Violent behaviour may mask condition

Speaking to Sunday Newsday he said, "Quite a number of men may have it and they come up in court for domestic violence."

However, he added that it would be inaccurate to say that all cases of domestic violence were due to bipolar.

He said bipolar disorder falls under the category of mental illnesses known as mood disorders.

Bipolar can occur in two types—type 1—in which the person experiences mania and/or mania and depression. People with type 2 can experience hypomania (mood elevation but not as extreme as mania) and depression. According to the US estimate, the incidence of bipolar disorder is one to three percent of the population.

While bipolar may be unrecognised by family and friends, it can affect relationships and "people’s ability to progress in life," Ameerali explained.

He said someone in the manic state of bipolar can have poor concentration and be hyperactive. They may engage in risky behaviours such as driving badly, spending haphazardly or become sexually uninhibited.

Depression is the other extreme of bipolar disorder. Ameerali said it was different from the depression which all people experience at some point in their lives. While it can resolve with time in the "normal person" for those with bipolar it can be "torment and torture."

It is a period of "intense suffering." Ameerali said men mask their depression in violence andcan become abusers.

"Most people do not spontaneously resolve from depression and it becomes chronic. Two out of three people will have chronic bouts."

Depression can lead to suicide.

Ameerali said it is important for people suffering from bipolar or the depressive phase of the disorder to get treatment.

"We lose patients who are not treated. They become chronically depressed, non-functional and suicidal."

Mood stabliliser drugs are available for people with bipolar disorder. Most of them will have to be on medication for the rest of their lives.