Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition that produces mood swings that are unpredictable and often extreme.
  • People who are undergoing a bipolar disorder episode exhibit a variety of behaviors, energy levels, and other characteristics.
  • This is a prevalent emotion in manic episodes, although it can also happen at other times.
Reading time: 10 min

Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition that produces mood swings that are unpredictable and often extreme. These moods can be powerful and euphoric during what is termed a manic episode. During a depressive episode, they may make you feel unhappy and hopeless. As a result, bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder.

Bipolar disorder causes variations in energy in addition to mood swings. People who are undergoing a bipolar disorder episode exhibit a variety of behaviors, energy levels, and other characteristics. Anger and irritability are common symptoms of bipolar disorder. This is a prevalent emotion in manic episodes, although it can also happen at other times.

Irritable and angry people are easily annoyed, and they typically resent others’ efforts to help them. Someone’s attempts to speak with them may irritate or annoy them. The individual may feel irritated easily and frequently if the demands become persistent or if other variables come into play. (source: NIMH, n.d.)

Normal, healthy anger is not the same as bipolar anger. Anger, like sadness and happiness, is a completely natural response to significant or terrible events. Bipolar anger, on the other hand, is distinct in that it is not always triggered by external circumstances and is more difficult to manage.

When you have bipolar anger, seemingly insignificant events might set off a chain reaction. Little stimuli that may be handled more gently are instead digested through rage. And something that wouldn’t ordinarily irritate a person with bipolar rage symptoms could cause them to lash out inappropriately. Emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts could be the result.

As a result, being in a relationship or sharing a home with someone who suffers from bipolar anger can be incredibly challenging. Maintaining healthy communication may be impossible due to the explosive nature of their rage. So, if you’re in a relationship with someone who suffers from bipolar fury, keep in mind that no one’s life is easy. (source: MedlinePlus, n.d.)

Related : How Often Does ADHD Co-Occur With Bipolar Disorder?

Your dear one may even realize that their wrath is unjustified at times. Nonetheless, intense and powerful emotions are difficult to regulate, particularly during a bout of depression. The ability to identify bipolar anger is the biggest thing you could do for your relationships and your mental health. After that, learn how to reply in a supportive and productive manner.

Bipolar disorder has an impact on mood and can cause irritability and hostility. (source: APA, n.d.)

Anger isn’t a typical bipolar illness symptom. Individuals with bipolar disorder, on the other hand, may grow enraged when their moods fluctuate.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by low, high and mixed mood states. Irritability and frustration are common aspects of times of heightened and mixed mood.

If an individual with bipolar disorder does not have irritation management methods, it might lead to aggressive outbursts. Anger is a common symptom of bipolar disorder, and it might arise out of character. (source: NHS, n.d.)

According to one study, people with bipolar disorder may be more irritable than others, particularly during acute bouts of their illness.

Irritability is not experienced by everyone with bipolar disorder, and some people only have mild irritability. Mild agitation may not have an impact on their behavior or cause them to get angry.

Each individual with bipolar disorder is affected differently by mood episodes, and studies suggest that bipolar signs may occur on a spectrum. (source: StatPearls, 2024)

The fundamental symptoms of a person’s disease, such as irritation that leads to rage, may be influenced by their temperament and personality.

If you live with or care for someone who suffers from bipolar disorder, you may be subjected to angry and violent outbursts of bipolar disorder. This can be upsetting and irritating, but keep in mind that it isn’t about you and that it isn’t your fault. (source: NICE, 2023)

Support a loved one to seek and continue proper therapy for bipolar anger. If they haven’t been in a residential treatment center before and are having trouble, present it as a viable option. Anger and symptom control can also benefit from regular outpatient treatment.

Help your loved one employ the coping methods they’ve acquired if they’re already doing everything properly in terms of treatment. To reduce stress, exercise together; prepare healthy food at home for improved physical health; attempt daily meditation and relaxation techniques together, and help identify potential rage triggers. Long before an episode occurs, you may notice warning indicators.

Keep yourself protected but try not to turn back when somebody is having an outburst. Of course, if you need to leave for safety purposes, don’t fear to do so. To alleviate the situation, utilize humor and a positive, calm tone. Instead of shouting or being violent, suggest to them that they should talk to you about how they are feeling and why. After they’ve cooled down, discuss ways for preventing or managing outbursts in the future. (source: SAMHSA, n.d.)

Bipolar disease is a tough illness to live with, affecting both those who suffer from it and those who care for them. Anger is a difficult emotion that isn’t typically talked about almost as much as depression and other negative emotions. However, many people with bipolar disorder experience this sensation, and it can be quite disruptive. If you have bipolar disorder and are frequently furious, speak with your doctor or therapist about how to effectively manage your condition.

People might utilize a variety of ways to settle down when they are angry.

Here are a few of them: (source: FindTreatment.gov, n.d.)

  • Deep Breathing From The Diaphragm
  • Repeating Phrases And Words That Are Relaxing
  • Imagining A Soothing Experience
  • Rationally Re-Framing A Situation
  • Carefully Listening To Another Person
  • Putting Together A Strategy
  • De-Escalating A Situation Through Humor
  • Taking Some Alone Time
  • Rerouting Energy By Going For A Run Or A Walk
  • Changing Your Mood By Listening To Songs

If you’re both upset and afraid of losing control, it’s preferable to keep everyone safe by separating. If your bipolar relative is enraged and you are not, use the following steps:

  • Maintain as much composure as possible, and speak slowly and clearly.
  • Keep your cool. Either hide your worry, as this could aggravate the situation, or ask the person openly that his or her bipolar rage is terrifying you.
  • Without the person’s consent or request, do not approach or touch him or her.
  • Allow the person to have a way out.
  • Don’t give in to every demand; set clear boundaries and penalties.
  • Try to figure out if your anger is wholly unreasonable and thus an indication of bipolar disorder, or if there is a valid reason for it.
  • Irrational concepts should not be debated.
  • Recognize the person’s emotions and feelings and convey your eagerness to learn more about what they’re going through.
  • Assist your relative in deciding what to do next.
  • Protect yourself and others from harm; some bipolar rage episodes are uncontrollable.

There is a great deal you could do as a parent of a kid with bipolar disorder to keep your kids healthy. Here are some ideas for you.

Stick to your medicine schedule. You must ensure that your child receives the bipolar disorder medicine that he or she requires. Use clocks, notes, pillboxes, or anything else that will help you remember. If your kid needs medicine at school, speak with their instructor or the nurse practitioner; some schools do not allow students to self-administer medication. (source: NIMH, n.d.-Crisis)

Keep an eye on the adverse effects. Most bipolar disorder treatments (notably antipsychotic meds, antidepressants, and even mood stabilizers) were developed with adults in mind, and only a few have been thoroughly researched in children and teenagers. Weight gain and alterations in blood cholesterol and sugar caused by certain atypical antipsychotic drugs are more common in some children. Ask your child’s doctor what symptoms to look out for, and blood work may need to be monitored on a regular basis. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings that certain antidepressants and other depression medications may raise the risk of suicidal ideation among children, teenagers, and young adults aged 12 to 24.

Keep in touch with your child’s teachers. A kid with bipolar disorder may require extra accommodations at school in some situations. During stressful times, they may require more breaks or less homework. So, talk to your child’s instructors or the school superintendent and come to an arrangement. In certain situations, your child may need to be removed from school for a period of time, at least until their bipolar symptoms improve.

Maintain a routine. A daily plan can be quite beneficial to children with bipolar disorder. Assist them in waking up, eating meals, exercising, and going to bed at around the same time every day. Make every effort to alleviate home tension. (source: APA, 2020)

Consider family counseling. Having a child who suffers from bipolar disorder can be a source of stress for the entire family. It can put further strain on your relationship. Your other children may be confused about what’s amiss with their sibling or jealous of all the care they’re getting. Seeing a therapist as a family might help you all understand and address these concerns.

Suicide threats should be taken seriously. No parent wants to consider their child injuring himself or herself. But, regrettably, it may happen to anyone, including small infants. So don’t dismiss it if your youngster begins to show a desire to die or participates in a life-threatening activity. Remove any firearms or potentially harmful narcotics from the premises. Also, seek assistance as soon as possible.

FAQs

What Are The Effects Of Bipolar Anger on Towards Spouse On A Marriage?
This question has two possible responses. If your partner acknowledges the diagnosis and commits to treatment, you and your spouse may be able to start working together and make your relationship better than ever. Most bipolar disorder sufferers have successful and happy marriages.
If your spouse, on the other hand, refuses help, you must learn to defend yourself against abuse. Abuse can take many different forms.
Verbal harassment (pervasive blaming)
Financial exploitation (spending money carelessly; getting huge debt)
Abusive behavior (attempting to control, harsh behavior)
Physical abuse (when frustration and irritability gets out of control)
Is It Possible To Lead A Normal Life If You Have Bipolar Disorder?
Long-term treatment for bipolar disorder symptoms necessitates a strong commitment from both the patient and supportive family and friends. One of the most difficult aspects of treating bipolar disorder is maintaining consistency of care, as people with bipolar disorder are prone to making poor decisions during depressive or manic episodes. A community spirit, on the other hand, can make the patient feel less alone and hopeless. This, in combination with other treatments, enables people with bipolar disorder to live a happily and fulfilled life.

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