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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar disorder leading to Domestic Violence

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Expert: - 2/27/2009


Question
Hello, my name is Ashleigh I have been with my husband for 3yrs now and just recently left him for domestic violence. The Domestic violence has been going on for about 2 years now. My husband and I have a 2yr old daughter. My daughter and I now live with my mother, a domestic violence victim herself. When I left Ken, my husband, he went to a mental health hospital for 6 days and now he is going to counseling once a month. He was just recently diagnosed with manic depression/bipolar disorder. My question is will the meds and the therapy help him control his anger. In short can manic depression/ Bipolar Disorder lead to domestic violence and will what he is trying to do help with that?

Answer
Bipolar Disorder does not lead to domestic violence as much as it can occur along next to domestic violence, if that makes sense.  Meds and therapy can only do so much with the bipolar disorder symptoms, it's important for you to recognize that they will never be an absolute and complete fix.  As for their ability to help with the domestic violence part...that all depends on your husband.  

 Having been in a relationship with someone who is also bipolar (and being bipolar myself), with severe domestic violence being committed by him for the better part of the 8 years of our relationship (one thing that I think is important to note is that he was on meds for only about a total of 10-12 weeks throughout all 8 years)- it comes down to making the best choice for you and your daughter with the circumstances that you face right now.  Don't look at what may be there in the future or what could happen down the road; you're not there yet.  With the brief time he's "changed", you shouldn't take any risks with your safety or that of your daughter. Please take a good look at all of the information and the needs of yourself and your child, and make a decision that reflects those two people's needs, not his.

Bipolar Disorder

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Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

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