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Could Terrible Mood Swings And Depression Be A Symptom Of Bipolar Disorder?
Hi,
I am concurned about my boyfriend John. He is 16 years old and I fear he may be undiagnosed bipolar. I've researched online and I am almost convinced but i think i need an expert opinion.
He suffers from extream depression and has terrible mood swings that can occur at almost any time. I've had to talk him down from a suicide attempt twice in the last 3 to 4 months.
He feels extreamly agitated and hopless, and is constantly anxious. He has what looks like panic attacks and he is also has trouble sleeping most nights.
His anger causes him to act out and snap and yell at people. Earlier this month he flipped off the dean to our school! His behavior is unpredictable and quite scary.
He used to cut and burn himself, but i've managed to get him to stop that, and he still occasionally abuses Marijunana, but not as much as he did at one point.
his parents are in the dark about his problems and are not very involved with him. He's afraid to confront them about anything, because they do not see eye to eye. I'm concurned and frightened, but I am also, only 16(almost 17). What can he do and what can I do as his girlfriend and best friend to help him?
Thank you,
Mariah
I am concurned about my boyfriend John. He is 16 years old and I fear he may be undiagnosed bipolar. I've researched online and I am almost convinced but i think i need an expert opinion.
He suffers from extream depression and has terrible mood swings that can occur at almost any time. I've had to talk him down from a suicide attempt twice in the last 3 to 4 months.
He feels extreamly agitated and hopless, and is constantly anxious. He has what looks like panic attacks and he is also has trouble sleeping most nights.
His anger causes him to act out and snap and yell at people. Earlier this month he flipped off the dean to our school! His behavior is unpredictable and quite scary.
He used to cut and burn himself, but i've managed to get him to stop that, and he still occasionally abuses Marijunana, but not as much as he did at one point.
his parents are in the dark about his problems and are not very involved with him. He's afraid to confront them about anything, because they do not see eye to eye. I'm concurned and frightened, but I am also, only 16(almost 17). What can he do and what can I do as his girlfriend and best friend to help him?
Thank you,
Mariah
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 6 Oct 2014
Answered on
Mon, 6 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns
I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. I sincerely opine that your boy friend could be troubled by schizophrenia, not bi-polar. He is showing the classical symptoms of the depressive side of bi-polar disorder, but not showing the exhilerated state. In any case, he needs psychiatric treatment. First take him to a psychologist who can help you to assess and diagnose the correct problem with the help of psychometric tests. Then psychiatric medicines should help him recover. Please do not delay any further.
If you still need my help, please describe the whole problem in detail and post a direct question to me. I shall definitely help you with psychotherapy techniques to over come your problems.
Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns
I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. I sincerely opine that your boy friend could be troubled by schizophrenia, not bi-polar. He is showing the classical symptoms of the depressive side of bi-polar disorder, but not showing the exhilerated state. In any case, he needs psychiatric treatment. First take him to a psychologist who can help you to assess and diagnose the correct problem with the help of psychometric tests. Then psychiatric medicines should help him recover. Please do not delay any further.
If you still need my help, please describe the whole problem in detail and post a direct question to me. I shall definitely help you with psychotherapy techniques to over come your problems.
Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
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