If bipolar disorder is left untreated will it get worse over the years?
2007-09-14 09:24:19 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
My husband has bipolar disorder. He has been diagnosed by a doctor and given medication. He took the meds for one day and they made him very sleepy. I told him that if the one doesn't work, they have others, but he has not gone back. It is ruining our marriage and he cannot see it. One minute he is great and literally the next he is psycho (screaming and yelling obsenities at me). 5 of 8 of his mothers siblings has bipolar disorder, and yet he still denies there is anything wrong.
2007-09-14 09:28:23 · update #1
Bipolar is a disease. Untreated, it gets worse. There is plenty of research and science on it. I am bipolar type II. I went undiagnosed, therefore untreated into my 40s until I went very clearly manic. I guarantee you, it definitely gets worse.
The sedation of most meds wears off within a couple weeks of starting and dose change. There are a number of different meds, med combos, and doses. Only rarely does someone have to live with untenuable side effects.
As for your hubby's denial, a second opinion is probably a good idea, especially if it wasn't a psychiatrist who diagnosed him. With his family tree, bp odds are higher than average, which could lead some docs to jump to a conclusion. If he is in fact bipolar and in a mixed state (depressed and hypomanic - agitated with racing thoughts and sleep disturbance), changing demeaner wouldn't be surprising. That is a mood state just like straight depression and hypo/mania, all of which typically run for weeks to months, not days.
Personally, I'd tell him to either get on meds or the marriage is done. It's one thing when someone is doing all they can to get rid of symptoms. It's another when they are stubbornly choosing denial. You deserve better than that and he needs a reality check.
2007-09-14 10:13:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My stepfather suffers from bipolar disorder. I know exactly what you are talking about. This isn't an anger management problem - it is a disease that must be treated with medication. Unfortunately in this situation, my stepfather stopped taking his meds too often and then quit altogether - now he and my mom are going through a divorce. Even though I'm 27 and have been out of the house for years, I still recognize the problems and can tell easily when he is and is not on his meds. Your husband needs help! Just remember it's a disease - but you still don't deserve to be treated poorly because he won't take meds.
2007-09-14 16:44:43 · answer #2 · answered by katie k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't fix someone that doesn't want to be fixed. Almost all of the meds will make you sleepy for a week or so but then you get over it. There are sooo many meds to choose from also. If it is ruining your marriage (which I can understand) you need to tell him and let him know if he doesn't take this seriously then your not gonna take the marriage seriously and you'll leave. Remember you need to help your husband but you need to take care of YOU first.
2007-09-14 17:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If left untreated it may get worst. Also the longer it goes on untreated the worst the devastation to his and your lifes. I'm looking up some web sites for you and I'll post under edit.
Edit - some sites about bi polar there may be something in one of them that may answer your concerns. I'll keep looking for something more specific.
http://www.bipolar.com/
http://www.bipolar-lives.com
http://www.mcmanweb.com/bpfaq1.htm
http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-suicides.html
2007-09-14 16:30:12 · answer #4 · answered by Eye see! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have bipolar and honestly I get worse if I am not on medications. You can try to get him to admit himself for 5 days or so, that way they can get him started on some medications to see if anything will help.
2007-09-14 16:31:48 · answer #5 · answered by mlsaj84 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You both have a problem. Talk to a psychiatrist. He may be able to help you handle the situation. You cannot force your husband to take medications.
If he becomes a threat to you or himself, you can ask the judge for an involuntary commitment.
2007-09-14 16:33:57 · answer #6 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over the years your Husband will have more manic episodes and may some little hallucinations and maybe a danger to you, himself and others.
If you are fear of your safety then call the police and tell them to came quietly and they will take him to a psychiatric hospital.
2007-09-16 06:34:26 · answer #7 · answered by Lewis A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he cycles very rapidly, which unfortuantely make the prognosis worse. Given that and his extensive family history, he REALLY needs to get treatment. Other things that worsen prognosis are substance abuse and starting and stopping treatment.
2007-09-15 02:07:39 · answer #8 · answered by poorsias 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sounds more like an anger management issue.
He probably should get a second opinion about his diagnosis.
If he continues to be abusive and does not want to seek further help you may want to consider your safety and your own options. Your safety comes first.
http://themeaningisyou.com
2007-09-14 16:35:52 · answer #9 · answered by HJG 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
see how open he is to alternative treatments such as neurofeedback, it has great results and is not a medication, they will hook him up to a computer that moniters his brain waves and teach him how to tell when he is manic and how to control it himself, talk to a local university or a state hospital they should have more info, sorry it is hard loving a bipolar
2007-09-14 16:53:43 · answer #10 · answered by sam 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋