Can bipolar symptoms change an honest person into a criminal

Interesting discussion.

The article gives a realistic example.

"Those last few words are key: lacks substantial capacity … to conform the person’s conduct. For example, say I have bipolar disorder and am having a manic episode. Because of the chaos currently running rampant in my brain, everything I do feels slow. Everyone else seems slow. Drivers seem slow. My thoughts are racing so fast I can’t keep up. I find myself driving 90 miles an hour in a 60 mph zone. Do I know the nature of the act? Certainly: I’m speeding. Do I know that it is wrong? Yes, I do. Can I slow down? Not if my life depended on it. I cannot conform my conduct to the requirements of the law. That’s the nature of mania: I don’t control it. It controls me. Just as much as a paranoid schizophrenic’s delusions tell her to do something, my manic impulses force my hand".

You are obviously searching for answers to why you have acted out of character in the past.

There are some lawyers, however, who said that using the bipolar defense as part of a larger strategy can work well. Bipolar disorder can have so-called jury appeal if the sufferer has a long and well-documented history of aberrant behavior coupled with requests for institutional help.

I think that articles aside, there are enough people sick with Bipolar that do ot have criminal records to say that Bipolar doesnt necessarily change an individual. Someone who gives them self proper self care in regards to their illness can live a successful life with no issues. Yes it will present challenges but it can be done. People allow themselves to be changed, not the other way around. Allow me to paint a small picture for you as far as my experience 9 years into an illness that yes, has wrecked me and destroyed me. I am married, I have a job, I have a wife. I own my home and have plenty of savings to support my life should I lose work due to illness. I have lived on my own since I was 21. I am an orphan with very little support. Oh and I am UNMEDICATED and even in the deepest psychosis still have complete function over my actions. I really hope this helps. I am glad that you want to prove your articles, but this is real life perspective from an active walking, talking individual willing to take time to respond to this thread. I will bow out now and hope that you will realize that one man's experience isnt everyones.

[QUOTE=ChaoticInsanity;4338138]

Thankyou for your comments. I do appreciate them.

[QUOTE=ChaoticInsanity;4338138]

Thankyou for your comments. I do appreciate them.