Do my symptoms fit bipolar disorder or schizophrenia more?

Question

Hello doctor,

Since I was around 8 years old, I have experienced mood fluctuations, but not in the normal bipolar way (which I am being tested for). I do not feel like my mood sways between depression and mania. It is always some level of mania, but without depression.

I also experience tactile hallucinations, such as something grabbing my leg, ants or bugs crawling up my legs, as well as something breathing on and grabbing my arm. Tension headaches are also common, and intrusive thoughts pretty much ruin my life.

Another common occurrence is I notice I have trouble talking, not in a word salad kind of way, but a slurred sometimes mumbled speech. My Psychiatrist says it is likely bipolar, but I do not think that is the only possible diagnosis.

To me, it seems more closely related to schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. All I want to know is whether there is a possibility that I am correct? Could it be a schizophrenic related disorder? In the past, they gave me Citalopram for anxiety.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, your psychiatrist is correct. Bipolar is a more likely diagnosis. Bipolar disorder need not be present with depression and mania. Recurrent mania also comes under the category of bipolar disorder. In mania, our sensitivity to stimulation increases, like colors appear brighter, music appears more appealing and soothing, and hallucinations are common in mania too.

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder diagnoses are made only when the criteria of the disease are fulfilled. You can refer to the ICD-10 10 Book for detailed criteria. To me, the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia is less likely.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.