Posted by whiterabbit on March 26, 2003, at 2:01:29
In reply to bipolar without medications, posted by sister on March 18, 2003, at 23:57:40
I'm telling you from experience, if he suddenly quits taking his medication after 5 years, the consequences will be serious. In the first place, no amount of therapy will "cure" bipolar symptoms.
Although therapy is helpful for learning coping skills, and symptoms can be managed somewhat by avoiding caffeine and alcohol, you can't be "talked out of" manic depression any more than you can be talked out of diabetes or cancer. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that generally grows more destructive with age. Without medication, your brother may well become violent or suicidal. If you love him, please DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN to educate him about this disorder. The more he knows, the less likely he will be inclined to quit taking his medication,
which he really does need. A good source for educational material is NAMI, "The Nation's Voice on Mental Illness" www.nami.orgIf you give your brother this helpful information
and ask him to read it before he makes the decision to stop taking his medication, then you will have done the most and the very best that you can possibly do.-Gracie
poster:whiterabbit
thread:210572
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030310/msgs/212928.html