is it common for women with bipolar disorder to cheat on there husbands?

Answer 1

It is just as common as "normal" women or men! Either way, there is NO excuse for cheating! At my highest of highs, I still knew right from wrong. Same with the lowest of lows. It is all about the MORALS of the person, not a diagnosis.

Answer 2

I do not believe that it is any more common for a person suffering from Bipolar I & II (man or women) than for a person who has normal moods.

However, I believe the reasons are different.

When a person is experiencing hypo-mania or especially full blown mania (as with Bipolar I), they feel and think that they are sexier, smarter, and funnier than anyone else. Their whole self image changes and they can do no wrong.

There are no limits (in money, sex and other indulgences), rules (moral, social and legal) or consideration of other people’s feelings. It is truly all about them and what they can achieve/conquer with so much confidence and energy. All the while they are totally unaware that their behavior is anything but normal.

But unlike cheaters with no mood disorder, the elusion of grandeur doesn’t last. When the cycle has passed and depression sets in, they usually feel guilt, remorse, shame, in short completely disgusted by their “no limit” actions. Once again, their whole self image changes and they can do nothing right and feel they have no self worth. In some cases, the depression takes them to the point of suicide.

This is a very serious illness, with far more severe issues than infidelity. Unless you have experienced it—it’s hard to imagine—how little control a person actually has over the behavior caused by their mood swings.

But, look who is cheating without a reason!

According to an article written by Lynn Norment (Dec 1998—Ebony)
INFIDELITY II Why Women Cheat

“…1953…renowned sex researcher Alfred Kinsey, who in his landmark study found that 50 percent of husbands and 26 percent of wives surveyed had cheated by age 40. However, in recent years, women have been catching up to men. A 1997 Ball State University study suggests that young women, those under age 40, are just as likely to commit adultery as men their age. Among older couples, the stereotype of men being more likely to stray holds true.”

With that said, does it really matter if they are bipolar? People cheat mentally ill or not.

Answer 3

It is very, very common for individuals with bipolar disorder to experience an uncontrollable sex drive. We know from brain scans that people in the manic phase of bipolar disorder don't show as much activity in the frontal lobe (the portion of the brain that controls decision making). They have less restraint in all areas, including their sex lives. They tend to be very hypersexual and impulsive, and they don't plan correctly or think about the consequences of their actions.

While this is certainly no excuse, you do have to realize that bipolar individuals (both women and men) are at the mercy of a biochemical problem in their brains that is not under their control. Although they are still responsible for their actions, because of the chemical issues they have, perhaps we should be a bit more forgiving of their transgressions, while (of course) encouraging them to seek treatment for their mental illness.

Answer 4

It varies person to person. A bipolar person doesnt have any other excuse than a so called normal person. In my eyes bipolar people are normal. They just have a different way of thinking. It all borls down to a persons morals. I hate that society sometimes thinks that bipolar people are bad or are judged... But honestly it's the morals. I know this because I'm bipolar and people judge me when and if they find out which is why I haven't told my current bf yet. I'm waiting until later to bring up something that serious because I want him to know me and not what society thinks about me. Anyways, I don't drink, smoke, party, or sleep around. I'm very goal oriented and have high hopes for my life. I've known what I've wanted to do since I was 12 and never changed my mind. I am now in my senior year of college,and lived abroad. please get to know the person and not what society thinks that person is like. I wish the world could come to be less judge mental one day and help one another more.

Answer 5

Yes, it is. During manic or hypomanic episodes, hypersexuality is very common, leading to an uncontrollable desire for sex without worrying about the consequences. Bipolar men have the same reaction.

There are plenty of folks over at http://www.crazyboards.org who will confirm this.

Answer 6

If a woman is manic, and cannot seem to control her sexual impulses, can't see what her actions' long term effects will be, and thinks that her husband is doing it too (paranoia), then it's a possibility. But I wouldn't say it's COMMON. I have bipolar disorder, and while I've thought of it (who hasn't), I would NEVER actually do it.

Answer 7

Women seem to blame it on this condition but it is an excuse to cheat,,,and a stupid reason is saying oh i am bi polar thats why i like to screw...sureilll

Answer 8

absolutedly not, that is only an excuse, no one should cheat, it shows weakness in ones self, and the marriage, refrain from it, and love your husband more/wife more.....work on what you started before you married, and refresh that feeling. good luck

Answer 9

i don't see why it would be. being bipolar is about extreme highs and lows of mood. that has nothing to do with the reasons that people have affairs.

Answer 10

i have bi polar and have never cheated on my husband