Worried about teen's mental health - is this bi polar?

[notaflyingmonkey]

DS is nearly 19 and high functioning autistic.

Over the last 6 months his behaviour has become extremely erratic and some of the things he has said/done are deeply worrying. I get that teens like to big themselves up, but he will boast for example that he earns £1k a week drug dealing (he certainly doesn't). Or that he is hiring an exclusive hotel for a party (he isn't). Because his peers realise that he is talking nonsense, they tend to steer away from him, but I also worry about how vulnerable this makes him as I know he is borrowing large amounts of money, and getting involved in illegal activities during these periods. It's like he has no moral compass.

These periods of 'mania' are then followed by periods of deep depression, insomnia, etc.

I can't tell you how many times I have taken him to the GP for help, but they just recommend exercise. He has been seen by CAMHS and discharged. I have asked specifically for an assessment for bi-polar, but will need to wait until he is 18 for that to be done as an adult. He has seen 3 or 4 different counsellors, but they can't get anywhere with him.

I am desparate to help him, but don't know how.

Does this tick boxes for bi-polar, including the lies/self delusion?

That should have read 'nearly 18'.

Can you put a request in to be seen by adult mh services due to him nearly being 18.
The wait might take him to his 18th bday.
His actions and behaviour sounds very concerning.
Can you find a private psychiatrist assessment?

It doesn't really matter what it is, the worrying thing is he does not know how to keep himself safe. It could be stress, bipolar, psychosis. Does he have any sensible friends you can enlist the help of? I would be seriously concerned that he's not being exploited as dealers prey on vulnerable people, and that is messing with his mind. I'd actually raise your concerns with the police now. They can do a lot to protect vulnerable people, disrupt activity, but only if they know about it.

Thanks both for your responses.

He's known to the police, who have been kind but are limited in what they can do. He's been under social services, who didn't help either. I think his problems are much deeper than any of these agencies have the time or resource to help with.

I phoned adult MH to ask for him to be referred. Not a good start as the woman who answered the phone was in the middle of a conversation with someone and laughing. She refused to 'bend the rules' to refer him now.

I've now gone back to the GP who referred him for a private psych assessment, so just waiting to hear back from that on a date.

In the meantime, he is a ticking bomb.

There is such a thing as Forensic LD MH services which seek to protect/support people with LD who are at risk of offending through no fault of their own

This is an example of a service in Bristol , there will be a comparative service in your locality if you know the name of your local mental health trust.

www.awp.nhs.uk/services/community/learning-disabilities/