Regular anger or bipolar anger?

[manic_panic03]

How does one distinguish between "normal" anger and "uncontrolled bipolar, need to see the doctor, anger"?

[hawaiiangirl0416]

I have bipolar 1 and when i get into my anger mood i cant control it, it usual starts where i get irritable all the time for a while, then it gets to the point where i cant take it anymore and one little thing sets me off, in the past couple mania episodes ive had, i have broken; about 5 plates, broke the closet door, kicked a garbage can clear across the room, punched walls and fridges, its like this surge of adrenaline runs trough me and i have break or throw things and i also have to scream at the top of my lungs till my throat hurts. and after it i usually cry or feel really bad or have no clue what came over me. and usually they happened at home but my last one happened in public. that was very embarrassing, but like all BP people know, u cant control it no matter what people say. i hate when people tell me, "you can control your emotions, your just choosing not to." ya like i want to be like this, hate that.

[HC01]

re Bipolar anger: when my BP causes anger, after the 'episode' I'm no longer angry and I'm embarrassed and I apologize.
When I have real anger I might continue to hold a grudge and think I'm right. Anyone else w/BP experience the same?

[lindahand]

Normal anger you still have control and it is appropriate to the situation. Bipolar anger you have less control and it is out of line with the situation. A small annoyance becomes a shouting match. Mine was I would break dishes if I got to the flash point or I would hurt myself (pinching my skin until it bruised, etc. The pain was a distraction from the anger) Since taking an antipsychotic I have no more flash points. I still get pissy but it is normal pissy.

[ILADVOCATE]

It depends what it is in reaction to and how often it occurs and how extreme it gets. Only a psychiatrist could understand the specifics but if anger is a concern in general its worth discussing it with a psychologist in addition to a psychiatrist and keeping track of it. The time you know you need to speak to a psychiatrist is if the anger is building up to the point where you feel you may lose control but the best thing to do is develop effective coping strategies so it doesn't get to that point.