You make very good points. I am sure it is hard to sort things out with you and your Dad and your issues. I won't argue with you about that, cuz I dunno. I take you at your word.

I know exactly what it is like to have no control. When I go into a very severe depression I have absolutely no control. It just happens. I have not control over when it ends. I just snap out of it like a switch got flipped. That is exactly how it feels too. I do get hypomania but it is never that bad. My issue is depression and anxiety so it is not likely it will get me caught up in the criminal justice system. I have been taking SSRi's and SSNRI's for twenty years and have never had adverse reactions other than some hypomania. That's just me though.

Its the DSM V that is saying AD induced mania related to bi polar. It is controversial though. Its their bible. I guess the only real issue would be whether it would be worth it to take a mood stabilizer or an AAP. It would be up to a doc to decide how severe the symptoms are and what is going on. In your case a diagnosis and more meds might be a huge mistake but you say there is a strong possibility of bi polar in you and your dad.

If someone commits murder in a severe psychotic state and due to brain chemistry had no control of their behavior should they walk away with no consequences? What should we do? In this specific case there were three first degree robberies and alcohol was a factor.

If someone can't be held accountable for a reaction they could not control that could include a lot of cases that have nothing to do with meds. The more we learn about these issues the more it will be argued as a defense.

A girl posted recently that her brother was having a severe manic episode with a ton of anger and agitation and was not on meds. He was taking a baseball bat to everything in the house. She was very scared for her safety and wanted to call the police and have him committed. The mother wouldn't go along. He would be forced on meds then but he would stop them when he got out. Even if he couldn't control his behavior doesn't she have to protect her safety and the safety of others somehow?