Posted by Mark H. on March 13, 2000, at 20:32:40
In reply to Re: Cam W...the world must be round, posted by Janice on March 12, 2000, at 14:13:07
I feel like a real outsider in this conversation, but what about those of us who are bipolar II? This designation didn't even exist that long ago. Like grammar and usage, diagnosis can be both descriptive and prescriptive. Prescriptive diagnosis becomes dangerous when the absence of a label causes certain professionals to pretend the condition doesn't exist.
Mania has traditionally been classed as a psychosis separate from schizophrenia, and for good reason, since it looks quite different and seems quite different in the descriptions of those experiencing it.
Those of us with Bipolar II are never psychotically manic; however, we do experience cyclic depression relieved by periods of hypomania. The cyclicity seems to be the main determinant, not the appearance of hypomania (which I call my delusions of adequacy).
I'm suspicious of the motivation and research of those who believe the depression experienced by cyclic depressives, including Bipolar IIs, is qualitatively different than depression that is considered unipolar. Experientially, at least, it doesn't add up.
Also, "schizophrenic" is one of the LEAST understood and MOST erroneously applied descriptors in mental health. There are those who think a child acting out at school is "schizophrenic." Whew! No Social Worker should be allowed to use the term at all. ;-)
poster:Mark H.
thread:26511
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/26918.html