Well, coming from one that has been there, and done that,plus family members with major episodes and "recovery"
maybe that the person(s) who are not responding to meds and/or therapy is not receiving proper care or perhaps is not compliant, is the problem?
Sure meds are a major help, but if one is non compliant or is not getting care from one who really does not fit the title of a pdoc. then not much progress will be aquired. (sp?) sounds like either the pdoc is not up on Bipolar care or the person is non compliant.
Another big factor, is if those around the person are ignorant, will be a huge factor in progress or lack of progress.
One can not always blame the meds or pdocs.
Just my personal opinion and "real" experience in this matter.

DE