Is Bipolar a Personality Disorder?

IMHO - Manic Depression (as I prefer to call it) is an extreme form of mental illness - after schizophrenia it is quite possibly the most extreme form of mental illness. To me, the term "disorder" fits into a far larger context of politically correct speech which waters things down to make them less offensive and scary. - The genetic component of "bipolar disorder" closes the debate for me. - Ironically, I do not feel the same way about alcoholism, which I regard as a personality disorder. In AA people like to call alcoholism a disease, it makes it easier for them to forgive themselves, which is essential. But to me, alcoholism is no more a disease than gambling addiction is.

Hi Alistair,
You are certainly free to hold that opinion but bipolar is a different experience for different people and not everyone finds it so extremely. As for the word "disorder" it's just a word, used the way it was intended.
You're also free to feel that substance abuse is not a mental illness but it is defined in the DSM as one and there are now known biological underpinnings of the illness. (I used to feel like you, having had an alcoholic father, but after writing many articles on addiction, I changed my mind.)
- Natasha

Hi ,
I got married just two months ago. My husband is suffering from some kind of extreme mood swing. He is always angry with me. Every word I utter invites me bitter mood of his. Though I was his choice for marriage, he feels that I have done some conspiracy with him. As if I am involved with some other guys (many guys). His anger lasts for more than 3-4 days and I some cases it has been continued for more than 2 weeks.in between evn some normal moments intrude ! He feels that he is the best. He is way better than me. I dont know how to talk. He always knows everything (even my job) better than me. He always boasts about things like assets family repo and his inteligence and knowledge.
The most important thing is he is very manipulative. His worst side is only visible to me. For others his behaviour is normal. Like he would never try to make it public that we have some problems in between.
Physically he is very thin now. Loosing weight. Cannot sleep for more than 2-3 hrs and eat sufficiently when he is with me.
I think he is a great attention seeker. We have hardly enjoyed our outing for honeymoon also. There are lots of doubts figuring in his mind about my charecter and that I care for
him. He can speak for more than 3-5 hrs in one go when he is angry.
Pls suggest me if he can live a normal life in future.

Hi prit,
You did not say whether your husband has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or not.
If he has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, then the condition can be managed, but not cured. He can have a fairly normal life in this case if he is diligent about looking after himself, such as taking medications. It is not easy, so I suggest if your husband has bipolar disorder then to learn all you can about it and join a support group.
On the other hand, if this is not a case of bipolar disorder, he may have some other kind of problem or condition, or it may just be marital problems, or a problem with immaturity, anger management etc. Only a psychiatrist can diagnose. In this case I would suggest couples counselling. My ex (partner) and I had these kinds of problems and the relationship could not be salvaged. Much personal harm was done. Other relationships can be saved by counselling.
Another reader.

Thank you for clarifying the difference. As I say, one (or even two) event(s) does not a personality disorder make. I hope friends and loved ones realize that you have to see a person as a whole. For me, it is as simple as laying out my life in a pie chart graph. Behaviors attributed to bipolar are really a section of that pie chart, not long standing traits. Another clue: if you are caught off guard and surprised by someone's behavior, probably an episode. If you casually comment, "meh - that's just how she is", probably dealing with a PD.

I was diagnosed as a classic manic depressive in 1991. All the experiments psychiatrists have done without my informed consent to my brain have caused me more problems than relief.
I finally gave up on these medical geniuses when I learnt that I was on a medication which caused one death in 10,000 users. They told me this was acceptable. For me, and not them or their families.
I decided to stop taking any of their prescribed meds in 2010. Since then, I have had no interactions with police, formerly a regular thing.
My creativity returned and I went back to self employment. And I am a happy man again.
My conclusion was that I have a bi polar personality immune to their meds and I like it.
I urge you to stop taking meds the effect of which is clearly unknown.

Hi, I was diagnosed with 'depression' at the end of September last year (2015) my father was diagnosed with 'depression' back in 2007/2008, and has just recently been told that it isn't depression and his GP and counsellor think it could be a personality disorder, I was just wondering if things like that can run in the family? My mother is always commenting on how much alike I am to my father with my moods, aggressive side, break downs etc. Any advice would be good, thanks!

Are you a doctor to be making articles and statements such as these? Even in a manic state, a person with bipolar disorder is no where near a personality disorder.