Is this bipolar??? ?

Question

my dad was diagnosed with bipolar but it sounds wrong...his lithium goes out of wack and he gets mean...jittery, happy, funny, agressive, talks to himself all night and never goes to sleep...goes away all the time. gets paranoid, thinks he is something is is not (spy, helping so the president doesnt get assassinated etc.) threatens...finds weapons...but usually all he ever does when he isnt sick is lay around and sleep and stuff...please tell me this sounds nothing likr blpolar, now he wants a divorse with my mother

Answer 1

This sounds like Bipolar Disorder as his mood swings are severe, from mania to depression. The good part about this is that you know why are father is acting this way-he has a disease. His symptoms can be managed by medication-but he must take them faithfully and see the Dr. as advised. You must be so worried about your family. There are support groups out there, for people who live with someone with a psychiatric illness. You could start with NAMI-National Alliance for the Mentally Ill or your local, county psychiatric center.

I suspect your dad isn't taking the meds as he should. Whenever his symptoms flare up, MD must be called to re-evaluate your dad.

You are not alone. Many people suffer from this disease. Find support

in your community.

God Bless

Answer 2

That sounds very much like he is bipolar.  Check out http://www.nami.org and http://www.allpsych.com for more infromation on bipolar disorder.

Answer 3

woah.. it kinda does sound like bi polar you no just differenet moods but if ur concerned its not then go to the doctor

Answer 4

sounds like many things one of them being bi-polar but more like schizo-affect which is a mixture of both bi-polar and schizophrenia

Answer 5

This sounds very much like Bi-polar disorder at a psychotic stage.It also sounds as if you dad needs his medication reviewed.Once his medication is right he will become much more settled.Your Mother needs to make an appointment with a specialist for him.

Answer 6

Bipolar manifests itself in many ways, and if that's your father's diagnosis it's probably correct.  It sounds like you think it's something more serious, but I'm sure his doctor has considered all options.  I'm so sorry to hear he wants a divorce from your mom.  He may not mean it.  I have a bipolar relative who gets really nasty sometimes.  I was told to think of it as "verbal vomit," just a symptom of the disease, and that the person often doesn't even remember saying it.

There are many excellent resources and support groups for people dealing with a bipolar family member.  I strongly encourage you to look for one.  Also to read up on bipolar at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website.

Good luck to you and lots of hugs.