“How do manage a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder?”
I am a 28 year old female. My boyfriend has bipolar disorder and is currently only doing therapy. It causes a lot of conflicts, what medicine could help him?
4 Answers
Marriage&FamilyTherapistMarriageandFamilyTherapist
Hello Madam,
Sorry to hear that your boy friend is suffering from Bipolar Disorder and it is creating conflict in your relationship. You are saying that he is currently doing only therapy. Is it individual therapy for him and also couple therapy for the two of you? That was not clear. In case you are both not seeing a therapist for the conflict in your relationship, then I would strongly suggest that the two of you also undertake couple therapy. You may also want to find a licensed psychologist and receive help for yourself. In case you are in FL, IN, or IL, give me a call as I am licensed in these states. Regarding medicine, it is not my expertise area, so I would suggest you may want to ask his PCP's advice for the medicine. He may also want to see a psychiatrist for medicines. In the meantime, I can suggest a book "Take charge of Bipolar Disorder: A 4-step plan for you and your loved ones to Manage the illness and create lasting stability" by Julie A. Fast and John Preston.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
Sorry to hear that your boy friend is suffering from Bipolar Disorder and it is creating conflict in your relationship. You are saying that he is currently doing only therapy. Is it individual therapy for him and also couple therapy for the two of you? That was not clear. In case you are both not seeing a therapist for the conflict in your relationship, then I would strongly suggest that the two of you also undertake couple therapy. You may also want to find a licensed psychologist and receive help for yourself. In case you are in FL, IN, or IL, give me a call as I am licensed in these states. Regarding medicine, it is not my expertise area, so I would suggest you may want to ask his PCP's advice for the medicine. He may also want to see a psychiatrist for medicines. In the meantime, I can suggest a book "Take charge of Bipolar Disorder: A 4-step plan for you and your loved ones to Manage the illness and create lasting stability" by Julie A. Fast and John Preston.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
Most often, lamotrigine is used for bipolar disorder and is shown to improve symptoms dramatically. However, everyone is different and responds differently to medications.
Take a peak at this link for some insight into your question:
https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/relationship-guide
https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/relationship-guide
Finding a good fit for bipolar is tricky. Usually there is a process of trying different medications to see which one works best. Will he go see a psychiatrist? If you go with him, it would be supportive. I hope you both can be patient with the process and one another. Wishing you well.
