Would you seek diagnosis/treatment for potential bi-polar?

[peg2001]

I've long suspected that my husband has a mild form of bi-polar disorder. He goes through spells of being "up" where he starts huge projects and chatters non-stop and spells of being "down" where he doesn't want to talk, sleeps a lot, and drags through the day. Each spell is a week or less in duration (sometimes just a day or two) with long stretches (weeks) of "normal" in between.

It's really not to the point where it interferes much with our lives so I wonder if we should even pursue any diagnosis and/or treatment. He's "up" right now and our living room has 4 different colors of paint on the walls and an intricate painted pattern on the lower part as he experiments.

Peggy

 

[ebaynut31]

Yes pursue it.

I honestly thought I suffered from bi-polar problems but zoloft has been a life saver for me.

 

[Christine]

I guess if his behavior is not being detrimental, I would probably leave it alone. Lots of people, including myself, have mild psychological disorders. In my case I have mild anxiety that sometimes gets bad. I have sought treatment and, at times, the treatment was worse than the problem!!!

If the problem gets to the point where it is impacting daily life; i.e., his "down" weeks are causing him to miss a lot of work or activities, or his "up" events are adversely affecting the family or co-workers, then it's time to get medicated.

 

[momof2OH]

I would say IMO, go have him talk to a psychatrist or psychologist who can better determine if he indeed does have BP. From what you have described, he sure sounds like he has a form of BP, maybe mild, but still enough there to be addressed by a professional. I have 2 children who are BP, I know what can happen if untreated.

Good Luck!

 

[Kermit]

If I were in your shoes, I would probably try to get him counseling to see if his down periods might be a bit worse than you think they are. You obviously don't want him to be so down that he does something potentially harmful to himself. But if a professional agrees that his problem isn't too bad, I'd probably try to consult someone who treats problems like that through nutrition, exercise, and other natural means. You can always go to medication if it's necessary, but it sounds like maybe something a bit milder would be enough.

 

[solotraveler]

Gosh, this is a real toughie--

If I were in your shoes, I think I would probably mention that you've noticed this pattern of behavior and tell him to consider seeing someone. If this is affecting his life in ways that perhaps you can't see then he might be open to it. If he isn't, then I would keep an eye on it to see if it gets worse.

One other question I would ask him might be how "low" the lows are. If he says that he feels significantly depressed I would STRONGLY encourage him to see someone.

I know this is tough-- sending you PD your way.


Solotraveler

 

[honeywolf7]

I'd have him talk to someone but then BP is what destroyed my marriage so I know how bad it can get.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I would first get him to a Doctor.

There are other conditions which can have the same symptoms. It really isn't something that you want to Home Diagnose. If and when you actually have the name of a problem you are dealing with, then you can decide whether or not the treatment options are viable.

 

[caitycaity]

yes, get him to a doctor.

i've sent you a pm.