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the owlbear
reply to post by UxoriousMagnus
Uh...
I'm not a psychiatrist, but I am going to venture a guess that bipolar disorder isn't the only thing going on here. Sounds more like dementia or some disassociative disorder. Bipolar is real. I know many people who suffer from it from all walks of life. I hope everything is addressed and everyone will be all right.
Wow.edit on 22-1-2014 by the owlbear because: (no reason given)
rickymouse
My dad was never that interesting. I'm kind of glad. I'll give you a star and flag for support.
the owlbear
reply to post by UxoriousMagnus
Bipolar disorder (from my strangely widespread experience as I find intelligence is inextricably linked with "quirks" for lack of a more scientific term and I surround myself with people who are intelligent) usually starts to manifest itself around puberty to young adulthood, say, early 20's...but as my SO points out to me, the definition of bipolar disorder varies greatly.
I have heard of clinical depression and/or anxiety being diagnosed during that stage of life. Situations, change in brain chemistry, etc.
Just curious, what was he taking if you don't mind my asking...
UxoriousMagnus
reply to post by the owlbear
he does seem disoriented when on the "full" amount that they prescribe but seems better once he starts cutting his pills in half or even into 1/4's. I am just waiting for the next episode once he decides to get off of his medication completely.
The one thing the doctors did say was that bi-polar tends to hit when people are in there 60's which is exactly how old he was when this first happened...
Restricted
reply to post by UxoriousMagnus
So people with mental illness are clowns to you, huh? Even your own father?
ccseagull
Dear Uxorious - you have nothing to be ashamed of. Speaking out about what feels shameful is what frees and empowers us. Everyone has issues. Your poor Dad. He sounds paranoid but I have no clue. There are all sorts of mental health terms and issues and many times one goes hand in hand with another.
It's good to talk to others to know that others deal with similar things and feel just as lost and embarrassed as you may. Just remember that your Dad isn't operating with all mental capacities and so when you get glimpses of your real Dad that is lost in there - that's who you love and all you can do is just love him.
Unfortunately not all mental health drugs are completely understood and if you get a lousy doctor they might not really know what they are doing. I would suggest finding out as much as you possibly can about his meds, interactions, side effects and that way you will feel more in control. I'm not saying he isn't being treated adequately but it gives you peace of mind that he is being cared for medically in the best way. Find out about programs, places that help and that way you can have a say in his treatment/drugs/case.
My Dad has the start of dementia, he is a huge man and very strong - and the mind games he plays. We also suspect he has some form of schizophrenia but he refuses to seek any kind of help. He would be homeless if he could and it has taken all us grown kids and his doctors to ensure he is safe and healthy. It is like chasing a three year old hiding in a grown man's body all over town and trying to keep one step ahead of him. It is exhausting and so overwhelming at times but if you keep the love at the focus of all you do it makes it more bearable and one can have a good laugh at times.
It doesn't sound spiritual to me. I suspect he is just jumbling up everything in his mind and that it is medical. But you can always pray for God to bind all evil and to pour His protection over your Dad.
All the best!
Restricted
UxoriousMagnus
reply to post by the owlbear
he does seem disoriented when on the "full" amount that they prescribe but seems better once he starts cutting his pills in half or even into 1/4's. I am just waiting for the next episode once he decides to get off of his medication completely.
The one thing the doctors did say was that bi-polar tends to hit when people are in there 60's which is exactly how old he was when this first happened...
BS. It presents when it presents. There is no age-range for bipolar disorder.
Restricted
reply to post by UxoriousMagnus
Bipolar with psychotic features. The Depakote is for mania.
Bipolar actually manifests quite young.
Restricted
reply to post by UxoriousMagnus
He's probably been that way his whole life. Mental illness is often misdiagnosed early on. It's usually something simple at first. You don't get an accurate diagnosis until all the symptoms have fully manifested.