during the manic phase of bipolar disorder behavior can become reckless. this may increase the risk of danger for both the patient and those who may be in their charge such as children. additionally in rare cases patients experiencing mania may become psychotic hearing voices or seeing things which may in turn incite a violent reaction. during an episode patients should be discouraged from driving or operating any machinery. if a friend or family member suffers from bipolar disorder contact their doctor as soon as an episode becomes apparent. sometimes early treatment can help reduce the incidence of dangerous behaviors.
are people with bipolar disorder considered dangerous to others?