Bi polar disorder??

bimbadeen I don't know much about bi-polar but I have experience of a mental health issue with a family member. I can't really add anything other than to say my thoughts are with all of you who are going through this situation.
annsixty - so difficult to help your son and deal with the daily challenges of your dh's alzheimers ....
Sending (((hugs))) to all xx

I just realised Annie mentioned a support helpline - that sounds very useful.

bimbadeen - my ex was diagnosed bipolar after years of being "horrid" as you say. He was put on lithium, which he still takes, he's late 70s now.
The drug did stabilise him, but by that time it was too late and I couldn't take any more. He never harmed our children though TG.
Second son was also diagnosed, in his 20s, and started lithium, and joined a support group which was a big help. But he was not as bad as his Dad and eventually took himself off the drug - TG he seems ok now, though eccentric! Could have been the wrong diagnosis.
If your son isn't stabilised after a year or so it could be that the drug isn't correct for him. Are you sure he takes it regularly?
A support group might help him too, if it exists. And you and your husband need support - it might be worth trying to start something in your area.

Oh annsixty you have had so much to cope with this year.My heart goes out to you andbimbadeen and others with a similar problem.

Our lives and even more,that of our son, have been ruled for 15 years now by his partner who has Bipolar disorder. She had a major meltdown just before Christmas and threw her D aged 15 out. She is not our sons child. She had her arrested for assault and the girl who has the same MH issues as her mother spent 5 hour in a police cell. My son got her a lawyer and she was released on unconditional bail. Because he did this for the girl she then refused my son access to the house and his children, they have both been with us over Christmas. With our own problems (H with Alzheimer's) our lives are in turmoil. I can only wish you well bimbadeen for the future and that of your son.

My dad was diagnosed as what was then known as "manic depressive" when I was in my teens. His mood swings had always been part of family life. He was given medication. I remember my mum was concerned and asked the doctor how she should behave towards him and the doctor said "Treat him as you would anyone else. If he does something you don't like, tell him." I think there are different levels of the illness and perhaps this causes different behaviour. I wish you all the best.

It might be helpful if your son is supported by a CPN ( community psychiatric nurse) in between appts with the psychiatrist. This is something he could request. CPNs may be male or female. More males in psychiatric nursing compared to general nursing is what I am trying to say!
I hope things improve for you all.

It is worth looking on the NHS Choices website under Bipolar.

There is a very support line Bi Polar UK, you will find their number on the internet, they have bern most helpful to me. I know how difficult it is for you . And MIND is most helpful too. I wish you luck in finding support x

Coping with mental illness in the family is so hard. It is bad enough to see a loved one ill; but worse to have to bear the brunt of social stigma, and also the difficulty in comprehending the nature of the illness. Have you looked at the MIND website or used their helpline? - definitely worth a look.