A member asked:

If someone in a bipolar manic episode threatens to kill you, will they carry out the act?

10 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

Unknown: Worrisome needs emergent care mobile crises an option. If not available police next option.

Answered 5/29/2016

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Can't be sure: While the mentally ill on the whole are not especially prone to violence, any explicit threat must be taken seriously — especially from someone with obviously poor judgment. A person at risk for endangering himself or others (eg, threatening to kill) due to a mental disorder can be held for a psychiatric evaluation and protective custody. Call 911 if you feel unsafe.

Answered 5/9/2018

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Can't be sure: While the mentally ill on the whole are not especially prone to violence, any explicit threat must be taken seriously — especially from someone with obviously poor judgment. A person at risk for endangering himself or others (eg, threatening to kill) due to a mental disorder can be held for a psychiatric evaluation and protective custody. Call 911 if you feel unsafe.

Answered 4/17/2016

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Dr. Anthony Vertino answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Take it seriously: Part of the stigma of mental illness is that the mentally ill are predisposed to violence. It is actually a far smaller number of those diagnosed and violent than not diagnosed and violent. I recommend taking any threat of bodily injury, safety, or death seriously. It is a crime to threaten to kill someone and the incident should be reported to the police.

Answered 5/14/2016

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Can bipolar manic episodes be natural or medication induced?

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