Yesterday I asked how long a patient who was in the hospital and was being treated was likely to stay in a manic state.  I worded it awkwardly, sorry.

My son has usually come out of these states in 24/48 hours (he's had 3 episodes since he was 18 and now he is having 4th and he is 22.)  He has responded to the depakote and zyprexa and, even though he is depressed, he has a pretty accurate take on what is going on.

This time, the best that is happening is bringing it down to a strong hypomania and he thinks he can run away and live on his own---even though he can not concentrate, get a job, read...They are keeping him in the hospital b/c his therapist knows him well and the team knows that he is acting out of character.

His Dad and I are worried about the length of time that he is still in this manic state.  We are not supposed to visit b/c our son is angry w/ everyone and especially us for telling him something is wrong.  Its been a few weeks. 

Also he had been off his meds for 9 months and smoking pot.  Are they contributing factors to the delay?  Or sometimes does the bipolar disease just get worse and last longer?

Any comment would be much appreciated.