Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 9/9/2008

Question
My daughter refuses to talk to her doctor about the disease. I feel that she has it. What can I do? She is 33 yrs old. I did not recognize it in her as a child.

Answer
Hi, Loretta . . .

The situation you describe is unfortunately all too common. Oe of the problems with bipolar disorder is that people with it are totally convinced that they are OK and that if anyone should see a psychiatrist it is other members of their family.

Unfortunately there is little that I can suggest. If you think you daughter is not telling he doctor important aspects of her history or her behavior you can write ethe doctor being sure to send or give a copy of the letter to your daughter so it is clear that you are not trying to do anything behind her back.

To get support for yourself you should join NAMI or the local chapter of the Bipolar and Depressive Support Alliance. Most of the shapers have what they refer to as a "friends and family" group where individuals who are trying to help a family member or friend can go fro support. You can find your local chapter by going to:

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_findsupport

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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