Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 4/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: My husband has been recently diagnosed with bipolar but he refuses to believe anything is wrong.  For the past three months he has been taking a lot of money, disappearing for days at a time and constantly lying.  In between when he's doing these things he'll break down and cry and say he doesn't know why he can't stop doing what he's doing and he doesn't like what he has become.  He's now told me that he wants a divorce and is living with his parents (I think).  The problem is that his family is very anti meds and anti therapy.  They refuse to believe that anything is wrong and that I am the "crazy" one because he's been filling their heads with all sorts of lies.  Is there anyway I can get him help even if he doesn't want it.  He just keeps getting worse and worse and I'm afraid that he will end up in jail or worse.  I really love him and know that it is not really "him" that is doing all of these things.  Please help!
ANSWER: Hi Kirsten . . .
People with bipolar disorder are often convinced that they are not only OK but that they are in some special state that lets them have insight into the minds of others. Except when depressed for some period of time they reject help and often accuse those who are trying to help them of having evil motivations.

If your husband's family is supporting his refusal to take medication or see a therapist there is, unfortunately, little you can do. If things get really difficult you might do what you can to see that he ends up in a psychiatric hospital rather then a jail.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you have any suggestions as to how to go about finding out how to get him into a hospital.  I don't believe that he is intentionally suicidal but I'm afraid his behavior might cause him harm

Answer
Hi . . .

In most parts of the USA people can be hospitalized against their will if they are a danger to themselves or others. In additional to being obviously suicidal, people for example who are in danger of eating so poorly that they may die can be hospitalized.

You may have to talk with a lawyer to determine the rules in your state.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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