Bipolar Disorder Type 1, which I have, and the obsessive-compulsive part is driving me mad!?

Hi Dan, As far as I know bipolar 1 does not have an OCD component with it that I can find. Not to say their is not one. I too am Bipolar, I have done hours of research on this disorder, finally after 3+ years. Lamictal seems to be the drug of choice for Bipolar mood stabilizers.(You may want to Google it, there are some side effects you may want to know), I too am on Gabapentin for the last 3+ years. My Psyc Doctor asked me why I was even on it. My family doctor put me on it, 3+ years now. Gabapentin is used to treat Epileptic seizures and neurological Pain. It is used(off label) for minor anxiety and mood elevator. My Psyc Doc says it not very effective to treat bipolar(That's her opinion). I am in the process of tapering off Gabapentin now. It has a very high incidence of seizures during the tapering off stage, and seizures up to a month after discontinuation. Especially if you have been on it awhile.

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Google Gabapentin, you will find out all about it. "Please" don't do what I did, and just take all of these drugs for 3+ years with out question. The little package insert does not go into much detail about these drugs. There are many drugs out there, that will treat your OCD as well BP. I hope you are going to a Psychiatrist for your problems. A General Practitioner just does not have the specialized concept needed to manage these very powerful drugs. I am in the process now, of tapering off Citalopram, Buspirone, as well as Gabapentin. They have just wrecked my life. I have no sex drive at all, no desire to do any of the things I used to do. For that matter nothing at all, until I found this wonderful group of people on this site, There is a wealth of knowledge and experience here at your finger tips, use it often. I would usually just stay on the couch all day, now I am up and stay up all day. I had isolated my self from almost every one. Most will never understand if you start talking about BP and OCD, Not here. Using this group daily has made a huge change in me. Answering your question is helping me. Be sure and do plenty of research on the drugs they put you on before you start them. (My wife is OCD and I love it, the house is all ways organized, even my wood shop). Of course I am making a lighthearted comment, It is a horrible deviating disease. Stay in touch, Dave

Hi dan--- I, too, am bipolar I, which is quite a bit different than bipolar II in many ways. We have to be very careful with the anti-depressants, as we can easily be propelled into a full manic episode, as compared to the hypomanic, less extreme episode, which is still not comfortable, particularly after being stable for some time. I would definitely talk to your Dr. about this, as he/she sounds like a good Dr. with everything else being very well monitored & controlled. Many of the disorders have symptoms or variables that can be difficult to tease apart when coupled with our own personality traits. It took me awhile to be diagnosed as both bipolar I and Adult ADHD. I read a very good book in grad. school, entitled "Shadow Symptoms".

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(Unfortunately, I lent it to someone, who never returned it, so I cannot recall the author!) It was many years ago, but it was so helpful in explaining why some of my tendencies & behaviors were designated clinical and why some were merely "shadow symptoms" of another disorder & did not exist to the degree of being an actual clinical diagnosis. I am very compulsive & repetitive about certain details & tasks, and many times I redo or recheck several parts of a project I'm working on, despite the fact that I know its done correctly. Or, I start over completely, when its not really needed. I just want to do everything perfectly, to a fault. I want every figure to be correct, and I go to extreme lengths, after procrastinating greatly! It can drive me (& others) crazy, but I know I'm thorough... its like, after I do a certain amount of work on something or clean, or whatever, something goes off in my brain that tells me "that's enough now", or "I've done enough". Unfortunately, I cannot tell when that will be, and it takes me so much longer than I want it to take. I sometimes think that it may be a good thing, as the others are not being as conscientious about the work, and sometimes it needs to be done more thoroughly! I just don't like it when I'm told that I didn't need to take so long! Most people just don't get it. Thankfully, I work with my brothers in a family business, but it can be hurtful sometimes. I just don't like mistakes! Very compulsive! Good luck, and let us know, if you do find an answer. Jillian.