Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 3/11/2004

Question
My husband suffers from bi polar and attention deficit disorder, I believe that perhaps low self esteem and co dependency are at the root of his problems. His ex - family has managed to completely ruin his life by collaberating a lie and exaggerating past offenses, he's in jail for seven years for not falling back under their control. Can you tell me anything about sexual misconduct and how it affects their behavior. My husband is almost 48 years old and seems mild with breakdowns in the past but he's gone untreated up until Jan. 2001 I would appreciate anything you have to offer psychiatrists are in very short supply in our area

Answer
Hi . . .

I know little about sexual misconduct, but can tell you that when many people are manic, they find it difficult to control their impulses, and only think of momentary pleasures, rather then the long-term implications of their behavior.  It is not unusual for people with Bipolar Disorder to do jail time because they did forbidden things with money, automobiles or sex.  Attention Deficit Disorder makes this worse as people with ADD tend also to be impulsive.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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