Bipolar Vs Grumpy/verbally abusive/aggressive nature by choice (lack of self control)

[sandy cheeks]

thank you everyone for your replies. I am so confused, I'm hurt, i'm sick of being yelled at. I guess i just want answers asap. He is being referred on, but the dr wants to start him on drugs and I think thats rediculous without seeing someone qualified to diagnose the problem...

Next question: If he simply has an anger problem, will the drugs help?

My ex's dr referred him to the specialist and tests were done before meds were given. He also had to try a few dif ones before finding the right dose. I would want to see an expert before I started the meds.
Does he have any other symptoms?
Like being irrational or impulsive ect?
Have u spoken to his family and has he had life long issues with anger/temper.
My ex abused booze also kinda self medicating I suppose.
Good luck at least he sees he has a problem and is trying to get help, getting someone to see that is the hardest part (my ex finally realised when I left for good).
Drugs won't help if it's just anger he needs to talk to someone and work out coping strategies.

[3cats1pug]

I agree with what the others have said. I have a type 2 bipolar and I never raise my voice at anyone (well not since my teenage years and my parents!).

The anger may not be a bipolar symptom, especially if its only directed towards you. Other bipolar symptoms are on one end feeling depressed, withdrawing from daily activities and things you enjoy, anxiety,suicidal thoughts etc and on the other end in a mania phase it can be things like spending too much, risky behavior, sleeping less but having a lot of energy, feeling excited and making big plans, crazy ideas or schemes or thinking there are hidden meanings in things. This side can also manifest as anxiety, paranoia, agitation and anger in some people rather than an overly happy mood.

A psychiatrist will be able to administer the appropriate questionnaire and ask lots of questions to get an accurate diagnosis. I don't recommend getting a referral to a psychologist as they will be unable to proscribe medication and then he'll have to see a new doctor for that. It's hard enough telling your whole story to one doctor on my experience.

It may not be bipolar at all, and GP's really aren't the best judge. They don't have enough time to assess the full situation and don't have the specialized training. A psychiatrist will spend 1-3hrs talking to him at the first appointment before any diagnosis or meds are given compared to 15 mins at the GP.

Taking medication for suspected bipolar is not something you want to do unless you are certain they are needed. These drugs have serious side effects and not something to take lightly. Depending on the drug they can cause you to rapidly gain weight, cause a type of diabetes, make you drowsy, lower your thyroid function and damage your kidneys. Im not trying to be alarmist but some of these things have happened to me and I've tried 9 medications.
Some are also very expensive and even the standard bipolar drug lithium requires you to have very frequent blood tests whilst you remain taking it (can be up to twice weekly at first then less often). This can be quite time consuming and stressful.

He may have an anger management issue, stress or sorry but just be a jerk!! Only a professional can tell.

[ozeymumof5]

I have anger issues to the point I can totally lose control. I took myself to mental health and while both my cousins have bi polar I don't. Medication does help keep my anger under control to a point. However I also get anxious, depressed, highs and lows yet still not bi polar. In the past I have been diagnosed with PND and SDD but my latest diagnosis is borderline personality disorder and medication does help. He needs to see a psych for a professional diagnosis. My husband is very good and in the 16 yrs of marriage he knows what makes me tick and the way he reacts to me explosive anger is the key as to it escalating or disintegrating.

[loislane2010]

Get him to to a psyc straight away. Ive recently been diagnoised bipolar and trust me its not just about anger. Bipolar is characterised by feelings of mania (highs) and depressions (lows). Mania can be anger but it is also a feeling of euphoria. Meaning you bounce around happy and content, basically like your on speed. Then you come crashing down into a dark depression where the smallest of tasks seem like mountian.

He needs help...more than a GP. The GP should have given him a referalal to a psyc. Did the GP prescribe him anything??

[Rachie81]

GP hasn't prescribed anything yet, but was planning to in next appt (tuesday) I think i will insist on a referral!

It all sux, sometimes I just wish I had another life!

[3cats1pug]

GP hasn't prescribed anything yet, but was planning to in next appt (tuesday) I think i will insist on a referral!

It all sux, sometimes I just wish I had another life!

Perhaps you could benefit from some counseling. Someone to talk to about how his issues effect you and how it makes you feel. You can get a referral from your GP for some Medicare funded visits to a psychologist. Might be nice to vent since you can't really talk to your husband.

[Rachie81]

I've been meaning to see someone for years! but never quite got round to it. Never have time without kids so sort of defeats the purpose of going. I must make the time. 1. to understand anger and anger management and how i can possibly help and 2. if he has something to understand the condition and not judge and learn how best to live with it....

[3cats1pug]

I've been meaning to see someone for years! but never quite got round to it. Never have time without kids so sort of defeats the purpose of going. I must make the time. 1. to understand anger and anger management and how i can possibly help and 2. if he has something to understand the condition and not judge and learn how best to live with it....

It's good your gonna make time. It's in the kids best interests anyway to have your emotional health tip top. Good luck to u and your guy in sorting it all out.