Charlie Sheen Suffers from DIGFAST (mania)
86Are you sick of Charlie Sheen? Charlie isn't sick of Charlie Sheen -- not by a long shot. But Charlie Sheen is sick. The question is, what exactly does he suffer from?
Let's Shrink Charlie!
In the wee hours of the morning I found myself unable to sleep. So I turned on the TV. Surprise, surprise! Even at 2 a.m. guess who's on? Charlie Sheen! He's everywhere! On the news! On the radio! In the newspaper! All over the blogosphere! He's comandeered all the media. Maybe he has morphed into Rupert Murdoch!!
Somehow I had managed to miss the announcement of the special called "Charlie Sheen ... Winning or Losing It?" hosted by Dr. Drew (Pinsky, of "Celebrity Rehab" fame). It has been airing repeatedly this week. My bet is that VH1 is playing beat-the-clock. I mean, The Sheen Machine is revved up so high, it's moving so fast, that the content of this show could be ancient history by ...tomorrow.
Dr. Drew website
The experts say it's...
Bleary-eyed and exhausted, I was not able to absorb everything being said on this Dr. Drew special. I do know Dr. Drew had a couple of other addiction experts and psychologists offering their "diagnoses" of Charlie. "What's eating Charlie Sheen?" seems to be a popular passtime among legitimate and armchair psychiatrists alike these days. Seriously. Everybody's got a theory on Charlie. All the world's a shrink.
Now, If we are to believe this particular panel of mental health experts, Charlie Sheen is BIPOLAR. How do we know this? He failed (or would that be "passed"?) the DIGFAST test. DIGFAST is a nifty little mnemonic for the "cardinal symptoms of manic espisode."
D-I-G-F-A-S-T = MANIC
D is for Distractability
I is for Indiscretion (excessive involvement in pleasurable activities*)
G is for Grandiosity
F is for Flight of Ideas
A is for Activity Increase
S is for Sleep Deficit (decreased need for sleep)
T is for Talkativeness (pressured speech)
Diagnostic Note: A manic episode requires at least one week of elevated or irritable mood plus three of the seven symptoms described above.
* Definition from DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.)
Let's see how our friend Charlie scores. Let's pretend we're playing that basketball game where you earn a letter for every basket (sometimes known as HORSE, but in this case we're spelling out DIGFAST).
Distractability +1
Indiscretion +2 (one for each of his "goddesses." Oops! Only 1 point per letter)
Grandiosity +5 (just kidding, +1)
Flight of Ideas +1
Activity Increase +1
Sleep Deficit ???*
Talkativeness +1
Symptoms have been in evidence for more than one week: Check
Exhibits at least three of the seven symptoms: Check
*There is no direct evidence that Charlie is sleeping less. Deductive reasoning tells us he is. He certainly looks haggard and hollow-eyed. And given his self-proclaimed sexploits with his two goddesses (I believe one's a prostitute and one's an actress), it's safe to assume he's spending his nights engaged in actvities other than sleeping. But that one's not verifiable. So we'll score Charlie a "0" for "S."
So based on the above, Charlie is for sure DIGFAT -- close enough, don't you think, to a full-on, bona fide DIGFAST manic episode?
Bipolar ... or Addict?
But wait! What about his addiction problem? Isn't Charlie's primary problem that he abuses drugs and alcohol? Isn't he famous for his binges?
Yes. Charlie is an addict/alcoholic. No one is disputing that. (No one could possibly dispute that.)
But what Dr. Drew et al are saying is that Charlies is also bipolar.
The two conditions frequently co-occur. In fact, 60% of bipolar people "self-medicate" with drugs and/or alcohol.
When queried about his bipolar diagnosis, Sheen's description of his abnormal brain activity is classic bipolar. Textbook, even. (See video below.)
When asked why he turned to alcohol and drugs, Charlie responds, "They work!" That simple statement speaks volumes.
Rehab, psych ward, or...
Sheen's aberrant behavior is esclating. Use whatever metaphor you like. He's a speeding train about to derail. He's spiralling down. He's about to hit his bottom.
Charlie Sheen can't go on like this indefinitely. He must be stopped or he will crash. And it won't be pretty.
The question right now is, what help would benefit Charlie most?
Does he belong back in drug rehab? He claims he is doing "rehab at home." To give him the benefit of the doubt, he may really be clean. For the moment.
But the longer he continues in this hyperactive state, the more likely he is to relapse. He does not value sobriety. He's made that clear. So what stands between Charlie and his next epic binge? Absolutely nada.
Or is bipolar the more pressing mental health issue? Being bipolar puts him at a higher risk for suicide. Given the severity of his symptoms, he is also at risk for a total break from reality. (Some people think this has already occurred.)
Now, bipolar does not typically require inpatient treatment -- unless the patient becomes a danger to himself or others. Charlie's estranged wife, Brooke Mueller, is concerned enough that she has physically removed their twin sons from Sheen's residence. She is demanding that Sheen undergo analysis as a condition of visitation. Clearly, she doesn't trust him to be around their kids. She fears Charlie might harm them. But that's not enough to have him committed.
Dr. Drew and the experts agree: Charlie (desperately) needs help.
... or let Charlie be Charlie?
As the saying goes, you can lead someone to treatment, but you can't make them recover. Both addiction and mental illness require 100% patient cooperation and compliance. You can't have surgery or pop a magic pill and become healed. If you expect to get well you've gotta want it. And you've gotta work it.
At present, Charlie sees absolutely nothing wrong -- not one thing -- with his current situation. In his mind, he's on a "winning" streak. Okay, so there's tiger's blood coming out of his fangs, but is that necessarily a bad thing? Apparently not for Charlie.
The thing is, he has every right to live this way. It's his life. He has a right to refuse help. He justifies his actions and dismisses his critics.
This is how Charlie Sheen says he wants to "roll."
What we see is a man who is deep in DIGFAST mode. He's digging faster and faster. We all know he's digging is his own grave.
Charlie, there are millions of people who care about you. I know you can't hear me. I know you're not listening to anyone but the committee in your head. But please, Charlie: it's time to put the shovel down.
Not Bipolar. "Bi-Winning."
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You know, I've actually been avoiding as much exposure to Charlie Sheen as I'm able to, but this week, two of my favorite hubbers have written about him. This was actually really well done. Thanks so much for sharing, and for thinking about him differently than the rest of the world does (but exactly like I do). This hub acknowledges that he is a person - a very sick person in need of help. Unfortunately, he's the only one who can ask for it. Sadly, bipolar disorder is another example of the law of gravity. What goes up MUST come down. And he will, soon. I just hope he doesn't come down without a net.
Hey girl, I liked this alot. My grandmother is bipolar and she was a raging alcoholic in her earlier years and very promiscuous as well. Ofcourse it wasn't until later in her life she was diagnosed as manic/bipolar and it explained her earlier behavior. I personally think Charlie has always had a bipolar predisposition but perhaps the signs hadn't shown themselves until after his abuse of alcohol and drugs that pushed his body and mental state over the edge. Now he is in a total manic state in the public eye and instead of people trying to help him people keep commenting on these gossip shows like ET and EXTRA that they find it fascinating. How is ruining one's life so fascinating? Some of these celebrities don't give a crap. Honestly I don't care for Charlie Sheen, I think he is an arrogant prick but I do feel a sense of sympathy for his mental condition and the fact that he is in denial is a sure sign that things will get alot worse before (or if) they ever make a turn for the better. I sure hope that his father Martin takes a conservatorship over him quick because its obvious he is in a "5150" state and he needs to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital quick.
My mother had to declare my grandma as 5150 after she withered millions of dollars and properties away that was in my great grandfather's family trust and by the time my mom went to court and won conservatorship all the money was gone. My grandmother went on a manic spree buying complete strangers brand new caddillacs and even went with some young guy to Iowa where he left her at a hotel and stole all of her credit cards. needless to say she got drunk, acted crazy and ended up in jail and was banned from the state of Iowa FOREVER!! (I am so serious)!!! My mom had to take the family attorney out there and bail her out and put her in a mental hospital. It was drama! She is better now that she is on her meds but she is extremely ill. So sad, bipolar is not a joke. GOOD HUB GIRL!!
Like everyone else, I'm sick to death of Charlie Sheen, but more, I'm sick of the media pounding the subject to death. Whatever else is wrong with him, it's certain he suffers from a highly inflated ego. His sense of entitlement is staggering. Drugs? Alcohol? Bipolar? I don't know, and don't care. True. I don't give a damn about Charlie Sheen. If he wants to live with porn stars and blow a fortune up his nose, it's nothing to me.
Sigh. I only read this because you wrote it, Mighty Mom.
I don't get regular TV and don't look for Charlie but in some movies. He's quite charming there. I'm sure ALL of the celebrities I've seen would be horrible to live with. There should be no "idolizing" with any of them. I hope they all get help and the folks who "follow them". God bless Mighty Mom!
Charlie Sheen,Britney Spears,Gary Busey and the rest need life coping skills,light medication,and to run out of money.;)
Yeah, MM, I agree that Charlie is capable of acting. Two and a Half Men is not a good example of his talent though. He just plays a much toned down version of HIMSELF on the show.
I am so tired of seeing Charlie Sheen face on the TV no matter what channel you're on. Obviously he's got serious problems but why is a worldwide news all day every day. His grandiosity keeps him in the spotlight but why do we play the game?
No-one can help Charlie until he realises that he really needs help. Only Charlie can help Charlie. But do not despair - everthing comes to an end sooner or later.
Speaking of his family, MM, my heart is breaking for all of them. I come from a family of addicts and mentally ill individuals. I believe that his family is handling this with class and a great deal of dignity. I pray for them all.
The argument that bi-polar people frequently self-medicate with alcohol and drugs is made frequently; why, I wonder, is not a theory advanced that says indulging in a lot of alcohol and drugs might well lead to bi-polar conditions.
In any event, I never watched him on the show but have enjoyed watching his current antics. Perhaps I'll eventually feel sorry for him but it does seem that he's the architect of his own eventual melt-down. He's lucky that he's living in a time and place that will probably give him another chance if he does ever decide to straighten himself up a bit.
Interesting Hub and watching how we all react to Charlie is almost as interesting as viewing him! Thanks.
I do believe that Mr. Sheen has a mental illness. Many people with mental illness, self-medicate to try to balance out. I hope he gets the help he needs.
Hiya Mighty Mom, great hub about Charlie Sheen and his condition. I like Two and Half Men and I'm sorry that Charlie Sheen might be fired (or has he already been fired?) and the show will not be the same anymore. I'm also sorry for him as he was given a second chance with his hit TV show, and he is blowing it, if not already. It is sad. Charlie Sheen is mentally ill and he needs medical help.. not a so-called rehab. I wish him the best.
Have a nice day,
Rosie
Great info in this Hub made it an interesting read. My opinion is that he has stopped taking his drugs (self-medication) and this is how he is without them. And I think you're right, he can't go on like that forever.
And how the mighty (not you, MM!!) have fallen! Charlie Sheen gets more pathetic everyday.
Sad about him and about the show being stopped. Addiction's such an awful thing, isn't it?
I absolutely agree. Charlies Sheen is just full of Charlie Sheen.
Nice hub about Charlie Sheen. I have been a fan of Two and a Half men for a while and have enjoyed Charlie on the show and his past movies but he has clearly lost his mind and I agree that the problem runs deeper than just his ego and grandios attitude. He needs therapy and lots of it. The only question that remains is who will make it to the celebrity morgue first, Charlie or Lindsey Lohan? Nice job here. Cheers.
Hi again MM :)
I do hope he gets help and gets better soon - I love that show!!
Awesome MM - I am sick and tired of Charlie Sheen right about now but your hub got my attention and held it. Sheen is all kinds of crazy. Awesome hub!! Voted up!
What on earth happened to put Charlie in the limelight so suddenly? I personally don't give a rat's patooty about the guy, but it is fascinating to watch. Tragic yet interesting-a media combo to die for!
This is the only piece of writing I've chosen to read on Mr. Sheen. Wonderful job, MM!
Thank you, me too!
Glad I'm following you, Mighty Mom, even though I'm always behind. Really good piece you've written. Like some other people, it's the only one I've bothered to read about Charlie because I remember your comments (and mine) on your '2011 dead celebrity list.' Almost stopped when you started on the bipolar track, but glad I stayed with you. Very well done, and beautifully finished. Re some comments: not sure about 'pathetic' I saw somewhere. It feels sad, but I don't equate them. Neither do I think we're 'playing his game'(if I remember the phrase), as someone commented. We've been drawn into the media blitz because if we watch or read anything except a book--why didn't you try that, Ms Sleepless?--we're exposed to Charlie--like it or not; that's not playing games. That's reality in this world. We don't want to watch some things, but we can't help it. When I visit, my eyes are drawn to her old candelabra with its crystal prisms. There are flaws from wear and tear and age in it, but I don't notice them. It's still beautiful. What I notice--what you see--is the prism that's broken away. It's precariously hanging loose--lower than the others--from a crook of thin metal that cannot be repaired because it cannot be reached. Anyone who's seen a high-wire balancing act fleetingly lose balance must admit they are drawn to the one who may lose balance; we agonize with the rest, hoping they maintain stability, but we watch the one falling. Charlie is part of a very talented, intelligent family. "Tragic yet interesting" was a good way of expressing how many of us feel. You don't have to like Charlie to feel for him. There are so many out there who are losing touch, or have already lost touch, with reality we should feel for; perhaps the only reason we don't is because they are not celebrities or part of a famous family. Gotta hand it to you, lady; you wrote this well. So many people have their take on bipolar because celebrities have made it okay to talk about it, and most of the time I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading whatever it is I read. This was good. You ended it perfectly, but Charlie is the one holding the shovel. Can anyone get it away from him? Cops say, 'put the gun down,' and we wait with our breath caught to see what happens. We're waiting to see what Charlie does with his shovel; it's human nature. "cultural enigma"--so true, MM. Good piece. Thanks for the comment, Motown2chitown.
Everyday for the past month, I have heard a story about Charlie Sheen. I think he is about to drive me crazy! heh
I really feel sorry for him. Mental illness coupled with fame, drugs, and money equals disaster. I can barely watch his interviews.
Watching Charlie Sheen on a news show is like watching a train wreck. I think they need to leave the man alone and hopefully someone can lead him to help. The more they badger him the less likely he is to ever admit that there is anything wrong with him.
Every opinion expressed above is an easy fall back position that requires no thinking other than being biogoted. All of you sound like you resent not being in his position more than basing anything on facts. Maybe everyone out ther should just shut themeselves up. Theres an idea. Charlie Sheen is not the Enemy any more than Marilyn Manson, gay marriage or evolution. Idiots all of you are.
I have never cared for the actor, but I also was not aware he may be considered bi-polar. That would explain it! I enjoyed your hub, as it explained a lot more than the tabloids or news media did. I guess he felt it was his turn to go for the unpopular media frenzy, now that most of the news about Mel Gibson has subsided. Enjoyed reading all your comments as well. : )
It is ashamed that many famous people become good examples of what NOT to be.From politics to sports to acting some of those people lead many down the wrong path.Addition has a way of destroying ones life and is always a BAD example.
Good write Mighty Mom.
Poor Charlie Sheen... Personally, I think that wealth and fame are poison for sufferers of Bipolar Disorder. And Charlie has both of them.
That sounds like you've just diagnosed him. Did you see his bizarre visit to the Jimmy Kimmel show. He's reveling in his notoriety and still just so happy with himself.
It seems to me that Charlie quite simply gets away with what he can. If he couldn't get away with (i.e. lack of money through loss of job = no more fun) he might alter his behavior. He's as crazy as we let him be. Do we really start calling everyone with a large personality 'bipolar'? What psychological category should we invent for lying/thieving politicians?
Thanx for your open minded response MM. Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d
I love your hubs MM and I also love Charlie Sheen as he does whatever to hell he wants and doesnt give a shit. If I had his life I would crash and burn, who to hell wants to live until 80 and be telling their grandkids they had a hubscore of 100.
Enjoyed reading this though ; )
Charlie so reminds me of George Best, its hell I will worry about dying tomorrow just top my glass up now. As an addict myself I have to say if I had the money or fame that both had I would gladly crash out with a bottle in one hand and a redhead in the other lol, and thank you for a good read.
Charlie's success is destroying him. If he lives long enough, hopefull he will eventually realize how he is trying to destroy himself and his family.
nice hub, well written
Watching Sheen's "tiger blood" interview made me think that I could go down this delusional road myself, given enough celebrity and money.
Well, he just announced he'll be a part of the Bipolar Awareness Walk. Hmm.
Really? Catherine Zeta-Jones is bipolar? She's one of my favorite actresses. I didn't know that. Thank you as well for the intel. Haha. :)
Vote up. I wonder what the outcome of Charlie will be?
I think yr right sadly and as for kitten - she is gorgeous I have to admit.
What we need to end the media obsession with CS is a good (mostly) old-fashioned royal wedding. Oh wait! There's one next Friday! And other than someday becoming King and Queen, the happy couple is "normal"...i.e. no drug/alcohol/mental problems to analyze ad nauseum, so the media is rehashing the groom's dead mother's mental state. Go figure.
I absolutely agree with KoffeeKlatch Gals on this one, I'v been through this manic bi-polar seen with a few close loved one's now and they always think they are perfectly o.k. everyone else is the crazy one's here. Very good hub, it is good to stay aware of this very serious disease that should be treated properly. Thanks for sharing.




















































OpinionDuck 14 months ago
I am not a fan of the television news provided experts.
I think that it is unprofessional and unethical for these doctors to make evaluations on people that they are not treating. In addition, if they were treating them then it would be confidential information.
Either way, this is wrong.
I you cared about Charlie Sheen then you should not be watching these witch hunt TV shows, and remember it is his life.
Sorry, I shouldn't have gotten into your private life.