[Suli]

My wife has schizoaffective disorder and is bi polar. She refuses to take her meds since she believes all her delusions are real. She is now in a situation where she will end up at a state hospital and most likely be forced to take her meds. The question I have is can a person every see that by taking meds for an illness like hers everyday is better than no meds at all and realize her delusions were just delusions? If so how long does it take before a person begins to realize that life without meds is not the way to be? Please share any examples you may have. Thanks

[pachyderm]

Life without medications can be successful. I do not know your wife's state of mind; medications may help her. But I do not think they are the complete answer. Maybe you could convince her they might help, if you do not try to convince her they are the only answer.

[Perna]

Some people often do feel better taking meds but then have trouble believing they need the meds because they feel so much better. They feel better so stop taking their meds again and the delusions and such come back. It can take several tries before they realize the difference.

I think it's a little like taking antibiotics; once you start feeling better you may think everything is all right and not take the full course because the infection is inside where it can't be seen. I had an infection for 5 months but was not given the right antibiotics or enough of them that long so it kept showing up again; I'd feel a bit better then worse again, then better, then worse, etc.