Mood Swings: Bipolar Disorder, Split Personality, and Antisocial Traits

Q: Mood Swings: Bipolar Disorder, Split Personality, and Antisocial Traits

Hello, internet user： Bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and similar conditions are generally long-term issues and typically do not arise from a single stressful event. <br>I believe this incident has significantly impacted your emo

Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder?

I recently experienced a scam and lost over a hundred thousand.
Since the incident, I've been feeling a significant internal conflict, as if my mind is about to explode, like I have split personalities.
Sometimes I feel very concerned about the money I lost, feeling guilty, depressed, and having a lack of appetite, even having thoughts of wanting to die.
But at other times, I suddenly feel like a different person, with elevated emotions and a strong appetite, not caring about the money at all, and recalling the thrill of giving away large sums of money.

Moreover, after this incident, both my emotional state and my impulses to harm and destroy have increased significantly compared to before.
Previously, these feelings were sporadic, but now I experience daily emotional fluctuations and frequent impulses to harm others and destroy things.
Every time I suppress these urges, I feel uncomfortable and can only release my feelings through gaming.
When I see knives and blood, I feel a rush of excitement and fantasize about hurting others, taking pleasure in seeing them suffer.

Sometimes, while walking down the street, I feel a lack of reality, as if everything is surreal or like a dream.
At times, I feel something is real only to realize it’s a dream, and other times I think I’m dreaming when it’s actually real.
These issues make me very uncomfortable.
I looked online and found that these could be symptoms of bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, or antisocial personality disorder, but I feel like I might not fit those descriptions.
Therefore, I would like to seek a doctor's opinion.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/17

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

Hello, internet user: Bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and similar conditions are generally long-term issues and typically do not arise from a single stressful event.
I believe this incident has significantly impacted your emotions and caused considerable distress.
I recommend seeking care at a nearby mental health facility.
Dr.
Wu En-Liang

Reply Date: 2021/06/17

More Info

Understanding mood swings and their potential implications can be quite complex, especially when considering conditions like bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder (often referred to as split personality), and antisocial personality traits. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing significant emotional fluctuations and distress following a traumatic event, which can be indicative of several underlying psychological issues.

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The manic phase can involve increased energy, euphoria, and impulsive behavior, while the depressive phase may lead to feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in activities, and suicidal thoughts. Your experience of feeling both intensely affected by the loss of money and then suddenly feeling elated and unconcerned about it could suggest a rapid cycling of moods, which is a hallmark of bipolar disorder. However, it’s important to note that a formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder, involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession. Individuals with DID often have gaps in memory and may feel as though they have different identities or personalities that take control at different times. Your description of feeling like you have split into two personas could be a form of dissociation, which can occur in response to trauma. However, DID is a complex condition that typically arises from severe trauma during early childhood, and it would require a thorough assessment to determine if this applies to you.

Antisocial Personality Traits involve a disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, and a lack of remorse for harmful actions. The increased desire to harm others and feelings of excitement when thinking about violence can be concerning and may suggest underlying issues that need to be addressed. It’s crucial to differentiate between fleeting thoughts and persistent patterns of behavior that could indicate a more serious personality disorder.

Your feelings of excitement when seeing sharp objects or blood, along with fantasies of harming others, are particularly alarming. These thoughts can be distressing and may indicate a need for immediate support. It’s essential to recognize that having such thoughts does not define you as a person; rather, they are symptoms that can be addressed through professional help.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, including mood swings, feelings of unreality, and impulses to harm, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help from a mental health provider. A psychiatrist or psychologist can conduct a thorough assessment, provide a diagnosis, and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment options may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy), medication, and coping strategies to manage your emotions and impulses.

In summary, while your symptoms may suggest elements of bipolar disorder, dissociative experiences, or antisocial traits, only a qualified mental health professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It’s crucial to reach out for help, especially given the intensity of your feelings and thoughts. You deserve support and guidance to navigate this challenging time in your life.

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