@babyblues262 my daughter was diagnosed with bipolar 1 with psychotic features at age 17. I took her out of school and she got a GED. Later on we found a distance diploma at North Atlantic Regional High School. She is a dancer which helped. Eventually she got into every college she applied to. (College was admittedly bumpy and she left, did community college, a degree completion program and graduated at 42. She is talented working with trouble kids.)

Does your son have accommodations at school? Have you considered taking him out or finding an alternative? When the brain undergoes a significant change like this, normal functioning at school can be difficult. Meds help in the long run but can be an adjustment in the short term. He may do fine eventually.

My other kid had epilepsy (related to BP in the brain I was told, my father had both) and was in and out of school. I actually saw a lawyer. We arranged for teachers to prepare a packet every day of work done in class, homework, tests, reading materials etc. whether she was in school or not, so she could go in and out as she was able. We also arranged for her to continue to act in plays, whether in school or not. That was important developmentally and socially.

Is there something your son loves to do that could be a focus at this time? (Again dance helped my daughter.) Often something physical helps. Martial arts?

How does your son refuse admission: if your son is under 18 aren't you able to commit him? And at any age, if someone is suicidal you can get him pink slipped. (I know it can be just 3 days!) There are many adolescent programs that last a month or so, with family support and those around here also have a school.

We went through one suicide attempt with an overdose of lithium which is very dangerous. Lexapro was added in the hospital and things have gone pretty well in recent years. Just to give you hope.

Feel free to PM me !