Diagnosing bipolar with marijuana

Anniken · Jul 07, 2019 at 03:33 AM

Hi, I live in the UK and have been experiencing symptoms of bipolar for at least 5 years. I've also been smoking cannabis for the most part of 8 years. I have been mentally assessed but was told I need to stop smoking and then be assessed again. Is this true? I have the intention to stop but am struggling and it's taking months, and no diagnosis means no treatment.

Victoria'smom · Jul 07, 2019 at 09:07 AM

Usually they can't truly diagnose you unless your drug/alcohol free. However US some drs will start meds anyway.

Ezrigirl · Jul 07, 2019 at 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anniken

Hi, I live in the UK and have been experiencing symptoms of bipolar for at least 5 years. I've also been smoking cannabis for the most part of 8 years. I have been mentally assessed but was told I need to stop smoking and then be assessed again. Is this true? I have the intention to stop but am struggling and it's taking months, and no diagnosis means no treatment.

I can only say about the United States, as the United Kingdom is different. Cannabis is a enjoyable drug, but I would stop until you can be assessed again.

Wild Coyote · Jul 07, 2019 at 09:29 AM

Hi Anniken,

Welcome to PC!

I hope you will find the information and the support you may be seeking.

I agree with both of the above posters. It is difficult to assess someone when they are using drugs and/or alcohol. At the same time. if anyone is having a difficult time, some MDs will try to help out until the client tapers off of the drugs/alcohol.

I hope you find the assistance you need.

I hope to see you around PC!

fern46 · Jul 07, 2019 at 10:06 AM

There are multiple studies linking prolonged use with the onset of mania and psychosis. If you have an underlying condition THC can exacerbate it. However, there are also new studies that proposed CBD can be helpful in treating bipolar disorder.

You can quit. Get it out of your house and take time away from people who use. Find out who you are in a clean state.

~Christina · Jul 07, 2019 at 11:52 AM

When was the last time you had a physical with full blood work done??

Thyroid and hormone levels just to name a few can present as mental illness. It’s always best to rule out physical first.

As already mentioned it’s virtually impossible to find any kind of stability or a diagnosis while street drugs and alcohol are on board.

Welcome to PC

MickeyCheeky · Jul 07, 2019 at 12:18 PM

Yes, you may want to quit marijuana, @Anniken, as it can interfere with your mental state. That way you'll be able to receive a proper diagnosis. Hang in there! I'm sure you can do this. I know it's not easy. Please stay safe and take GREAT care of yourself. You've got this. Wishing you peace and hope and sending many safe, warm hugs along your way, Anniken!

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Anniken Junior Member Member Since Jul 2019 Location: Uk Posts: 10 4 7 hugs given	Jul 07, 2019 at 03:33 AM #1 Hi, I live in the UK and have been experiencing symptoms of bipolar for at least 5 years. I've also been smoking cannabis for the most part of 8 years. I have been mentally assessed but was told I need to stop smoking and then be assessed again. Is this true? I have the intention to stop but am struggling and it's taking months, and no diagnosis means no treatment.
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Victoria'smom Legendary Member Since Apr 2012 Location: Earth Posts: 14,903 (SuperPoster!) 11 5,429 hugs given	Jul 07, 2019 at 09:07 AM #2 Usually they can't truly diagnose you unless your drug/alcohol free. However US some drs will start meds anyway. __________________ Dx: Me- SzA Husband- Bipolar 1 Daughter- mood disorder+ Comfortable broken and happy "So I don't know why I'm tongue tied At the wrong time when I need this."- P!nk My blog
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fern46 Grand Magnate Member Since Mar 2019 Location: USA Posts: 3,021 5 4,300 hugs given	Jul 07, 2019 at 10:06 AM #5 There are multiple studies linking prolonged use with the onset of mania and psychosis. If you have an underlying condition THC can exacerbate it. However, there are also new studies that proposed CBD can be helpful in treating bipolar disorder. You can quit. Get it out of your house and take time away from people who use. Find out who you are in a clean state.
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MickeyCheeky Legendary Member Since Jun 2016 Location: Italy Posts: 11,817 (SuperPoster!) 7 38.4k hugs given	Jul 07, 2019 at 12:18 PM #7 Yes, you may want to quit marijuana, @Anniken, as it can interfere with your mental state. That way you'll be able to receive a proper diagnosis. Hang in there! I'm sure you can do this. I know it's not easy. Please stay safe and take GREAT care of yourself. You've got this. Wishing you peace and hope and sending many safe, warm hugs along your way, Anniken!
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