Addiction to Conflict & Bipolar Disorder

In your practices, how prevalent have you found an addiction to conflict to coexist with bipolar disorder?

The client in question has a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, though he evidences no depressive behaviors. He seems perpetually "hypomanic," and no bipolar medications seem to have an effect on him.

He has a continuing cycle of making friends quickly, due to his wit and ability to initiate conversation. However, every friendship ends in bitterness and disillusionment. He becomes irritated at their foibles and mistakes, and they are driven off by his tendency to dominate and control them, along with constant expressions of negativity. Then the pattern starts up again with someone else.

The client expresses sadness that relationships can't be maintained, yet says without some kind of conflict going on, he is uneasy. I'm considering recommending he get a second opinion on his initial diagnosis, to either reconfirm manic-depression and/or screen for borderline.

Replies:

Re:Addiction to Conflict & Bipolar Disorder, by curious, 04/11/02

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