolar was terrible wide wide swings. My husband stayed with me but was not helpful in helping clear our $ mess.  now after almost 10 years things have finally lightened up and as they say I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I learned many things thru these horrible 10 years (I've been bipolar for years but received treatment for 20 years.  1.  you need to do research on your meds on your own.  I found lamictal on line and requested my doctor let me try it and it is wonderful for me along with my other stuff.. I've tried so many others that the list is too long to list.  
Stress is my major culprit.  If I manage my stress I do fairly well. Don't ever stop researching.  Dr.s don't know everything.
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Avatar universal
My doctors tell me that prozac makes mania worse and I have found this on several web pages as well.
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Avatar universal
Can I ask what meds you are on? I'm 40 and been on effexor for 11 years now. For a few years before I had my kids I took it with topamax and that was a good combo except I could not work due to the memory problems from the topamax, so I did not go back on it after my kids. But now I have lots of problems with anger, but at least I'm not suicidal. So I'm looking for a good combo. All my dr can suggest is topamax but I need a job to support my kids. I'm a single mom too. What meds are working for you and what is your low stress job? I didn't know there were any? LOL Thank you
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Avatar universal
Please find the money to get medication at a local country treatment center.  It's like finding money when you were using drugs and alcohol.  It is an inherited disease, whether family members - even distant, were diagnosed or not.  I am 12 years sober and had my first mixed episode at 25 in need of hospitalization therefore, Bipolar type I.  I attempted suicide and 19 and played with an overdose at 13.  Read "Acceptance is the Answer" in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous if you subscribe to that treatment of your alcoholism.  We can't deal with things appropriately until we accept that these are the cards we have been dealt (some people have cancer or disabilities, this just happens to be ours - through NO fault of our own).  Symptoms can be largely relieved often and it just takes trials with medications.  Do NOT be discouraged.  There is a better life waiting for you out there!  Don't give up hope.  It will get better.  An AA group and program can be very helpful IF you don't buy into the fact that the symptoms of your mental illness are character defects.  The character defect is only to find a way to accept the cards you were dealt.  Then move on, take responsibility for them and get treatment.  I wish you the best!  LT
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7471685 tn?1393400778
my personal believe is that every kind of bipolar disorder can be controled. you should try and i am sure it will help.
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Avatar universal
Seraquel works for some people really great. For me Seraquel caused me a tremendous amount of rage and did nothing to help me. Everyone is different.

As for teeth grinding. I have experienced this only on certain meds. Once the med was stopped, the teeth grinding went right away. Many people do not realize that certain meds cause this.
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Avatar universal
Hi Tami - you need Seroquel to calm the mind and racing thoughts. It's an anti-psychotic, but has use in treating bipolar.  Ask your doc.

I know your post was from 2008, just wanted to add this as a current post.  Maybe someone can get some relief from those racing thoughts.  (and grinding my teeth for me)

Pauly
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Avatar universal
I enjoyed reading your post. It was well thought out and very insightful. I am one of those that have progressed with age. My entire life was ripped apart because of this "monster" I have started being treated 20 years ago. I have had two episodes so severe that it lead me into the hospital for a nice long stay. AND that was while being on medication.

I have been on a cocktail of meds with several doctors who at times throw there hands up saying we can't do much else. Up the dose, lower the dose or trying something new or go back to something previously tried etc.. Medication for me keeps the monster from going to extreme. Sometimes. But it is a daily and I do mean a daily fight to recognize that I am out of my "close to normal" personality range.

I was able to get disability for BP (thank God) to avoid losing yet another job. I am lucky, I have good support group. Friends I have had since I was 13 that have stuck with me even after watching me struggle with this when none of us understood it. Support in new found faith. And support in a wonderful guy in my life who wouldn't walk away even when I told him too.

Thank you for listening.

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Avatar universal
26 year old college student; studying IT with absolutely no interest in it. What you said; bless the fact you have kids, is something I can COMPLETELY relate on. Atleast from this standpoint; and my moodswings and depression is getting worser and affecting me professionally.

Alcohol allures us into chasing away the demons,
I have run many different side businesses, quite lucractive; but despite any progress I can get up, I ruin jobs, relationships, friendships, and have no family. What is money without love?

The depression is so overwhelming, fear can be so overtaking, and failing to concencrate has been horrible.

My mother dealt with these things, once a successful poet and editor in chief, now a lost soul on food stamps with no love from anyone. I am fearful of ending in her path.

Now, her issues are creeping into my head and honestly DESTROYING my capability, freedom, and ability to laugh, you know? to see my own color in my eyes again.

I have given myself to god, a higher power, to hopefully open doors to medication or actual SOLUTIONS so I can take on the world. If anyone can relate or speak to me about this please let me know, Merry Christmas.

Anyone who deals with this pain I understand; but our forums are about SOLUTIONS.

Currently on:

Wellbutrin XR 300 mg
Prescribed to God.

Looking to break free-If you know what I mean by this, then let's get working.
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Avatar universal
I just turned age 63 @ only found out about a year ago I have bipolar. Wife said doc said I had Bipolar 1 @ 2 but I thought 2. Doing very well with my meds so far. No longer drink any, and gave up cigs. Taking RISPERIDONE, DEPAKOTE, CITALOPRAM, & TRAZODONE. Hope I do not get worse with age.
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Avatar universal
I was coming off a combo depressive/manic episode a few years ago and was put on Risperdal.  After reading about it, I understood why my doctor put me on that specific drug.  As I said earlier this evening, don't let it throw you when you find out it's an anti-psychotic.  Initially that didn't sit well with me because, well, psychotic really implies different things.  Yet, I've been on the Risperdal, 1 mg in the evening, for 7 years.  He led me to believe it would be a temporary solution but I seriously believe I can't nor want to go without it.  The way I describe it is that it helps me think more clearly, not be in a fog as much, particularly on those really down days and in the evening, it can relax you and help with sleep.  I think sometimes it helps with the irritability.  When I was prescribed it, my main symptoms that bothered me was irritability and not being able to concentrate, i.e, racing thoughts.  Maybe you can ask your doctor about Risperdal (generic is Risperidone).  
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Avatar universal
As I take inventory of the last 22 years since I knew about my bipolar. I think it is harder to deal with. Never took meds, had lots of consequences, and I am having a harder time coping. I don't know if I'm worse or I have more responsibilities and less youthful strength. It's been awhile since I had a full type 1 delusional experience, though I cycle more now. Better, worse, or different? Hard to say really. The brain is like other organs in that it does wear with age bipolar or not. I am finally going on meds, mostly to protect my family. I will rethink this later, but at 42, it seems to have changed, but I can't say the bipolar is worse. I can say life is worse, I still can't rely on myself and have not been able to live my dreams to the fullest. Disappointment and legit depression are always there right now, which makes the hypo mania less fun or productive. So far, I think the bipolar has stayed the same, while my life has changed a lot, making it feel worse. It probably is worse, I'll enjoy this denial as long as I can.
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Avatar universal
My dr also said it would get worse with age. I have gotten worse with age most definetly.
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6043517 tn?1378617961
I just found this site today because I was searching for information of how my Bipolar disease will affect me as I get older.  I was correctly diagnosed in (98) at  40 yrs old. I am 55 now. My Psyc. told me years ago that it would get worse as I got older and that's why it was important to keep a long term treatment plan in place.  I was notorious for missing appts. and ending up in the Psyc. wards.  Medication therapy will change over the years as my condition changes.  
Several years ago I was able to get into a program at the VA Hospital that has given me a full time case manager who is responsible to insure I have medication and that I go to my appts.  He also does home visits.  My condition has improved greatly since then.  However,  my thinking and agitation plus depression has been changinging.  I've started to rage on people for things I think they have done to me and these episodes have increased over the last 2 years.  All my symptoms has seemed to intensify lately.  My Psyc. is aware but can only adjust meds.  I'm afraid that the Psych.Ward will be my Retirement Home.
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Avatar universal
I have been on Lamotrigne for 5 years, a psychotic medicine that is a generic, 400 miilirams now for my manic. My psychiatrist has been raising my dosages, slowly in that time frame.  I was also on cymbalta for depression.  Because of the sexual problems it can cause e.d. and such, He lowered the dosage, and now take it when needed.  One of my symptoms is I cannot manage money very well.  That gets me depressed because I cannot support my family.  On a daily regiment, the cymbalta elevated my heart rate.  So I take only when needed.  To tone down my rages, i take a mild tranquilizer known as clonozapam once a day. It evens me out quite nicely.  When the daily aggravations of life hit me, I go into a tail spin. These drugs have helped me. I just hope I can keep on supporting my family without going into the poor house.  I have learned to accept what is, my wife and daughter love me unconditionally.  Married 17 years, have a daughter everyone loves and says she is an amazing kid.  So I try to look at the good side which is very good, and I exercise almost daily and that takes my mind off mysef, plus I watch a lot of old detective shows on netflix and spend lot of time with my family which helps me feel safe.  My 12 year old daughter thinks  I am king, despite my disorder.  Keep on the meds and see your psychiatrst when he reccomends it.  Even if you cannot afford it. They will work with you. He may have some contacts.  Mine is very good he knows what he is doing with me.  Do not try to get treatment from your primary care doctor.  They just cannot help, but keep him informed when you see him.  I am 52 and was diagnosed at 40 or so.
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Avatar universal
To the readers,

This is a blog where posts are made by people who are not doctors.  I notice there is an urban legend growing here with Rach as leader that the disorder gets worse with age, but there is no relevant age range mentioned.  My experience of 45 years is that as my body has aged, my ability to sustain mania has diminished.  My first psychotic episode was at age 24 and the last at age 50.  I am 63.  It is important to follow a medication schedule, but also to learn and then avoid your triggers.  Mine was sexual affairs outside of marriage.  It also helps to avoid alcohol and drug abuse.
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Avatar universal
hi almost30, I am 34 and I am having the same trouble as u, I was diagnosed at 18 and I havent taking any meds since 21.... I thought I could handle it too.... but now more than ever I think I need help .... I have been on the edge of a breakdown for 3 years now... and I am scared and dont know what to do... please msg me and we will talk more
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Avatar universal
hi almost30, I am 34 and I am having the same trouble as u, I was diagnosed at 18 and I havent taking any meds since 21.... I thought I could handle it too.... but now more than ever I think I need help .... I have been on the edge of a breakdown for 3 years now... and I am scared and dont know what to do... please msg me and we will talk more
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Avatar universal
In my opinion, he ejected because he's bipolar.  Deep down, he knows who or what he is and thinks you will have a better chance on your own, especially with a child.  I am 51 years old, and was diagnosed with BP2 last week but I've had suspicions for years. At age 30 I was diagnosed with depression.  Your ex-boyfriend's behavior sounds identical to mine.  That's the biggest frustration.  We can fake it most of the time, especially at work, but not all the time and we take it out on the people we love most.  It burns up energy and we're only human.  I hope you can forgive him and yourself.  I want to be "normal", just realizing it probably won't happen.  And the worst is that I have a son and I'm learning I may have passed this on to him.

I don't know if you'll read this or if it helps but I wish you the best.  Thanks for listening, or if you don't read, then thank you, Universe, for letting me say this somewhere, somehow to someone.
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Avatar universal
In my opinion, he ejected because he's bipolar.  Deep down, he knows who or what he is and thinks you will have a better chance on your own, especially with a child.  I am 51 years old, and was diagnosed with BP2 last week but I've had suspicions for years. At age 30 I was diagnosed with depression.  Your ex-boyfriend's behavior sounds identical to mine.  That's the biggest frustration.  We can fake it most of the time, especially at work, but not all the time and we take it out on the people we love most.  It burns up energy and we're only human.  I hope you can forgive him and yourself.  I want to be "normal", just realizing it probably won't happen.  And the worst is that I have a son and I'm learning I may have passed this on to him.

I don't know if you'll read this or if it helps but I wish you the best.  Thanks for listening, or if you don't read, then thank you, Universe, for letting me say this somewhere, somehow to someone.
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585414 tn?1288941302
    There are still options as regards coverage for medications. If you dont work you might be Medicaid eligible. ff you do work and your state has it you could be eligible for the Medicaid Buy in for Working People with Disabilities. Also there is the Patient Assistance Program where the specific pharmaceutical company can provide the medication without cost dependent on eligibility factors. There are other insurance options as well. There are agencies that could help in this regard. It is worth finding out about. When a person experiences the depressive aspect of bipolar a sense of hopelessness and sleep disruption are common concerns. There should be a way you could get the help you need.
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