my brother has bipolar but refuse to undestand that is sick.he believe that is just a bit depressed and went to the doctor yestarday and refused the monthly injection but is still taking lithium.Is that possible that someone because of the condition the brain can not process that is sick?How can you give someone medication if he believe he does not need it?Is there a way to convince him that he has bipolar ?
Hello, A patient experiencing a manic or hypomanic phase of Bipolar illness has no insight regarding his or her illness and therefore does not realize that he or she is ill. At least he is taking Lithium which is a good thing because Lithium is a very effective Mood stabilizer which can not only control his depressive or manic phase but can also prevent the future manic / depressive phase of Bipolar illness. Most patients are willing to take medicines once their symptoms are under control, and they realize that they need help to control these symptoms. You can discuss with his doctor about the option of increasing the dose of Lithium if you think that his symptoms are not under control. Once he started responding to medicine his doctor can explain to him the sign and symptoms of Bipolar illness. Please feel free to discuss further if you have any other doubt. Kind regards Vikas