I know that having a diagnostic label is not important, it can be stigmatizing, and its more important to get the right treatment. But I really want to know if bipolar is a "mood disorder", then why do I have so many issues with paranoia, delusions, hearing sounds and seeing things (mostly light around people and changes in color and dimension is the best way I can put it in words) irrespective of a mood episode?

I am told that I have great insight about my own condition, symptoms and how I relate with those around me. I definitely know when I am depressed, I know of all my other symptoms as listed above but it never really registers with me when I am in am in a manic episode until after the fact.

The bipolar workbooks that Ive read, some of the other bioplar books that are out on the market don't seem to address anything that could be considered psychosis so I think this is why for a while now I've rejected my bipolar diagnosis, and at times rejected these things were psychosis.

I also have a diagnosis of PTSD so would this be a contributing factor?