I'm so sorry. Are the thoughts Fear thoughts,dread,or suicide,and panic? Is he saying that he's scared,and his future seems to be lost? I'm glad that he's going to a doctor. The doctor can give him medication,and help him to sort things out,or to get through the feelings that he's having now.

I am a person who started having panic attacks when I was about 13. When I was sent to military school a couple of years later,I started dreading everything around the end of that school year. I was sent to a prep school,and I sat in the corner to eat my food. This is fear of rejection,but I could not help it because I became full of tension,and my neck was stiff,and I couldn't stand being around people.

There are allot of understanding people on this forum,and we will try to help. Brokenfriend

Did they give him Xanax for the panic,fear,and dread symptoms? Did they give him a anti-psychotic medicine for the delusions. Right now it sounds like he's very frightened. Please give him words of comfort at this time

There is only so much you can do,so don't take to much of his problems into your selves. It sounds like you both are doing as best that you can,and it sounds like you all love him very much.

Brokenfriend

Yesterday was not a good day - he came out of his therapy session with anger and frustration. And we were so disappointmented in it ourself, as instead of getting 'on track' with what we thought would be an INTENSE treatment program, he was told to come back in a month! A monthly 50 minute visit is not going to work, I know. He later became extremely aggitated at us because of his medicine. Due to his "dark thoughts and talks" we have had control of his medicine and disperse them as needed. We have discussed this and thought he understood our posistion - he agreeded even that he could not conrol his dosages. But, he completely lost it and demanded his "drugs" and when we told him that we could not allow him to have them he actually called the cops on us - they did not allow him to have them either however based on the past history. He needs clinical in-patient, but short of an emergency guardianship (and invloluntary admittance) I know he will not go on his own.

Thanks again to all --- I just pray tonight is not another night of tears and no sleep.

Brokenfriend, When I ask him what he is sad about and what cause the panic attacks he says he does not know. His behavior is irrational to me at times, incoherent thinking, and dillusional. I almost believe there is some paranoid thinking as well, as some of his stories make so sense - as in they could not have happened. No, the pschy. yesterday did not prescribe him anything and only told him he needed to 'start weening' off the Clonazepam---this drug, I believe, is a large part of his downturn. Thank you for all of your advise and I am glad to hear that you were able to win victory over your younger year challenges!

Dmom305, THANK YOU...sometimes I do feel as if we are not doing the right thing, or enough, or on and on and on---and, I did check with the facilities over the weekend during our 'watch', you are correct they would not take him - he was not in enough danger?!?!?!

Hi,

Weaning him off the Clonazapam and leaving the other medications in place is not an appropriate way to help someone as troubled as what you describe. I hope that you can find a better psychiatrist. Do you live within driving distance of a major research medical hospital attached to a university?

One particular medication is not the cause of this or that. The mixture is what is important.

Most states take away someone's civil rights and force them in the hospital only if they are a danger to self or others. A few states have the additional criterion of the patient not being able to manage. Depending on his medical insurance, he might be able to request admittance himself.

Did the psychiatrist give detailed instructions for tapering off the Clonazapam? The process should be slow. Stopping it quickly can cause seizures and some undesirable side effects. Maybe check with a pharmacist in addition to the psychiatrist.

Paranoia and delusions are part of poorly or non-medicated bipolar. He is unable to answer "why" questions.
Do your best to keep him calm.
Bipolar for Dummies is the best book for help with bipolar.
M

Mindy

You are honestly doing a great job being just what you can. A helpful
parent. I know it from past experience.

Just keep looking into what kind of NAMI experience groups are around
there. Its one of the best organizations you will find.

I was at a fair today. And I remember the name of one of their groups
now. Its family to family. So please see if you can find them.

You can private message me also if you need to.

donna

It sounds like he's in potential danger,and needs to be medicated at this time. It does not sound like a good time to wean himself off of any medication. You may want to change doctors,or get in touch with the State Mental Health organization in your state. They have a crises hotline. That's where I'm getting my help. Do you know who to call in your state? It sounds like he needs a anti-psychotic medication.

A long time ago they thought that taking me off Ativan would be the thing to do. They where mistaken. Years later,I'm on Seroquel,which is a anti-psychotic,and Luvox because I have OCD. I'm also on Alprazolam. It took them years,and years to diagnose my mental health problems.

I'm so sorry for the troubles that all of you are going through. Are you getting help from your State Mental Health organization. I'm so sorry. BF

-Mari I agree. The current mental health help that he's getting is not sufficient. He need's to be properly medicated. It sounds like the doctors that are helping him just don't get it. BF

what are his meds other than klonipin?
bizi

Is your son doing any better? It sounds like you are being patient with him,and that's very good. It's going to take patience.

I hope that you can get a better doctor for him. BF