Bipolar disorder is a medical condition which is characterized as a kind of mood disorder. It is associated with cyclic phases of mania or hyperactivity and depressive phases. Individuals suffering the behaviors of bipolar disorder experience extremes of emotions ranging from extremely elevated or euphoric moods to extreme grief, loneliness and guilt. As a result the behaviors associated with bipolar disorder can be categorized according to the phase of the disorder.

The behaviors of bipolar disorder varies drastically between the manic and depressive phases. The mood also changes and the patient becomes abnormally elevated during the manic phase. This is accompanied with an irritable, argumentative and stubborn behavior. The individual becomes impulsive and intrusive, setting high standards and goals which may not be realized. Anger and rage increases and the patient can become reckless. The changing behavior patterns result in disorganization in the individual and a tendency to blame others. Lack of responsibility and concern for the consequences of his action are important characteristics of the manic phase.

With a change in behavior, thinking patterns also change drastically. Some of the behaviors of bipolar disorder consist of poor concentration, memory distortion and lack of attention. In more acute stages, the individual becomes increasingly disorganized and often suffers from delusions. The depressive phase on the other hand is marked with behavioral patterns consisting of decreased motivation, performance and withdrawal from friends, family and workplace. The individual loses the desire to gratify his demands and does not show any interest in socializing, interacting or even talking to near and dear ones. There is also an inability to think clearly and remembering things properly. Disorganized behavior can be noticed at acute stages and the patient may suffer from hallucinations.

However, the behaviors of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. It can be experienced suddenly by men, women and children. Those suffering from the disorder cannot comprehend the changes in mood and sometimes it becomes very difficult to deal with such extremes of emotions. Such behavioral changes are likely to affect the individual’s relations with the family and colleagues at work due to the inability of the sufferer to change the emotion.

Unnecessary stress and strain might affect the cordial relation that existed before the onset of the disorder. During the manic phases, individuals might resort to substance abuse in the form of drug or excessive alcohol intake. The depressive phase might make the individual suicidal. Paranoid behavior may be noticed in individuals experiencing hallucinations. Personal relationships suffer and individuals with this disorder find it very difficult to cope with daily activities due to the changing emotions. The support of family members and medication along with psychotherapy can provide relief to patients.

People with the behaviors of bipolar disorder know something is wrong, but they are completely unable to do anything about it. They believe their difference is just how they are and are usually even unaware that a disorder exists that can be controlled.

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