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Please tell me how I can get my untreated bipolar husband committed. He has been in a hard bipolar episode for over a year and his physical health has suffered alot. Lately he has isolated himself and says her really doesn't want to live. We are residents of the state of Iowa. Thanks. Deanna
State/Country relating to Question: Iowa Already Tried: My husband has refused all help including couseling
Thank you for using JustAnswer! I am sorry to learn of your circumstances. Is your husband a threat to himself or others?
Today he has indicated he wants to isolate himself and really doesn't want to live. He does become manic at any mention of getting help, but has never become physical with me or others. He has lost at least 30 pounds and looks very unhealthy. I'm not sure how he continues to work. We are not currently living together. Hope this helps. Deanna
The only way you can get an involuntary commitment is if he is a demonstrated immediate threat to himself or to others. Someone can then contact the police and the police can seek a hospitalization. However, that will just be until a doctor says that he's no longer a threat to himself or others. Frustratingly, there can be a discharge within a couple of days -- unless there's a doctor who's willing to say that he needs further inpatient treatment (usually does not happen). Then the courts get involves because, again, your talking about doing something against a person's will and there are due process/civil rights issues. If he's working, perhaps you can work with his employer to get him involved in an EAP program. Good luck and best wishes! I hope that you find this information to be helpful in gaining a greater understanding. I also hope that you find this answer to be ACCEPTable!
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