I have bipolar I disorder, could I potentially develop psychotic feautures if I dont get treatment?

Well Ive seen doctors and been on treatment for like 2 years, on and off. Ive tried like 9 different types of medication but I am terrified of psychotic features since bipolar is a progressive illness.

Absolutely bi-polar left untreated, can be a step into paranoia and delusional thinking. My best friend suffers from it and thing only get worse when he doesn't manage his bi-polar disorder. He gets down right "wacky" he will refuse to sleep in an apartment choosing to stay awake all night or sleep in the woods or a strangers home. Please seek treatment for your safety.

These may be second hand comments but I am his primary caregiver as far as getting him to and from the doctors and other appointments, lately he's been in jail for criminal mischief for sleeping in a strangers house. Report It

Usually, a bipolar person has a mood disorder. Psychotic features are usually part of another diagnosis.

it can get much worse but I don't think it will change the type of disorder it is

yes, when you were diagnosed with bipolar didnt they suggest treatment for it???? if not, see a new doctor,,,,,,,otherwise, how do you know for sure you have it, if you havent seen a doctor

I have read that if left untreated it gets worse as you get older. I know that I have much worse episodes as I've gotten older. Psychotic episodes or paranoia do happen in either a manic state or depressed state.

Bipolar disorder has varied symptoms from each person. It is dangerous in several ways. In the depressive mood there is sucidial ideation and action that often happens. Not to mention that it often severely impairs ones ability to carry on relationships, and work. If you have been diagnosed chances are your symptoms are severe enough to require medication.

I also have bipolar and I have chosen to stop the meds which was a big mistake. I thought I could handle it myself but I was wrong. The way Bipolar affects you depend on how you take things going on around you. It can very much get worse. I blame my surroundings which I cant really help right now. But I wish you luck.

Most likely!

You could try alternative medicine - like diet modification and other therapies chemicals may not be your only choice. Try http://www.alternativemedicine.com or talk to a Natuopath: http://www.naturopathic.org/ - it's a viable option and the resources are stronger with less ill effect. Good Luck!

Yes you could. you will have to spend the rest of your life keeping watch on your health which is soemthing we all should do.
You'll have pot learn how to take your medication and when you can do with out it. learn to recognize when you need professional help and get it.
You can control , and enjoy your life and live as comfortable and happy as anyone else . Recognize that you have a harder job to do .Just learn to cope with it.

yes.i take 5 but i have taken more.so i guess the good news as
you and your dr learn what works you find you usally need not as
much,but stop your meds and they have to up the dose or add a
new med.please take your meds.it also helps the people around you.have a great christmas.