Posted by seldomseen on February 17, 2009, at 18:19:11
In reply to Bipolar Diagnosis and Drug Abuse, posted by garnet71 on February 17, 2009, at 16:46:41
I read your post over on the other board and on the link to it on the med board. I think in order to make an accurate diagnosis, one would have to know what this person was like prior to the drug abuse. Substance abuse just complicates everything. But I do want to point out that -good for your friend- good for her indeed. I know she must have gone through hell getting off those drugs like that.
So, I guess the question is that if one experiences symptoms of bipolar disorder post drug abuse, should those symptoms be treated and for how long? I think yes they should be treated. Is it a permanent condition requiring lifelong treatment? I just don't know.
The question I would pose would be is she getting better?
She's gained weight, but post heroin, that might be a good thing. Lithium is the only drug for bipolar disorder with documented efficacy against suicide. When monitored, it is a safe dependable drug IMO. I'm not sure I get the wellbutrin - maybe for the dopamine, I don't know.
If she's not getting better or at least more stable, then some adjustments might be in order somewhere.
I would consider the biggest threat to her mental and physical health right now would be going back to the drugs of abuse.
What does she think of the situation?
Seldom.
poster:seldomseen
thread:880758
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090214/msgs/880781.html