Bi-polar Family

[shalom2all]

Hello. Several members of my family have been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder (I and II), ADHA, substance addiction, and other mental illness. I am Bi-polar II. Other members of my family, (i.e. myself, aunts, uncles, cousins) have been hospitalized in psychiatric facilities.

Recently my 45 year old daughter was diagnosed with bi-polar I. She has a happy, stable marriage with a stable family. She is educated and has a degree in psychology, is a stage actor and is (was) very functional and rational. She has never displayed any signs of mental illness.

Three months ago (from one day to the next) she suddenly "snapped" and went into a violent psychotic episode that has been persistent. She was baker acted and place in a psychiatric facility and diagnosed with bi-polar I disorder. She was released 5 days later, but there was not change. Since then she has been baker acted 3 more times, once while she was in a facility. There was no change each time she was released. She was prescribed medication but hasn't taken it because she thinks her family is at fault for her behavior, and that nothing is wrong with her.

During these three months she's displayed very dangerous behavior. She ran away from home twice, picked up a homeless man and had a continuing affair with him, made friends with another man she met in the facility (who has extreme mental issues). She is obsessed with these people. She is either very high and Incoherently talkative, or extremely angry and verbally abusive. She has withdrawn all the money from my bank, became physically violent with me (we are very close), and has abandoned any contact with her children whom she loves very much. This is all so very, very out of character for her. She is functional as far as driving, knowing where she's going and exactly how to get there, making detailed plans for everything she does. She remembers everything she's done during this ongoing episode. Everything. But everything she does and thinks is from her own perception of reality.

When I was hospitalized I was required to attend ongoing educational classes on bi-polar disorder. I have continued to educated myself due to it being so prevalent in my family. So I know the gist of it and some criteria for a diagnoses. She does have every classic symptom of mania, but has never had symptoms of depression. I'm wondering if she might have unipolar mania?

Now we are somewhat confused at her present behavior in this facility. She's been there one day. When she was baker acted yesterday she was out of control. Today she's acting normal and apologetic, saying she's going to cooperate. But I don't trust it. She is naturally manipulative, and I think she's trying to manipulate us now so she can get out.

I'm sorry for the long rambling post, but we are all so confused and desperate! If any professional can shed some light, or suggest what we can do to help her "come back", I would appreciate it.
Thank you. S.Levi

[manuel_moe_g]

I am sorry. I read what you posted. This is a difficult situation. Please take care, especially take care of yourself.