The present study investigated differences in levels of drinking as a function of episode; and when patients abused alcohol, during a mood or stable period whether the patient was more likely to engage in either impulsive or violent behavior. It also investigated if those under the influence of alcohol would report more legal troubles during a mood or stable episode, while under the influence of alcohol. Seventeen participants were obtained based on the criteria that they have bipolar disorder and regularly visit the office of a psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder. The following results were obtained: (1) Individuals with bipolar disorder were more likely to use alcohol during a mood episode than during a stable period. (2) Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder were not more likely to engage in violent behaviors during a mood episode, while under the influence of alcohol. (3) Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder did not report more legal troubles during a mood episode, while under the influence of alcohol. It was concluded that although the participants reported drinking more during a mood episode, this was not accompanied by increases in violent acts or legal problems; further, neither of these occurred any more often during an episode than during a stable phase. It should be pointed out that all participants were taking their medications as prescribed during the study.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder, manic, depression, alcohol, violent behaviors, legal issues