Avatar Posted by Brenda 137 days ago (Question)
My 14 yr old son becomes very angry destroying doors and putting holes in walls of his room while using foul language. He can go for mos. without doing this or do it 4 or 5 xs in same mo. Happens when smokes pot etc & can't get more. Thinks our rules are stupid but is very polite to others & never acts this way. Defiance or Bipolar nos by choice?


Answers

Written by Edahn 136 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Manic isn't just losing your temper and having a tantrum, which is what your son sounds like he's doing.

WebMD tells us that "If you have three or more of the mania symptoms below most of the day -- nearly every day -- for one week or longer, you may be having a manic episode of bipolar disorder:

Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement

Sudden changes from being joyful to being irritable, angry, and hostile

Restlessness, increased energy, and less need for sleep

Rapid talk, talkativeness

Distractibility

Racing thoughts

High sex drive

Tendency to make grand and unattainable plans

Tendency to show poor judgment, such as deciding to quit a job

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity -- unrealistic beliefs in one's ability, intelligence, and powers; may be delusional

Increased reckless behaviors (such as lavish spending sprees, impulsive sexual indiscretions, abuse of alcohol or drugs, or ill-advised business decisions)

Some people with bipolar disorder become psychotic, hearing things that aren't there. They may hold onto false beliefs, and cannot be swayed from them. In some instances, they see themselves as having superhuman skills and powers -- even consider themselves to be god-like."

There are some variation such as hypomania, which is mild mania, and mixed episodes, where symptoms present but affect is disturbed (the person is depressed) but you need more than just "being a jerk because you can't get your drugs." Also, I have never heard of selective manic episodes. While stress can trigger a manic episode, it seems like the more likely scenario is that your son is just acting out to try and feed his addiction.

I'd suggest getting him into a rehab program or even NA (Narcotics Anonymous) so he can wean himself off this drug and take responsibility for his future. Also, a therapist wouldn't be a bad idea, as he or she could help see what he might be trying to avoid (even if it's just boredom). You could also try having a talk with him. Sending him to a boot camp could also be an option if you have the money. You could also try contacting your school to ask them for resources and information about it, under the guise of you wanting to "educate" your son to avoid any trouble.

Good luck to you and be safe.

Edahn

Written by Brenda 136 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Maybe I need to change therapist since he has had therapy almost 2 yrs & the Dr. diagnosed 3wks. ago which is when he got really bad saying he has excuse now. He was put in school for troubled kids for a yr but sent back to public. We have no money for military, etc. Thank you.

Written by Edahn 136 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi again Brenda,

If there is a therapist on the scene, I would defer to their judgment since the therapist has more information about your son than I do. There is always the chance that he truly is manic, but uses pot to mask his symptoms. It's a possibility. However, it's also possible that this therapist has it wrong. If you think the therapist might be wrong, then I'd suggest going to another therapist for a second opinion.

Written by Clyde 136 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I would defer to the therapist also.

Best,

Clyde


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