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In bipolar depression, patients need longer treatment. Sometime, they have to take medications for life long. That depends upon symptoms and improvement. In your wife case, if she remains stable for next five to six years, then she could think about off treatment, other wise, she has to take medicine for life long. in case, you have more question, you can ask.

Thanks

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are concerned about your wife's psychiatric problem. Bipolar depression is treated predominantly with mood stabilizers and sometimes anti-depressants can be used as adjuncts. Since you have mentioned that your wife has already gone through significant difficulty due to this illness, it is essential that she takes medication on a long term basis. The exact duration is difficult to say now, but it would be at least for the next few years.

From the description of her current symptoms like lack of interest, reduced motivation and affection, etc., it is possible that her depressive symptoms may not be fully controlled. In this case, I would suggest that you discuss with her psychiatrist about adjusting her medication.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist