Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 8/3/2010

Question
My s/o was dx with bipolar I, recently, he was in the psych ward for apox 3 wks not compliant with his meds in the hospital and he is not compliant with meds at home, what do I do, he is still manic, argumentative with me about everything and states that I need to go to the hospital not him. What can I do, I am really at my wits end. I am about to walk out on him after 13yrs, but the guilt I feel keeps me back in this hell of a life.

Answer
Hi, Rajugeorge . . .

Many people with bipolar disorder deny their need for treatment and insist that it is their relatives and friends are the ones who actually need treatment. Such people can seldom be convinced that it makes good sense for them to take medication. Often they only develop some insight after a series of hospitalizations and failed relationships.

It situations such as the one you describe I often suggest to the healthy member of the relationship that they leave the relationship and make ti clear that they will only return to the relationship if they can accompany their partner to the doctor and be assured that all prescribed medication wi;; be taken.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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