I have a friend hospitalized in a behavioral health unit for a mood disorder. This person is experiencing paranoia, depression, some delusions and is very impulsive. I have known this individual 3 years and this person has been diagnosed as being bi-polar in the past but he has received various diagnosis from different doctors.
This individual does not like mood stabilizers because the person believes does not work effectively and they are unable to work effectively. This person has taken wellbutrin for a number of years and has been stable for 5 years.
Since being hospitalized with severe depression with paranoia, this individual has been taking xanax for anxiety and continues to take the wellbutrin. The psychologist providing care would like the patient to take a mood stabilizer. After a week on these medications, the patient does not appear to be improving. Is it reasonable to allow the patient to continue this therapy and expect results?