Do Bipolar Patients Issue Threats When They Experience Depression?

Posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 Answered on

Mon, 6 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My ex boyfriend has been diagnosed with bipolar 2 but has never really been honest with his psychiatrist. He has been in a severe depression for several weeks. During this depression he has said he only wants to be alone and has no feelings what so ever. He seems hopeless and says he can feel guilt. I've tried to be there for him and help him but today he was very combative and the conversation quickly escalated to threats. Threats on my life, threats on my family. I guess my question is should these threats be taken seriously? Should I be concerned? These threats really came out of no where. He has never done anything like this before but when he called and threatened me it was like he was possessed, like he was a completely different person. I'm just not sure how to react to this. I have not responded to him in any way since the threat other than to say I don't understand and that I have only tried to help him. The threats continued via text message but I did not respond.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Bipolar 2 off medication can be very serious. You should take these threats seriously. I would call 911 immediately -- they make end up taking him to a hospital for emergency psychiatric treatment.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 hours later)

Can I or should I contact his psychiatrist? He has an appointment with him today but is typically not honest with him. I don't know if they will even talk to me but I'm scared for him and want him to get help. If I talk to him, can they share what I say?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, calling his psychiatrist is a good idea, but if you cannot reach the psychiatrist, you should call 911 to have him brought to an emergency room for rapid evaluation.

Please rate and close your answer when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee