The Fear-of-Harm Phenotype information is descriptive, but I'm sorry to say it's not yet at a prescriptive stage:
"The expectation is that, when we identify the causative genes for bipolar disorder, we will be able to point to a network of signaling pathways in the brain that regulate specific behaviors associated with the condition. Once researchers are able to isolate the genes involved and understand their functions, the development of more targeted treatments becomes a real possibility. This has been a one of JBRF’s primary goals."
http://www.jbrf.org/juv_bipolar/fohphenotype.html
I'm so sorry to hear how bad things are going for your son and your family. Now that he is 18 and technically an adult, it's almost impossible to force him into treatment, unless you seek guardianship — and it takes a physician to say that an adult is not competent to make decisions about his treatment and other aspects of his life at this time.
If you think your son is likely to attract police attention (a distinct possibility, I'm afraid), consider going to them and notifying them of his medical condition and ask about their training for handling people like your son. If you have to call 911, ask them to send CIT-trained officers (CIT = Crisis Intervention Team). Also, go to your city/county prosecutor and ask them if they have mental health courts with diversion programs that give the offender a choice between probation with mandatory treatment and jail; these programs have good results. Find out how they decide who is a good candidate for Mental Health Court and how you can get the powers-that-be to send your son that way if/when the time comes.
I suggest you contact your local or state NAMI organization and find a support group and ask for help in exploring your options. Do it NOW, before things go more wrong.
Daunna Minnich
Moderator, JBRF Education Forum
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