Posted by HappyGirl on December 17, 2004, at 18:09:54
In reply to My son recently diagnosed - Cyclothymia, posted by Grace4me on December 17, 2004, at 11:32:01
Hi:
The rage in your description is a part of Bipolar symptoms, ... it's called 'dysphoric mania.' Cyclothmia is a kind milder form of Bipolar, however it sounds to me like your son's case is much MORE like 'real' Bipolar.There are roughly two different kinds of Bipolar, ... one is Bipolar I which has 'full-blown' mania including some psycho. episodes while Bipolar II has hypomania which is milder form of mania, but still a lot of 'problematic,' particularly 'dysphoric/mania' episodes you already observing in your son.
First off, your son at age 18 needs med. combo. consisting of a mood-stabilizer, anti-depressant and plus anti-psycho.med. such as Seroquel, Zyprexa and few more APs. In my guess, ... his pdoc. first trying a weaker form of A.P., Seroquel, then, if this won't help his 'dysphoric/rageous mania, then the next must Zyprexa.
As far as 'street-drugs,' such as Cocaine and 'pot,'.... most of pdocs. are hesitant to see those who are using them, because it makes things/Bp complex on the top of 'already' complexity of Bp med. rx. However, in my personal knowledge, self-medication among younger generation is nothing new to pdocs. However, try to pursade your son NOT use those 'drugs' before/during seeing his pdoc.
In my suggestion, as for the Mom with Bp son, try to educate about Bp as much as you can, ... through here, Internet, reading books and even local mental support group. It's a lot of 'work' involved in your part, however unfortunately, this is a 'real' fact regarding any serious form of mental illness, such as Shizo. and Bipolar.
Please keep us posted your son's prognosis including any questions you have now and in the future.
H.G.
poster:HappyGirl
thread:430806
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/430995.html