![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jenni on July 7, 2003, at 0:22:07
I am doing some research to take to a friend of mine regarding his wife. she just turned 21 and friends have always just described her as 'crazy' or 'bypolar' but the most recent situations have me wondering if there isn't something more involved. she's always been one of those girls that had to be the center of attention, her image came before her children, etc... they split up because of her behavior, including an having an affair but accusing him of having one instead. immediately afterwards she's caused all kinds of ruckus. she created a scene at a family gathering, she allowed her boyfriend to wreck her car, she almost went to jail, ant then when that didn't get her the attention she felt she deserved she said her one year old drank an entire bottle of liquid children's tylenol, me and my friends came running, gave him ipicac syrup, called poison control, took him to the hospital, but the doctors found zero toxicity in his blood. it is my concearn that this is the beginings of munchausen syndrome byproxy, compounded by her untreated bypolar and borderline narcisstic characteristics.
what i am wondering is if anyone has any knowledge and advice that might help me point out these symptoms to my friend to help her get help. any info or advice will help at this point
Posted by judy1 on July 7, 2003, at 15:09:16
In reply to Just found Babble, wonder if you can help me, posted by Jenni on July 7, 2003, at 0:22:07
welcome to babble, Jenni. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder myself, the one thing I learned was it took professionals to make the diagnosis and years! before the correct one was made. I agree your friend's behavior is extremely erratic and I understand your concern. The major problem is that if she is not a danger to herself or others (yes, the child scenario was scary- but she didn't hurt her child, just wanted to call attention to herself), no one can force her to get help. Does she listen to her husband at all? If not, he can seek counseling and ask her to come but go by himself if she refuses. The therapist should be able to help him with ways to convince her to get help, that's what worked for me. The problem with bipolar disorder (and actually she sounds more borderline personality than bipolar) is the denial that anything is wrong. This is extremely frustrating to everyone and I'm sure you want to help but ultimately it's her decision. I hope her husband seeks help and I wish you all well- judy
Posted by stjames on July 9, 2003, at 17:38:59
In reply to Just found Babble, wonder if you can help me, posted by Jenni on July 7, 2003, at 0:22:07
it is my concearn that this is the beginings of munchausen syndrome byproxy, compounded by her untreated bypolar and borderline narcisstic characteristics.
If this is the case, you can totally forget pointing these behaviors out to her, it will do no good. All 3 disorders are quite serious, far beyond a good friend being able to "point things out" to make them better. If she is using her children by proxy, that sounds like child abuse to me.
Posted by stjames on July 10, 2003, at 11:12:34
In reply to Re: Just found Babble, wonder if you can help me » Jenni, posted by judy1 on July 7, 2003, at 15:09:16
(yes, the child scenario was scary- but she didn't hurt her child, just wanted to call attention to herself),
She did not hurt the child ? What is allowing unneeded medical procedures called ?
Posted by judy1 on July 10, 2003, at 18:52:29
In reply to Re: Just found Babble, wonder if you can help me, posted by stjames on July 10, 2003, at 11:12:34
just 'technically' a person has to be found to be a danger to herself/himself or others before they can force treatment or institionalization. So while I think her actions were abhorrent, she did not give poison to her child and I don't think a judge would issue an order. maybe laws are different by state? take care, judy
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Psychology | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.