bipolar variants
What does it mean when the doctor says this?
That the patient has bipolar disorder, but has a bipolar variant? Bipolar or not? And Lamictal (which is a drug used to control seizures and also used as a mood stabilizer) is prescribed and works to remove a patient from the depression years long. But any anti-depressants actually used made the patient's medications for anxiety and suicidal tendencies caused severe depression. What is the exact diagnosis?
Ah … I can not answer this question because I have the same diagnosis! 
Bipolar disorder is caused by bipolar genes. There is, if I remember correctly, 8 of these specific genes and that are bipolar or not. You get 4 of his mother and 4 of his father. Bipolar people really can have 6 or 7 of the genes bipolar. Milder cases (like yours) means you only have 2 or 3 genes and the rest were normal. So your symptoms are milder. Search cyclothymia. That's my diagnosis. It is a mild form of bipolar disorder. Lamictal is a drug bipolar. That's Depakote. So is lithium. I take Depakote, Lamictal my brother has. My mother probably had bipolar 7 genes, which has been hospitalized and probably needs to be institutionalized at this time (not knowing where she is now, but I've heard crazy things away from the family). I think my brother has more of the genes that I have more problems. The problem with medication to people who have genes bipolar, and both bipolar tendencies, is that they need to stay away from antidepressants. That actually increase anxiety by inducing mania (one phase of bipolar disorder). I have tried several antidepressants and that really made me much worse. Horrible panic attacks, and the higher dose was that of my worst. Finally I had to see a specialist (a special type of psychiatrist) to try to work with me, because I have so little tolerance of drugs as it is. And she is the one that explains all this to me. Send me an email for more information. Hope this helps.
