Extract from "Irrational Behavior" By Marya Hornbacher

In 2004, Pat Forciea went on a check-forging spree that devastated his personal and professional relationships, and he wound up with an eight-year jail sentence. He has bipolar illness. A previously law-abiding citizen and a well-known and highly respected political and business figure, Forciea committed a crime that was a classic example of uncontrolled bipolar disorder resulting in a major manic episode. Forciea was placed in the Federal Medical Center in Rochester after having another manic episode, this one behind bars; he was there for 21 months and it was, he says, “a life-changing and life-saving experience.” He is still in prison.

When someone as well-known as Forciea suddenly goes on a bipolar spree, it’s hard for the criminal law establishment not to notice and have some sympathy. But most bipolar victims can expect no such treatment: neither they nor the people who arrest them really understand what’s happening.