Anonymous asks: What do you say to someone who refuses to take meds for their bipolar disorder?
This is such a tough question. In an ideal world, if someone has a health condition that requires medication whether physical or mental-health related, they would take it. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Medication is a fraught topic for many due to cultural reasons where there is mistrust of medication, the sometimes difficult side effects, and stigma associated with medication. To further complicate this issue, not everyone has insight into their mental health. There is a medical term for a lack of insight called anosognosia, which can be characteristic of some presentations of bipolar disorder, particularly during mania. As a result, it can be very hard to reach people when they are actively manic. I provide all this context to say that not everyone is capable or willing to be medication compliant, even if it is in their best interest.
Dr. Stephanie Freitag PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Brooklyn, New York. She runs her own private practice where she treats patients in seven states (CA, CT, FL, GA, MA, NJ, NY). As a specialist in bipolar disorder, she uses Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to support patients in individual and group therapy. She most recently trained at the Emory School of Medicine where she is currently an assistant adjunct faculty member who publishes research on bipolar disorder and intimate partner violence. Beyond her clinical work and research she is passionate about advocacy and believes strongly in fighting the stigma associated with mental illness.
