Amanda Bynes Troubling Behavior

Amanda Bynes has been reunited with the dog she almost torched ... TMZ has learned.

You'll recall during Amanda's last flame out before being committed to a psychiatric hospital, she ignited a fire in a residential driveway in Thousand Oaks. Amanda was holding her Pomeranian -- Sherbert -- as she lit the fire, and the dog was doused in gasoline.

When Amanda was 5150'd, her parents took custody of the pooch.

We're told Amanda has been repeatedly asking for the dog during her confinement. On Thursday night, she got a 4-legged visitor, and it was no small feat. Her parents showed up with Sherbert after visiting hours, but doctors still allowed Amanda to spend 30-minutes with her doggie.

We're told the visit "thrilled" Amanda and brought her a lot of comfort.

The judge in the Amanda Bynes case just granted a temporary conservatorship to her parents.

The judge based his decision in no small part on the findings of an investigator he appointed to evaluate Amanda's mental health.

As we first reported ... Amanda was not in court, because doctors at the psychiatric hospital got a 1-month extension on her psych hold ... because she's "gravely disabled" with mental illness.

Amanda's lawyer told the judge ... she's spoken with the actress several times and Amanda opposes the conservatorship, believing it's not necessary.

The conservatorship not only covers Amanda's personal well-being, it gives her mom the ability to manage her finances. Amanda's $4 million savings have been rapidly depleted, though it's unclear what she's been spending money on. The judge cautioned the parents not to make any significant deals without consulting with Amanda's lawyer.

The judge said he'd like to have some face-to-face time with Amanda, so he can make a firsthand evaluation.

Amanda Bynes has just been placed on an extended, 30-day psychiatric hold ... and the people responsible for making that happen were not her parents -- they were her doctors ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us ... doctors at the psychiatric hospital where Amanda has been held for the last 2 weeks determined she was not well enough to leave the hospital to attend today's hearing -- where her parents are trying to win a temporary conservatorship.

We're told doctors went to a judge who traveled to the hospital to conduct an emergency hearing. The judge granted the doctors' request, and extended Amanda's psych hold for 30 days.

According to the law, doctors can only get such an order if the patient is "gravely disabled as a result of a mental disorder."

Amanda's parents will still pursue the temporary conservatorship, we've learned, because it will stay in effect until Sept. 30th. And the conservatorship would allow her parents to control Amanda's finances.

Amanda Bynes will be in court Friday --TMZ has learned -- and we're told she will mount a ferocious fight for her freedom.

Sources involved in the case tell TMZ ... Amanda will be transported from the psychiatric hospital -- where she's been staying against her will for the last 2 weeks -- to a courthouse where her parents will be asking a judge for a temporary conservatorship.

We're told Amanda will be transported by a hospital vehicle and accompanied by her lawyer. The only snag would be if Amanda goes off the rails before the hearing.

Sources tell us Amanda will be speaking with the judge -- possibly in chambers -- so he can get a read on her mental competency.

If the parents prevail, the temporary conservatorship will last until Sept. 30, when a full-blown conservatorship hearing will take place. If the parents get their way, Amanda will go back to the psych ward for further treatment.

If Amanda prevails, she will walk out of the courthouse a free woman.

We'll be there, so stay tuned.

Amanda Bynes was just shut down in her bid to leave the psychiatric hospital where she has been held against her will for more than a week ... TMZ has learned.

Amanda appeared before a judge in the psych ward, as her lawyer argued there was no legal basis to hold her for the two additional weeks ... sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ.

We broke the story ... Amanda was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold 10 days ago after starting a fire in the driveway of a home near L.A. The hold lasted 3 days, and then doctors stepped in and got a judge to extend the hold for 2 additional weeks so they could properly diagnose her.

Our sources say Amanda's lawyer argued at today's hearing the actress was capable of caring for herself and she was not a danger to others. As we reported, Amanda is actually doing a lot better since doctors have started giving her a cocktail of meds. We're told there are clear signs Amanda is schizophrenic.

In the end the judge agreed with the doctors, that Amanda needed to stay in the hospital because her mental situation is still precarious. Amanda does not acknowledge she has a mental illness, and doctors believe there's more than a good chance she would not take the meds that have stabilized her if she's out on her own.

Amanda Bynes is doing remarkably better ... she's stabilized, not hearing voices and it's all because of a cocktail ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... doctors at the psychiatric hospital where she's being held have given her a combination of meds -- referred to as a cocktail -- to control what appears to be schizophrenia.

Our sources say Amanda responded quickly and dramatically. We're told in the last 3 days, Amanda has stopped talking to herself and stopped insulting people. To the contrary, we're told she's become downright polite, even saying "please" and "thank you." She has shown no signs of violence.

The progress is all the more stunning because these cocktails are notoriously difficult to gauge -- getting the right combination of meds with the right doses is something of a crap shoot. Our sources say the meds take 7 to 10 days to fully kick in, so they're not declaring victory yet, but they're optimistic.

But there's an ironic twist. Amanda is scheduled to have a court hearing today ... where she's trying to get out of the psych hospital. The fact that she's doing better can actually help her case, but we're told doctors are confident the judge will not let her out for several reasons. First, it's unclear if the meds will work long-term. Also, it's highly uncertain she'll voluntarily take the drugs.

One more thing. There are reports Amanda's parents may back off the conservatorship if she does better in the psych ward. Our sources say that is "absolutely untrue." Amanda's parents feel it's essential for her to get long-term care and supervision.

Good News!!! Someone has stepped up and PAID for the damages caused by the driveway fire Amanda Bynes set at an elderly woman's home a few days ago.

But there's more to the story ... and it involves Amanda's aspirations to become a rap star. Allow us to explain ...

The good Samaritan who paid for the driveway cleanup is Daniel Herman -- who owns Chinga Chang Records, an East coast hip hop record label.

Daniel tells TMZ he's been following Amanda's journey to become a rap star and would love nothing more than to sign her to his label.

That being said, Daniel says when he saw the damage Amanda caused at the elderly woman's home, he wanted to help -- so he called the woman, Bonnie Braaten, and asked for permission to bankroll the cleanup. She agreed ... and he happily cut a check for the $1,000 job.

So, is Daniel a good guy who saw an opportunity ... or is he an opportunist posing as a good guy?

Amanda Bynes left a trail of destruction at the Ritz-Carlton in NYC -- days before she was taken in on a 5150 hold -- and TMZ has pics of the disaster zone.

Piles of of garbage, ashes, cosmetics, and even a destroyed smoke alarm can be seen in the photos taken inside Amanda's room.

As we reported, Bynes was booted from the posh hotel last Thursday for smoking weed in the room and being rude to hotel staff. Bynes denied the allegations, but the photos paint a pretty damning picture.

The damaged smoke alarm pic is noteworthy -- Amanda's parents say she has a history of disabling the devices because she thinks they're watching her.

Amanda Bynes has CANCELLED the hearing she requested today to get out of the psych ward, because she wants the meds to kick in before making her case to the judge ... TMZ has learned.

TMZ broke the story ... Amanda had requested a hearing for 2 PM today at the psychiatric hospital where she's being treated, arguing that she's being held illegally. A judge decided Thursday that the psychiatric hold would be extended for another 2 weeks.

Sources connected with the case tell TMZ ... Amanda and her lawyer agreed that the evidence they had planned to present today was basically the same evidence she presented yesterday, when she lost.

We're told Amanda asked for another hearing in a week. Now this is important ... we're told Amanda and her lawyers believe the medications she's getting now may improve her condition and that would allow her to make a more compelling case for freedom.

The fact that Amanda believes the meds may help her seems to be a big step forward -- up to now she's refused to acknowledge she has a mental illness.

TMZ has learned ... the judge just GRANTED the request to extend Amanda's psychiatric hold for another 2 weeks. So even if the judge denies the temporary conservatorship Friday ... Amanda will stay in the psych ward for 2 more weeks.

Amanda Bynes is in a court hearing right now to determine if the 5150 psychiatric hold will be extended for 2 weeks, and if the judge denies the extension Amanda could walk free tonight ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the matter tell TMZ the hearing is being held in the psychiatric hospital where Amanda has been confined. A judge is presiding over the hearing at the hospital.

We're told Amanda has her own lawyer who is arguing that the extension should be denied.

Our sources say the doctors are arguing that they need the 2 weeks to properly diagnose Amanda ... and that releasing her could pose a danger to herself and others.

If the judge denies the extension the 72-hour hold expires in a matter of hours and Amanda could go free.

People connected with the case tell TMZ, however ... they feel confident doctors will win an extension.

We're also told the reason Amanda's parents are going to court Friday morning is because they are worried the judge will reject the 2 week extension and they want the ability to control her actions in the event that happens.

The parents of Amanda Bynes believe she's a substance abuser who has become paranoid, delusional and is draining her bank account ... this according to legal docs obtained by TMZ.

Amanda's parents filed papers in an attempt to win a temporary conservatorship. In the docs, they say Amanda has become "extremely paranoid about being watched," and she covers smoke alarms with towels and tapes windows shut to prevent cameras from shooting her.

The parents go on -- Amanda has "profound issues with her body image" and is "obsessed with the fact that she (and others) are ugly."

The parents say Amanda had $4 million in the bank, but is blowing a huge amount of cash -- she spent $1.2 mil in a very short amount of time. Amanda withdrew $100k on June 4 and another $100k on July 2 and the parents have no idea where the money went, but they mention they believe she spends "a substantial amount" for marijuana and other illegal substances.

The parents say Amanda doesn't connect with reality, telling them she "cabbed it" from New York to L.A. The parents believe she's homeless.

The documents described what TMZ first reported ... that the parents are hanging their hats on the driveway fire incident to show Amanda is a danger to herself and others.

The court denied the petition for a temporary conservatorship Friday morning, because the judge wanted more info.

Amanda Bynes will not go down without a fight ... because her lawyer just filed legal docs asking for an emergency hearing to let her loose from the psych ward ... TMZ has learned.

Amanda's lawyer just filed a motion asking the judge to release her from the 2-week forced hospitalization a judge approved Thursday.

There will be a hearing before a judge at the psych ward today at 2PM PT, challenging yesterday's 2-week extension, and Amanda will be present.

Meanwhile Amanda's parents showed up in court this morning in their attempt to win a temporary conservatorship, but they got shut down -- at least temporarily.

The judge said there was no need to rush things because Amanda is already being held for 2 weeks.

The judge wants certain things to happen before he rules on a conservatorship:

-- He wants a one-on-one with Amanda.

-- He wants the lawyer he appointed to rep Amanda to interview her and then come up with a recommendation.

-- He wants to hear from Amanda's doctors.

-- He wants to see the police file on "the incident" -- sources have told us the incident in question is the driveway fire.

Amanda Bynes' parents will tell a judge today ... the actress is in serious danger and could cause physical harm to herself ... and that's why they want to take control over her life, TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the family tell us ... Amanda's parents will be in court this morning with their attorney, Tamar Arminak ....asking the judge to create a temporary conservatorship for their 27-year-old daughter.

Here's what her parents must prove:

1) Amanda does not have the ability to provide for her own physical health -- along with food, clothing and shelter

We're told her parents will use the gasoline fire in Thousand Oaks, which singed her clothes and caused damage to a home, as the centerpiece of their argument that she's in imminent danger of physically harming herself.

2) Amanda cannot make sound financial judgements

Amanda's parents will argue her mental illness makes her unfit to protect her life savings.

3) They can provide a stable home for their daughter

We're told Amanda's parents will tell the judge ... they're prepared for Amanda to move into their Thousand Oaks home and they will provide all necessary care.

FYI -- Amanda owns two properties, but they're both leased out. She's lived in several hotels and apartment buildings ... but she's been thrown out of almost every one due to her erratic behavior.

4) There are no realistic alternatives to a conservatorship

We're told Amanda's parents will argue she's suffering from schizophrenia but will not seek treatment because she doesn't believe she has an illness -- even though she acknowledges there's a "good Amanda" and a "bad Amanda." They believe the only way to keep her safe is to provide round-the-clock care.

If the judge grants the temporary conservatorship, we're told the parents will immediately petition the court to make the conservatorship PERMANENT ... ala Britney Spears. The judge would then set a date for a full-blown hearing and appoint a lawyer to rep Amanda.

Today's hearing is set for 8:30 AM PT -- so stay tuned.

Nick Cannon tells TMZ ... when it comes to helping his former Nickelodeon co-star Amanda Bynes -- all he can do is pray.

Cannon -- who appeared on "All That" with Bynes back in the day -- has been an outspoken supporter of the actress throughout her recent issues.

But at LAX yesterday, Cannon told us it's gonna take some divine intervention to save his friend.

Amanda Bynes’ parents have just filed court documents asking a California judge to impose a conservatorship on their daughter due to her apparent mental illness, TMZ has learned.

The conservatorship would empower Amanda's parents to have decision-making authority over certain aspects of Amanda's life ... though it's unclear, at this point, what specific aspects Amanda's parents are looking to control.

Amanda is currently being held by authorities on a 5150 psychiatric hold ... which was put into place earlier this week after she lit a fire on the driveway of a random elderly woman in Thousand Oaks, Ca.

TMZ broke the story ... doctors at the psychiatric hospital say Amanda is showing signs of schizophrenia.

TMZ has learned the documents outline Amanda's bizarre behavior and highlight the troubling string of incidents -- including the driveway fire -- leading up to the 5150.

There will be a court hearing Friday.

It's worth noting ... it's VERY difficult to get a conservatorship in California.

Story developing ...

Amanda Bynes has been true to form in the hospital where she's being held on a psychiatric hold -- she's completely lucid for long stretches, and then goes off the handle crazy.

Sources with knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... doctors have already determined Amanda is suffering from a severe mental illness "with schizophrenic tendencies." We're told she's aware "there's a good Amanda and a bad Amanda." When she talks about the bad Amanda she almost mimics an exorcism, pulling at her body as if to remove the demon, and even biting herself.

We're told yesterday Amanda was lucid for 10 hours -- she was kind, quiet and nice. During that 10 hour period the staff questioned her about the fire she started Monday and her personality changed radically. She got frustrated and "shut down." But she still remained "normal."

After 10 hours of normal, out of nowhere, her eyes widened, she started to grill the staff about her dog (the one she soaked in gasoline). The staff then told her the dog was safe with her parents, and Amanda went nuts, saying "They'll kill it, just like they tried to kill me." This went on for an hour.

Amanda then got incoherent and so out of control she had to be physically restrained.

And, we're told, Amanda was extensively drug-tested, and everything came up negative, except for marijuana.