Great article!

Yep. Manic depressive, know about the whole manic sex thing. I've found a balance now with my medication between total non-medicated insanity and uber-drugged zombie-ism. I still have minor manic episodes but I enjoy them and just stay up all night working as opposed to going on four week freak-outs that leave me with a crazy mess to clean up once it was over.

I'm surprised this little-known symptom got a whole article on SexIs. Awesome!

I do not have it, but I have experienced years with a person who I believe does (it hasn't been diagnosed yet, even though she is in therapy for that very reason). It's not only hard for the manic depressive to deal with though, it's hard for everyone around the manic depressive to deal with, any loved one, friend, etc. It's upsetting to me to read that article actually, because I am sure that it's a difficult thing to deal with as the person is constantly having these conflicting feelings going on.

But what can you do to help this disorder if the person does not realize that they are having such an episode? What can you do when you try to snap them out of it and they just keep going or start hassling you about it? Or is there a way at all?

Interesting. I just read Carrie Fisher's autobiography and she talked about that a bit, too.

I think it takes a really understanding and patient partner, for sure. I have seen my sister and her husband manage with her bipolar disorder over the last 6 years BUT he knows her so well and has such empathy that it has gotten so much better. Being on the outside, I can say I see huge and positive changes over these years - and am very proud of her!

One of my close friends is manic depressive, along with a slough of other such things. We went on a date in high school; he was so excited about the date that he came to get me while I was flooded in at my house. We went to a movie and held hands; I put my head on his shoulder. When he talked to me later to let me know he'd gotten home all right, he was, as best as I can describe it, in his 'other' mood. He told me we couldn't date because I was too clingy.. the conversation seemed to draw on forever.

It's hard. It's hard for him - I've been with him through the highs and the lows, and I'm glad that I can help somewhat or at least be there - and it's hard to be the person watching your friend struggle, so happy one moment and so down the next. I know he had sex issues, too, but not so much manic sex as manic masturbation.

I've seen this my whole life. Both my sisters, me, and my grandmother are bipolar (all differing types though). My older sister has dealt with manic sex for years, and her poor husband has had to deal with her less than discreet relationships.

I agree with Victoria here, it takes a very patient partner, and unfortunately he is not one, so she is not getting what she needs. On the flip side, J is very concerned, and very involved in my condition and he makes sure to know what is going on at all times. J takes the time to ensure that any crazy behavior is not a manic swing and that I am not behaving based on my disease...it is a really difficult balance to find.

My mother is bipolar and was definitely one to sleep around. I have a strong suspicion that my brother is also bipolar. It is definitely not something pleasant to deal with.

I've a good friend who's bi-polar (can't remember the other name for it) and an ex who was too. They've both went through a lot of bad things because of it. The guy friend of mine said that people who are bi-polar either get over it with help and medication OR kill themselves.

I would suggest avoiding starting a relationship with a person who is bi-polar if you can't deal with heart break and all the stuff that goes along with it.

i am Bi-polar,and have been since i was 9 but iwasnt diagnosed untill just very recently. and none of my family knows i am also not on meds simply becuase i cannot afford them.
although i didnt go from person to person having sex with them i was kind of the opposite when i was in my manic state people thought i was on speed or something i will run in circles yelling,run up to strangers and scream randomly in their faces fore running away giggling,and mostly i like to self mutilate when i am manic it creeps my boyfriend out when i start singing to myself in the bathroom in french or japaneese while cutting myself thenpunching the cuts to make them bleed more.
My boyfriend is a very nervous person becuase of me, of which i cannot blame him
he refuses to take me around his freinds or out in public (we dont go out to the bar or to play pool or go dancing) he is just to embarrsesed of me.
he wont talk to me over the phone anymore either. i canot blame him though it my own fault. if i feel anything at all (sadness or mania) i have to tell him so he will not come out to pick me up for a week or two. it makes me feel really bad like he doesnt love me but hey its my own fault.

As a psychology major, I am fascinated with the article. thanks for sharing

thanks

aahhaa

thanks

I hope nothing gets worse for anyone who has it or knows of other who do

brilliant article.
And yeah, I've had a run in with a bipolar young man. My first relationship, actually. He ended up cheating on me, so there's some supporting evidence...

I am bipolar. I was only recently diagnosed with it...but in the past 3 years, my number of partners has increased exponentially. For me it had a lot to do with wanting to feel wanted.

I'm a little late on reading this. It's a great article. It would actually be an article to refer loved ones to for some insight. It's important to realize that not all symptoms fit everyone who is bipolar. never assume a partner is going to sleep around due to being bipolar. also don't judge them by their past sexual "escapades". it can be very difficult to gain trust and understanding when you are bipolar. past actions do not predict future behavior. (especially when help is sought through medication and management)

I went on Lamictal (a mood stabilizer) in my 30's. i try not to get upset when I wonder what my life and past could have been if I was treated sooner. I am thankful that someone helped me accept medication as a necessary evil.

anyone who recognizes themselves in this article...please explore your treatment options. it can save your life. due to suicide or other reckless actions, it can be terminal without management.

Really interesting! Thanks!