mixed diagnosis

[Motheroftwo6257]

I have 3 sons - My oldest son is 33 and does not appear to have any symptoms of being Bipolar
My middle son age 30 is Bipolar with scizo effect. disorder (sp?)   My youngest son was just
diagnosed as Bipolar but has been told that he self medicates with alochol.  He has  had numerous
public intox charges and has just gotten his drivers license back.  The question is this - I have been told that my son has a major anger issue and that he was sexually assulted in his early teens.  One M.D say PTOS and now he is being treated bor a lessor type of Bipolor.  Both my second and third sons were told at early ages they had ADHD.  I am so confused.  One M.D told me you can not
have both the next say rare but possible.  This drinking thing seems to cycle much like my other
sons Bipolor.  My youngest son does not like the medication ( Carbatrol) he says he feels nothing
and prefers to be glad he is alive instead this flat feeling.  He also has problems sleeping - (Trazadone) but prefers a beer.  I have heard that there is another diagnosis, one that deals with the anger , drinking, and sleep disorder - it is not Bipolor but is some sort of alochol syndrome.  Treatment is much different that for Bipolar.  I need help I'm at a loss of what to do next.  He hates living with us, but can not seem to stay out of trouble when self sufficient.  I tried to get him on Medicare but he was denied, (record or alcoholism).  I would like some suggestions.  Can you tell me the name of the other diagnosis or point me in the right direction.  Thanks Momoftwo6257

[ibizan]

Uber and susieq have given good facts i agree with....u have a lot on your plate dear!please keep us posted on how it works out!

[susieq87]

Sometimes the addiction causes the diagnosis.  If you are trying to medicaid or a check so you can care for him while he gets thru this do not mention alcohol or drugs.  The only thing usually accepted in order to get disability is skitzophrenic as it impairs your thinking enough that you can't focus and work.  I wish you the best.  Think about it.

[uberadtx]

Ibizan is correct.  You need to get into a support group.  Either family member of mental illness or Al-Anon.  MDs love to diagnosis people, its how they make their money.  I say switch to a D.O., they are much more comprehensive and less likely to pigeonhole both your sons into anything.  BiPolar disorder seems to be the diagnois du jour.  Everyone has it and its a vague enough illness to be treated.  I feel the same about ADHD.  Is your middle son functioning?  Schizoeffective disorder tendencies can be severe.  People with that seem confused, isolated etc. Either way, you are dealing with men with dual diagnosis. Its unlikely the Carbatrol is affecting your son's mood.  Its just another excuse not to take the meds.  And why is he on that?? That will not control his anger. None of the meds are going to work unless he stops drinking.  The youngest one sounds depressive. I am sure another doctor would say borderline personality disorder.  The heart of the matter is that both sons lack the appropriate coping skills.  No pill can fix that, no diagnosis can change that. Therapy can alleviate the symptoms.  The youngest one needs either inpatient or outpatient treatment. The sooner the better. Most programs offer scholarships and I would check into that.  Meanwhile, get yourself into support.  You can not help them alone and as a parent you must lead them by example.  Keep us posted.

[ibizan]

I cannot tell u the other name of the diagnosis...u can put 10 shrinks 3 gether in a room with one person and each may come up with a different or similiar diagnosis but NEVER the same....Bi-polar I or 2?1 cycles between anxiety depression and mania while 2 is mostly depressed and easier to work with.When u have a 1 or one with ADHD using chemicals this is a tough one.....many times they like the effects of alochol/drugs better than the meds and are non-compliant with treatment.They have to work VERY hard having two big disorders!is ur son a client at a mental health center in a SAMI program at all?that is substance abusing mentall illness...such a tough group of folks to work with..i do and have tried......what type of support do u have?r u in any type of support group 4 urself?u NEED 2 b if not....