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Mother-in-Law was just diagnosed

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 3/6/2008 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
My Mother-iin-law showed up on our back porch, and had been smoking crack for four hours. I had her put into detox, where they told me that she had major depression not an addition problem. I toke her to the Dr and he diagnosed her with major depression and bipolar type 2. She is hearing voices like the cat and the bed telling her to get up and not sleep in their bed, so I found her sleeping on the floor.is this normal???
Posted 3/6/2008 7:14 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, I am Kitt and I do not usually post here but your topic caught me eye. first of all welcome to HealingWell
Substance Abuse. Up to 60% of patients with bipolar disorder abuse alcohol and drugs at some point during their illness. Both diagnosis and treatment are difficult in such cases, since substance abuse is often a method of self-treatment, and withdrawal can produce symptoms of mania or severe depression. The effects of cocaine in a heavy user can also produce abnormal mood swings that closely resemble those of bipolar disorder.
I am so sorry to hear your MIL is having major problems and as a DIL she is lucky to have you as you obviously care for her to come here and advocate for her.
I wish her the best and for you big hugs.

Kitt

Posted 3/7/2008 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ncvasarah,

Welcome to HealingWell. We're glad you've joined. I hope we can offer some answers or support for you.

It's hard to say what's normal for bipolar because it comes in so many stripes, but your MIL's case sounds especially complicated. The drugs and the depression and bipolar make each other worse, so it's hard to say which came first, in a way. I'm in a similar place with my father who is an alcoholic and has major depression. They treat the alcoholism but it won't go away because of the depression which won't go away because of the alcoholism... You get the picture.

Hearing voices is unusual but not unheard of, but I would definitely mention it to the psych next time she has an appointment. Are you attending appt's with her?
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