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What Causes Agitation And Mood Swings When Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder?
Question: Hello. I have a 30 year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD in early elementary school. In high school he became very depressed and eventually received a diagnosis of probable bipolar disorder with symptoms of borderline personality disorder. He has suffered in all of his relationships and is very much alone in life, living in Oregon, feeling like a failure. For many years he saw neurologists, psychologists, and a psychiatrist, but now he refuses to go. He is very easily agitated, and, can become super mean, nasty, and cruel, while at other times he is loving and kind. I fear for his well-being and I am in PA, ready to move out there even though my husband (his stepfather) and the rest of my family are in PA. He meditates with pot, which is legal in Oregon, because it calms him. His father, who is now deceased, had thyroid issues, I believe, and also had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Could there be a chance that my son was misdiagnosed and is suffering from a thyroid condition?
Brief Answer:
Advice to undergo thyroid function test, getting started on mood stabilizer
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
The symptoms your son is exhibiting favors diagnosis of possible Bipolar disorder, especially since he has a positive family history. Hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone levels) can definitely contribute to the symptoms.
However, your son's symptoms cannot be solely explained by hyperthyroidism. He requires medication for bipolar disorder ie, mood stabilizers like Lithium or valproate which can help with aggression and depression. Mood stabilizers provide a better calming effect than anti depressant like Effexor.
His thyroid hormone levels also need to be checked(It is likely that his doctor has already checked for thyroid function test-consult with his treating psychiatrist to enquire regarding this).If not, I would recommend undergoing Thyroid function test.
It is also recommended to avoid Marijuana or other substance use. Such drugs can exacerbate mood problems.
Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
Advice to undergo thyroid function test, getting started on mood stabilizer
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
The symptoms your son is exhibiting favors diagnosis of possible Bipolar disorder, especially since he has a positive family history. Hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone levels) can definitely contribute to the symptoms.
However, your son's symptoms cannot be solely explained by hyperthyroidism. He requires medication for bipolar disorder ie, mood stabilizers like Lithium or valproate which can help with aggression and depression. Mood stabilizers provide a better calming effect than anti depressant like Effexor.
His thyroid hormone levels also need to be checked(It is likely that his doctor has already checked for thyroid function test-consult with his treating psychiatrist to enquire regarding this).If not, I would recommend undergoing Thyroid function test.
It is also recommended to avoid Marijuana or other substance use. Such drugs can exacerbate mood problems.
Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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