3 ms·
Paranoia is obvious, psychosis I can believe as a side-effect from the drugs, but I'm not sure how you arrived at mania, especially in this case since the defin
by georgeorwell 14y ago
Paranoia is obvious, psychosis I can believe as a side-effect from the drugs, but I'm not sure how you arrived at mania, especially in this case since the definition says the mood cannot be due to drugs/medication and it's not even clear that he has an elevated (or irritable) mood. If it isn't the drugs, it could just as likely be some kind of schizophrenia (no mania) as bipolar (implied by mania).
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mania#Signs_and_symptoms https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mania#Signs_and_symptoms
A manic episode is defined in the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual as a period of seven or more days (or any period if admission to hospital is required) of unusually and continuously effusive and open elated or irritable mood, where the mood is not caused by drugs/medication or a medical illness (e.g., hyperthyroidism), and (a) is causing obvious difficulties at work or in social relationships and activities, or (b) requires admission to hospital to protect the person or others, or (c) the person is suffering psychosis.
To be classed as a manic episode, while the disturbed mood is present at least three (or four if only irritability is present) of the following must have been consistently prominent: grand or extravagant style, or expanded self-esteem; reduced need of sleep (e.g. three hours may be sufficient); talks more often and feels the urge to talk longer; ideas flit through the mind in quick succession, or thoughts race and preoccupy the person; over indulgence in enjoyable behaviors with high risk of a negative outcome (e.g., extravagant shopping, sexual adventures or improbable commercial schemes).
- DanBlake 14y agoMy understanding is that manic episodes are common when rapid removal from prolonged, extended drug use of synthetic stimulants. I assumed that since he was currently on the run that he would be without drugs since he chose to flee.
- georgeorwell 14y agoOh I see. Alright well my understanding is that if you've had one or more manic episodes then you have bipolar disorder. I can see how coming off drugs could trigger a manic episode in somebody who was bipolar, even if it was their first such experience. However, assuming he's not bipolar, coming off drugs can still induce all sorts of sketchy, erratic, paranoid behaviour. On the other hand, he could have taken some with him... at any rate, the man needs a hospital and some lawyers.