The rapper Kanye West, more recently known as Ye has been very vocal in recent years about his bipolar disorder diagnosis. The clip below provides multiple occasions where he publicly displayed behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. Many who were unaware of his diagnosis questioned these behaviors and ultimately judged him because of it. However, since he has shared that he has a psychological disorder—some have shown empathy.

You can view the transcript for “Bipolar Disorder case study: Kayne West” here (opens in new window).

As stated in the previous section on bipolar disorder, a manic episode is characterized as a “distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy lasting at least one week,” that lasts most of the time each day (APA, 2013, p. 124). During a manic episode, some experience a mood that is almost euphoric and become excessively talkative, sometimes spontaneously starting conversations with strangers; others become excessively irritable and complain or make hostile comments. The person may talk loudly and rapidly, exhibiting flight of ideas, abruptly switching from one topic to another. These individuals are easily distracted, which can make a conversation very difficult. They may exhibit grandiosity, in which they experience inflated but unjustified self-esteem and self-confidence.