I found Alvie to be a caricature of mania. Nobody is allowed to be so manic that they are in an institution without being forced to take meds. Also the actor broke character many times. Manic people do not choose when they display symptoms...This episode was so out of reality....I seriously think the writers on this show have a grudge against people with bipolar or schizophrenia.(two other episodes) Did they have to film at the old NJ state hospital? They knew darn well that viewers will shape their view of mental illness based upon what they saw....

In reality House would have been discharged to outpatient as soon as he was over the Vicodin withdrawal. Mandatory therapy is done outpatient all the time.

Sorry I think this is a sore spot for me!