How can schizophrenia and bipolar disorder be treated?
Patient: Our daughter is 37 years old and was diagnosed with schzofrenia when she was 13, then changed to atypical bipolar, but she doesn t feel she has a problem. She was treated with many different antipsychotic medications. She is very distrustful of people, including her parents and feel that we abused her as a child. She gets easily offended and she needs knee surgery. She has seen many orthopedic doctors for her knee problem but usually fires the doctor because he is unprofessional. She lives in California now; we live ib Maryland. She wants to have someone go with her to her next appointment, but usually wants us to help, but she does not want us to ask who is her doctor, when is her appointment, etc. She is very hard to work with. Is there any way we can persuade her to get on medication. She doesn t think she needs any, however, I don t know if she does taken anything now. She has been on many, including Seroquel, Closapine, Abilify, Geodon (for 1 day - it made her heart race), and others. As you know, there are many side effects. Any suggestions? Doctor: Hello,In my opinion, it is necessary to talk to her and find out why she is refusing medication. Also, assess her understanding of her illness.Also, have cognitive behavioral therapy sessions with psychologist depot injections are useful, in view of her reluctance to take the medications.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Gayathri