Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition most notable for accompanying behaviors that can move from high moods to very low moods. According to Stanford School of Medicine, bipolar disorder currently affects 2.2 million people in the United States alone, with 80 percent experiencing multiple manic episodes. Another 15 percent commit suicide. This is because of the high moods, or mania, in which the bipolar individual can exhibit hyperactivity, spontaneity, impulsive or compulsive behaviors and nonchalance. Meanwhile, the low moods, or depression, can encompass a host of behaviors from anxiety and agitation to thoughts of suicide and bouts of crying. Anger in bipolar disorder can build upon feelings of agitation, guilt, hopelessness, victimization and similar threats to the self-esteem or self-efficacy.
Agitation
Agitation can lead to bouts of anger as the situation intensifies or worsens. Individuals with bipolar disorder may exhibit their agitation by screaming, shouting, complaining, cursing or pacing and stomping. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia suggests that the best way to calm an individual in this state is to offer them a quiet environment, with adequate lighting, medication and sleep.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be initiated by escalating levels of stress. Those with bipolar disorder can cycle in and out of heightened emotional or stressful dialogues and situations, thus increasing their reactivity to others. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that in healthy individuals, anxiety can have a positive and productive outcome. However, in a bipolar individual, it can create chaos, memory deficits, productivity loss and impulsivity.
Hostility
Hostility is a strong underlying indication that the individual is angry. Hostility can vary from the vocalized sentiments with a distinctive tone to the quiet rumination of thoughts. The National Mental Health Association adds that the following physical attributes may be a clear sign that anger is developing: violent outbursts, sleep disturbances, door slamming, increases in heart rate and blood pressure, a change in facial expressions that may be accompanied by teeth clenching or a slight tremble to the lips or hands.
