Don't people have power over their own minds?

Do some research and get 2nd and 3rd opinions. Most of all though, become your daughters best friend. Best friends listen more than talk.

People are ultimately responsible for their own actions. Bi-polar disorder does not excuse criminal behavior such as theft. At least that’s how the courts in the US see it.

Bipolar disorder is a real thing. It is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, and while you can learn behavioral tools that will help you resist the temptation to do things you shouldn’t, you still may have problems, even with medication and therapy. The doctor believes your daughter suffers from bipolar disorder and so has given that diagnosis. It is possible the doctor is wrong, but I doubt very much that she would falsely diagnose your daughter in order to make you bring her in for visits.

Some bipolar folks hallucinate at certain points in their cycle. My son is one such. Unfortunately, he sees and hears people who try to convince him to be violent. Nonetheless, the police take a dim view of illegal behaviors even if mental illness is the root cause. In addition, people can choose to restrain themselves to some degree.

I suggest that you get another opinion or two from doctors you trust, and learn about bipolar disorder. Then, if you feel that it might be a problem for your daughter, try the medications that are used to help reduce the mood swings of bipolar disorder. Be aware, however, that prescribing these meds is still more of an art than a science, so you need to get your daughter to talk to you about which meds help her and which don’t.

Be aware, however, that folks with bipolar disorder are much more likely to commit suicide than those with normal brain chemicals. Watch for signs of suicide and self-hate in your daughter and get her help ASAP if you see them. Otherwise, you may not have a daughter.

To elaborate, yes I do feel feel people have power over their own biology. Bi-polar is a physiological disorder so while untreated, the mood swings are inevitable, the individual can decide to get treatment. I have members of my family who have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and with therapy and medication the disorder is very treatable. Medication alone is a band-aid at best and not a long term solution. Medication can alleviate the symptoms while therapy addresses the underlying causes.

They most certainly do, although physiological problems can overwhelm how you think. First, I would get another opinion, bipolar is such a quick diagnosis these days that I have a hard time believing it. It is a relatively new phenomena, or disease that is conveniently controlled with psychotropics and therapy. I’d start with mega doses of love which is often deficient and the root cause.

@Garebo While bi-polar is severely diagnosed, the legitimate cases are a lot more than just a “take this pill and deal” situation.

Yes, I know.