Already having Bipolar disorder, is extreme paranoia considered a psychotic feature?

Extreme Paranoia with visual hallucinations. It has never happened before. I've been diagnosed for 8 years, never having these symptoms until recently.

If the paranoia reaches delusional proportions then it's considered psychotic. Since you're questioning it you don't seem to have reached a delusional state. People with true delusions are completely convinced and do not question the reality of their false beliefs. The hallucinations are a psychotic feature. But do you also have auditory hallucinations (such as hearing voices)? It's very unusual for a person with bipolar disorder to have purely visual hallucinations unless they are experiencing sleep deprivation for more than 3 days. Extreme sleep deprivation can cause you to see things. You need to get to your doctor ASAP. You may need more medication or the addition of an antipsychotic to control these symptoms.

Yes it would be cosidered as such. It could also be a reaction to your medication. You need to see your docotor ASAP.

Unfortunately Bipolar is very often a progressive illness and if you don't know at the time that the hallucinations aren't 'real', then yes this would be considered a psychotic break.

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One type of BP disorder does have a psychotic feature. Audio and visual hallucinations and paranoia can be a part of that. However, are you sure you have a definite diagnosis? There is another mental illness that often has the same symptoms and is difficult to treat. It's time for a visit to your psychiatrist for an updated evaluation.

Bipolar and Schizophrenia/Psychosis are very similar! They often share the same features. So yes. If you start to go over the edge try seeing a Psychiatrist and asking about these meds.
www.geodon.com
www.seroquel.com
www.risperdal.com

God bless you! :)

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Yes it is considered psychotic features. although it still could respond to mood stabilizer alone, an antipsychotic would be the answer if it does not work.

Yeah, it can happen. It could be that your meds have just pooped out on you, as that happens a lot. You don't say what you are taking, but it sounds like it's time to add an antipsychotic... Zyprexa (olanzapine) did it for me.