Question

Below are several scenarios between people with mental illnesses and their family members. Read each scenario and decide which interaction is the best and most appropriate. Then, explain which mental illness each individual has and why the answer you selected is the best.

Part A: John's brother, Mike, has been having very wide mood swings. On any given day, he can be elated in the morning and despondent in the afternoon. Which suggestion by John is most helpful?

A) Mike, hey man, just quit acting like this.
B) Mike, have you been taking your medicine?
C) Mike, get in the car right now. We're going to visit your doctor so that she can fix this.
D) Mike, you could control this if you wanted to.
1) Mike, hey man, just quit acting like this.
2) Mike, have you been taking your medicine?
3) Mike, get in the car right now. We're going to visit your doctor so that she can fix this.
4) Mike, you could control this if you wanted to.

Answer 1

The scenario likely involves bipolar disorder, and the most suitable interaction is to gently inquire about medication adherence, reflecting an understanding of the condition and its management.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the behavior described for Mike, it is plausible that he may be experiencing a bipolar disorder, which is characterized by dramatic shifts in energy and mood, affecting an individual's day-to-day functioning. The most helpful and appropriate interaction from John would be option B, 'Mike, have you been taking your medicine?' This suggestion displays concern while also addressing the possibility that Mike's mood swings could be managed with proper medication adherence, which is crucial for those with bipolar disorder. This response is supportive and acknowledges that Mike's condition may require ongoing medical treatment to manage symptoms effectively.