Re-ask, How destructive can an adult suffering manic-depression be?!


Question: What I would like to know is, how destructive can this behavior become for others, worst case scenario?


Answers: What I would like to know is, how destructive can this behavior become for others, worst case scenario?

put bluntly: death.

I work in mental health, inpatient acute care. I've seen people admitted --especially in manic phase-- that are quite dangerous to others! Keep in mind that the danger truly lies in the individual not realizing how their behavior is affecting others -- they don't realize they're driving too fast or spending too much or how mad they are making the impulsive stranger next to them.

The behavior of someone with BPAD isn't in-and-of-itself necessarily destructive, but can often lead to dire consequences. In this phase, judgment often becomes impaired and high-risk behaviors become the "norm". (i.e. drug-seeking, impulsive driving, high-risk sexual behavior, etc.) Their behavior may become aggressive or intrusive. A person in a manic state can begin to experience psychosis, or a break with reality, where thinking is affected along with mood. If reaching this point, receiving immediate intervention is imperative, as the suffering individual loses all sense of consequence.

I don't mean to frighten, but it is definitely a serious issue. So many individuals with BPAD fail to seek help (or continue with help) because of the grandiose and "enjoyable" feeling of being manic. At the time, they just don't realize how dangerous a manic phase can truly be.

I hope this helps you!

++ In response to your additional details: Yes, BPAD can have a strong effect upon those surrounding the affected individual. As mentioned, reckless behaviors --such as increased spending, promiscuous sexual activity and other high-risk activities-- can most definitely put a strain on those around you. STDs can be transmitted, mounting debt can be shared and others' sanity, as well as life itself, can most definitely be threatened by these activities.

Bipolar disorder can be extremely destructive.

When a person is manic, they might run up debts, be much more sexually promiscuous and risk-taking in their sex lives (leading to many things, perhaps including destroyed relationships, STDs, unwanted pregnancies, etc). They take more risks generally, and so are more likely to be involved in accidents.

Both mania and depression, for different reasons, can lead to, ruined relationships and lost jobs.

At its worst, depression leads to suicide.





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