My adult nephew has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has had two severe manic episodes with psychosis that have landed him in the hospital both times. His parents are having a hard time accepting this diagnosis, and have said they question the validity because he has never been in a "depressed state". Is it necessary to experience both "poles" for a bipolar diagnosis? I am trying to help them accept it so he will accept the diagnosis and keep himself medicated and well. Thanks for any input.:)

I think one is suposed to have issues with both before being dio as BP. However, even a very light or small or little bit depressed can be enough.

Dear board i hope all is well, i am wondering if anyone has any ideas on how you can maybe differentiate a chil being bipolar of if it's just a teenage thing with bipolar!
Love, Monkey

Mudhound,
Thanks for answering my post. I think he has had slight depression and it's just not evident to his family because he doesn't live with them. He got arrested last night, DUI, I think. His Mom is devastated! She doesn't know what to do to help him. I think he has to help himself. Any suggestions? Thanks :)

I think mudhound is right. I think you have to of had both to be diagnosed with bp. If I'm not mistaking, I think you have to have a certain number of depressive symptoms for atleast 2 weeks to be considered depressed, and if it's rapid cycling, I don't think there's a time limit. I don't think there is a time limit for mixed states either. You could ****** it.

I think having had one severe manic episode automatically makes you diagnosed bipolar, with or without the depression. There is no disorder "just manic". Except maybe Bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified).

Kathrin

K, i am gonna research, thank you, but i was wondering how long a manic episode can last, i have one son diagnosed, but were wondering about another!
Love, Monkey

I THINK the usual criteria is at least 2 weeks. HOWEVER, I have heard of so-called ultra rapid clclers who go through several cycles per week or even per day!
And I have heard of manic episodes leasting several months too.

Hi Kathrin~
We JUST spoke on the OCD board........

I can confirm / back up what Kathrin74 says about about Rapid Cycling / Mania.............It seems to be hit or miss with my husband.......

When he is 'Rapid Cycling' he can have numerous different cycles in one week......Sometimes several in the same day....Enough to make your head spin!

When he is what the P-Docs call 'Ultra Rapid Cycling' WOW he goes thru different cycles it seems every 15 - 30 minutes in ONE day sometimes.......

THATS a lot of cycling ;-) AND Very frustrating to the person cycling....even if they dont act or appear to be frustrated at the time of cycling.....

I also back up what Kathrin advised above about Mania lasting longer than usual 'text book' described lengths of time........

My husband had been very manic at one point not so long ago that lasted about 5 months.........It was indeed most of the time a very very fun ride, but still all the same frightening too.

Thanks boards buddies but the thing i am strugling with is that is hard to tell the difference between a preteen puberty thing or the bipolar? My one son who has Bipolar is a rapid cyler so it is hard to tell with my other child although it runs in the family so greatly here, and he does this every so often gets very hyper for like two weeks at the most and then crashes, but hes very rarely depressed and he went to his first councling session to have her see what i am saying but he was pretty calm there, but he has been tested in the past for adhd and passed and i'm wondering if he just hasn't showed the add or if hes just maybe got the bipolar. It's all a mystery sometimes i know, thanks
Love, Monkey