Medication Withdrawal

Posted by Anna on August 10, 1999 at 22:10:23
Could you enlighten me please.  My son is bipolar and has been for some time.  He was first thought to be suffering from Schiz. and after some time was changed to bipolar rapid cycler.  He takes quite a bit of meds.  His councelor has suggested to him that he enter on his own a detox. center for 30 days to go through a dual diagnosis treatment.  Because he has taken so much and has, which I did not know, had some problems with alcohol in the past, get all of the meds. he is presently on out of his system.  Then have a fresh start with the meds, but get into some classes for management of , or dealing with some of these problems, plus to get into the A.A. program.  He ask me what I thought, and I told him to do what he feels like he needs to do. I was not aware that he had had these other things going on.  His bipolar has the phychoses at times.  Is this pretty standard treatment?  He is not always Medication complant.

Posted by HFHS.MD-AJ on August 14, 1999 at 16:04:00
Anna,
I am unable to make a clear diagnosis for your son without evaluating him. Dual diagnosis implies someone with an alcohol or substance abuse/dependence in combination with some other psychiatric disorder (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, e.t.c.). It is not unusual for these disorders to go hand in hand, which will in turn mandate "broad-coverage" treatment that often includes alcohol/substance detoxification. I encourage your son to continue workong closely with his psychiatrist/therapist.
This response is provided for general educational purpose only. Always contact your physician for any health concerns.
Keywords: dual diagnosis, detoxification