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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Extreme Mood Swings And Depression Suggestive Of Bipolar Disorder?

My Friend s son is exhibiting strange behavior. We are not sure what is going on. He is depressed, snaps, uses alcohol and drugs. But, we think it is either bi-polar or schizophrenia. He does not want therapy and refuses diagnostic evaluation. wHAT SHOULD WE DO FIRST? HOW CAN WE CONVINCE HIM TO GO TO SEE A DOCTOR?
Mon, 25 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Strange behavior with mood swings can happen with both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as you mention but in his case because he is using drugs this is the first thing to consider. It may be due to drugs he is using that he is depressed and has mood swings.

It is common with patients that use drugs that they do not want medical help.
The only way he can be helped is if he starts to understand the damage the drug use is causing him and he decides to quit using drugs. If he decides to quit then there are programs that can help him do so.

Unfortunately no one can take a decision for him even in this case and all depends on his willingness to receive medical help.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
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Are Extreme Mood Swings And Depression Suggestive Of Bipolar Disorder?

Hi, Strange behavior with mood swings can happen with both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as you mention but in his case because he is using drugs this is the first thing to consider. It may be due to drugs he is using that he is depressed and has mood swings. It is common with patients that use drugs that they do not want medical help. The only way he can be helped is if he starts to understand the damage the drug use is causing him and he decides to quit using drugs. If he decides to quit then there are programs that can help him do so. Unfortunately no one can take a decision for him even in this case and all depends on his willingness to receive medical help. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician