Bipolar questions

[seascape7]

If a person has bipolar disorder, can this cause them to pick fights with other people, feel remorse about doing so, but the next time they are angry do the exact same thing? Basically, can repeated instigation of fights (even with guilt) be a symptom of bipolar disorder?

 

[seascape7]

A little background: I think my husband is bipolar and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. An immediate family member of his is bipolar, and another close family member has said they are certain he has it, also. I've been thinking about his behavior... how he repeatedly starts fights, feels bad, but seems unable to not repeat the behavior the next time... along with other behaviors. I have looked it up, also. I am not a doctor, but I agree with his family... I think he is bipolar. It sure would explain a lot.

I approached him about it years ago, and he agreed that he probably has it, but has since recanted that. I believe it embarrasses him. I understand that, but it would be better for him to get help for it instead of living in denial, and having the issues we have. Our marriage is really suffering because of this.

His family has told me to encourage him to get help, but I can't seem to do this. He gets upset about it and says he isn't going to the doctor. Do you have any suggestions, or is this just something I'm going to have to pray about?

 

[Odetta]

I have bipolar disorder. Yes, in either swing - mania or depression, for different triggers - I could get quite irritable and pick fights, lose my temper, etc. It was not pleasant for the people I affected, obviously, but also not pleasant for me either. I have been officially diagnosed and on a med regimen that works for three years now, and it's like night and day.

In terms of getting him to a doctor, if he doesn't want to go, there isn't whole lot you can do to make him. I see from other posts that y'all are going back to marriage counseling (or something similar). This would get a great venue to bring the idea up that he should get this checked out.

 

[Hahner Reid]

If a person has bipolar disorder, can this cause them to pick fights with other people, feel remorse about doing so, but the next time they are angry do the exact same thing? Basically, can repeated instigation of fights (even with guilt) be a symptom of bipolar disorder?

The behavior you're describing can't be pathologized. Him doing that doesn't mean he has bipolar disorder. People could behave in such a way for many reasons.
I hope you find what you're looking for!

 

[Loven God]

Until you can get him to a psychiarist to find out for sure at this point it could be other things . If he does not want to go you can not make him so all you can do is pray that his heart will soften to the idea going and pray he will go .

 

[Ann Doupont]

If a person has bipolar disorder, can this cause them to pick fights with other people, feel remorse about doing so, but the next time they are angry do the exact same thing? Basically, can repeated instigation of fights (even with guilt) be a symptom of bipolar disorder?

You might do an online search to see a list of symptoms of a person having bipolar. In my understanding, it's somewhat different in each person. For example, when I had it, my moodswings were often so elevated that when tested I was clear off the scale for manic episodes and it showed I didn't even have what was considered "normal" depression.

I think that a person can have anger issues like you described without having bipolar.

Love,

Ann

 

[CraftyTurtle]

In answer to your first question: Yes. It can be a part of Bipolar disorder. It is a lack of self-control. A negative release of pent-up energy can however be re-directed to a more positive one. You do need understanding people around you though. Imagine getting frustrated, and needing to escape - you walk out of the room, only to have someone follow you, talking to you, trying to calm you down. You really wish they would GTFO of your face. They are only making things worse.
Can you see early warning signs that he is going to do something he regrets? What does HE need? A hug? An understanding ear? Solitude? Physically release angst?

It *can* be part of bipolar, but is not necessarily so. Ongoing anger issues should be discussed with his GP.