A mood disorder that causes patients to have both mania and depression, bipolar disorder also impacts behavior. The type of behaviors that bipolar disorder patients display depend on their mood. For example, during mania, patients are energetic and have high self-esteem; however, during depression, patients feel low and hopeless. If left unmonitored, some of these bipolar behaviors can put patients' lives at risk.
Risky Behaviors
Patients may participate in risky behaviors during the manic phase of bipolar disorder. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that manic bipolar disorder patients may have spending sprees, make impulsive business investments or have unprotected sex. With financial transactions, patients may not have the money to pay for them. Patients also have poor judgment during mania, which contributes to the risky behaviors. Many of these behaviors can put patients' lives in danger, such as excessive drug use, which can lead to an overdose.
Aggressive Behaviors
Patients who have manic symptoms can also become aggressive. For example, patients tend to be more irritable and may get into fights. The Mayo Clinic notes that patients may also be irritable during the depressive phase of the disorder.
Sleep Changes
Both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder affect sleep. During the manic phase, patients have a decreased need for sleep. The Mayo Clinic notes that patients also have increased physical activity, racing thoughts and increased drive to do work. Patients in the depressive phase may also have problems sleeping; some may have insomnia, while others may sleep too much. The NIMH adds that patients may have a lack of energy when depressed.
Suicidal Behaviors
The Mayo Clinic states that suicidal thoughts and behaviors commonly occur in bipolar disorder patients, especially those with severe depression who feel worthless or hopeless. Some suicidal patients may not talk about their intentions. Examples of suicidal behaviors include giving away property, saying goodbye to friends and family, and writing a suicide note.
