Can bipolar w/ psychotic features become long term or "full blown"

I didn't really know how to title this question...
I have had only 1 mild paranoid event during mania that came years after my first recognized mania, so I obviously DO NOT understand psychotic features of BP at all. But my ex-husband has had many psychotic events. He has Bipolar Disorder w/ psychotic features. He has gone into psychosis many times, and is extremely paranoid. After reading the Bipolar Child I see that he has been bipolar his whole life, and has only been diagnosed 3 months ago. When he is manic he drinks heavily basically all day everyday, and it is almost as if he is on psychedelic drugs. I had thought that maybe he had schizophrenia because of the symptoms, but it does go away after the episode, but usually it takes someone pulling him out of it.

So what my question is, without really knowing how to phrase it...Without proper treatment and support, could this become long-term and constant psychosis? I'm not sure of the words I'm supposed to use here because as I said I don't have these events happen. Thank you and I hope you all can shed some light on this. He is the father of my child and its nice to know what may be possible. I will also ask my doctor the next time I see her but that won't be for awhile so I thought I'd ask you guys and gals.

[Xila31]

Well, I don't know if it can become permanent or worse. If it is true what they say that bipolar becomes worse as you age, then it may be true for other mental illnesses or co-morbid issues as well. I remember when I was studying psychology in college we learned that problems like schizophrenia need to be diagnosed before age 40 or so. But that was 11 years ago so I don't know if that is actually true or not.

I think this is an excellent question for your doctor or your husband's doctor. I think it is something that you should keep an eye on and track as best you can. If he is unable to track it himself, you could help him. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but I hope you find the answer.

[gordonsetter1962]

I believe that Bipolar Disorder can have a consistency with the psychotic features.  I have Bipolar 1 and as Xila31 said mine seems to have gotten worse as I age.  I have psychotic features when I am depressed and when I am manic.  I tend to be paranoid and have all sorts of hallucinations.  Perhaps you should ask your or your ex's doctor for their view on it.  Hope this helps some.

[jst4shanell]

I also am Bipolar 1 with psychotic features.  I have had it under control before and lived a very decent life.  At my worst I have seen people that were not there, heard people talking to me, etc.  Right now, I just got off a major mixed suicidal episode and still feel like i'm on an acid trip or something.  Especially at night.  It has seemed to get a little worse with age but medications do help, although i'm on a lot.  I can also be on medications and be fine for 6 months and suddenly the meds will stop working.  I see a psychologist weekly and it helps greatly.  All in all, when things are good, they are really good, which is more than not.  I don't drink or do drugs and that makes a world of a difference.  There is hope.  He can get better and live a great life.  It sounds like you are a great support to him.  This must be very hard for you.  Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

[ILADVOCATE]

I'm honestly not sure as to an exact answer to your question but I believe clinical studies showed years ago that what people used to term a "midlife crisis" was actually a later age onset of symptoms. Anyway, I've made a good recovery from schizoaffective which clinically is a step further than bipolar with psychotic features as in bipolar with psychotic features a person has delusions and hears voices during moodswings and in schizoaffective disorder its all the time. Even with current treatment the symptoms can be mitigated. He should have his psychiatrist follow up as to an exact diagnosis and when the onset of it was. If they don't understand it he should see a psychopharmocologist or mood disorders specialist.

[Delusion]

Like Iladvocate im not sure how to exactly answer the question but ill put my opinion simply. Psychosis isnt nice, if it is allowed to keep you submerged you will lose everyone you care about, you wont be able to hold down any job, no one will want to talk or socialise with you, education youll be pulled out of, kids (if you have them) will be taken away and put into care. Psychosis can destroy your entire life. I know this sounds very scary but so it should but so it should also not be allowed to get that worse.

It can get infinitely worse to anything youve ever experienced if you dont seek help and treatment for it. Take it from me it destroyed my life for many many years because i thought i was strong and independent and could deal with it all on my own in my teens before i was even a adult.

Get every ounce of help you can get ECT, drugs, therapy, councelling what ever it takes some things wont work but others will and its so important to find out what helps and what doesnt.