Bipolar Disorder/Bi polar

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Question
How long does someone have to be off Meth before they can be evaluated for bipolar disorder???.Also this person take Lorcet 10 for a back injury he had when he was younger. He takes no more than 2-3 a day. Does he have to be off of this too????

Answer
Renee:

Having a meth addiction certainly complicates the diagnosing process.  It is often best that a person who believes they are bipolar enter a rehab program for the addiction.  In this way, doctors can also observe behavior that may aid them in the diagnosis.  There is no actual time period that one must wait.  The important thing is that the person be free from the Meth.

As for the Lorcet 10, that will be the decision of the doctor who prescribes psychiatric medication if necessary.  It will interact with certain medications, but not others.  The prescribing physician needs to be aware that the Lorcet 10 is being used, then he or she will know which medication is best.

                  Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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