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my husband has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, ptsd, and dementia due to a b12 deficiency. In the last couple of weeks he has become increasingly detached from me, and has even accused me of having an affair. (I am not). He has even stated that he has followed me and has seen me leave our child with family members so that I can go off on my own. I am concerned that he is getting delusional, I haven't left my child with anyone. He is now talking about leaving me, but I am concerned that he is having an episode. What can I do to help him while he is still here?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 30 Already Tried: I have tried talking to him and explaining to him that I haven't done any of the things that he has accused me of.
Hi there,
Welcome to Just answer !
Well, since you have mentioned that your husband has been diagnosed wit Bipolar disorder , so it seems like he is developing Manic episode which is one of the two core conditions which define Bipolar disorder , the other conditon being depression which alternates with the manic episodes. This is certainly delusional behaviour and sch kind of delusion is termed as Othello syndrom or delusion of jealousy or infidelity and is typical hallmark feature of mania .
So, having said that , since it is quite evident that either he is in manic episode or is about to get into mania , both of these possibilites warrant start of the right mix of drugs comprising of an anti psychotic drug like zyprexa at dose of 10-20 mg / day or risperdal at dose of 4-6 mg / day or seroquel at dose of 100-200 mg / day along with a mood stabilizer like depakote or depakene at dose of 250 mg twice a day or lithium at dose of 300 mg twice a day .
So, kindly approach his doctor as soon as possble taking him along and discuss his symptoms and the likely possibility of manic episode and also the drugs to help the drug to choose from.
You see arguing , justiying yourself will be of no use at the moment , as he is delusional and this manic episode oversees logic and judgment of the person so no matter how hard you try to reason with him , it will be of no avail..
So, the best thing is to get him to the doctor and start the 2 drug regime , choosing one drug from each of the two mentioned classes.
If the need arises , if he is unamenable to visiting doctor , you shall then consult his parents and siblings and use their help him to get convinced or along with them either forcibly take him to the doctor or talk to his psychiatrist to arrange for his transfer to the doctor's chamber for evaluation and supervised treatment.
It is good that in due time you are ready to take the next time , this will save a lot of your time and energy in dealing witht his erratic and bizarre and disruptive behaviour which mania brings along with it .
So, kindly discuss this with his doctor , it will be good if you involve his close relatives in this endeavour since you may be requiring moral support and do the needful treatment started and this will takecare of his symptoms for good.
I hope this helps..
Wish you all the best..
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I am a little puzzled over the idea that he is jealous because he has stated that even though he "knows" that I am cheating on him he doesn't care, he just wants to let me know that knows (so he says). Also, it seems that his hostility is specifically aimed towards me as he appears to be even tempered with everyone else. It is possible that when he is having a manic episode that he will appear normal to everyone else but me?
You see in mania the patient puts up a very jovial and friendly appearances with others , however the irritability , anger and hostility are directed towards only one or few people who are the co-inhabitants of the patient or have contact on a daily basis , so this explains why he appears nornal to others but is delusional and hostile towards you, which you can feel.
But as i said a psychiatrist will be able to elicit his manic symptoms by challenging his beliefs and symptoms , so that is why it is advisable to get him evaluated by a psychiatrist who can best judge and diagnose him.
Wish you all the best.
Experience: MD Psychiatry