Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 9/6/2007

Question
my wife has not taken her thyroid medication for over a year. i was told after her thyroid was killed using radioactive iodine she would have bipolar, panic disorder and depression until her medication was right and would need to be on this for the rest of her life. she thinks i have stolen, or changed everything in the house. from the kids bikes to the bathtub. last night she was going to take the kids for a blood test because she thought i had drugged them. we have been friends for 21 years and together for 12. our boys are 9 and 11.they tell me they know im not doing these things. her behavior is drastic at the time of her period. the thyroid treatment was done 7 years ago and she is 41.cocaine seems to be involved as well.she thinks that she does not need thismedication any more but if i had about 20 pages to tell you about it i dont think thats enough.HELP.

Answer
Hi Robert:

Thyroid disorder often mimics bipolar disorder.  It appears your wife is also very psychotic.  My suggestion would be to get her to a doctor as soon as possible.  She most likely needs thyroid medication and an anti-psychotic, like Seroquel.  If she won't go willingly, discuss with a crisis center your options of having her admitted for observation temporarily.

In her state of mind, she will very likely avoid any attempts to reason.  Being hospitalized and getting medication in her system, it will be easier to reason with her and show she needs the medication.

One thing that is hard to keep in mind in situations like this is the fact she is not doing this out of meanness--she honestly believes the things she is saying.  
                Joyce A. Anthony