The person experiencing bipolar disorder

This chapter discusses the implications of living and/or working with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It identifies some strategies to help individuals manage mood variations and impulsive behaviours towards minimizing risk and maximizing well-being. Many textbooks and articles state that bipolar disorder only occurs in adults. Many leaflets and internet articles state that diagnosing bipolar disorder and getting the right treatment and help are very difficult, largely due to the complicated mix of symptoms. The risk of impulsive acts in someone with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder has been considered in terms of clarifying whether it is a trait or a state rather than a manifestation of mood state. The notion of impulsivity is well established in bipolar disorder studies, and many have identified this as being the main issue in terms of complications such as substance misuse, violence and suicide.