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Have Bipolar Disorder. Taking Lithium And Anti-depressant. Hospitalization Effective?
My daughter had been diagnosed with Bipolar II six years ago and is on lithium and a high dosage of anti-depressant. She just told me she has been drinking heavily for 6 months and wants to get help to stop. She started seeing her counselor (from the past), but that counselor really "just listens" and is not very proactive. Would it be most effective to consider hospitalization to evaluate her medications and underlying issues?
Thu, 6 Jun 2013
User's Response
Dr. Sayantan Mitra,
Psychiatrist's Response
Psychiatrist's Response
hi.
bipolar II consists of hypomanic episodes interspersed with major depressive episodes. substance abuse secondary to bipolar II is common.
if she is unable to control her substance intake (might be because of an easy availability in the community, peer pressure etc.) or if the depressive episode is severe enough to pose a threat to her or to others' safety, she might be hospitalized.
but such procedure needs approval of the local law regarding such admissions. the good thing is that she herself wants to quit and is seeking help. the pros of hospitalization includes a closer medical monitoring of her condition (alcohol withdrawal, complications of chronic alcohol abuse etc.) and psychotherapy in a group.
the stigma attached to a psychiatric admission needs to be considered in this case as well.
with regards.
Dr. S. Mitra
bipolar II consists of hypomanic episodes interspersed with major depressive episodes. substance abuse secondary to bipolar II is common.
if she is unable to control her substance intake (might be because of an easy availability in the community, peer pressure etc.) or if the depressive episode is severe enough to pose a threat to her or to others' safety, she might be hospitalized.
but such procedure needs approval of the local law regarding such admissions. the good thing is that she herself wants to quit and is seeking help. the pros of hospitalization includes a closer medical monitoring of her condition (alcohol withdrawal, complications of chronic alcohol abuse etc.) and psychotherapy in a group.
the stigma attached to a psychiatric admission needs to be considered in this case as well.
with regards.
Dr. S. Mitra
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