A fairly decent overview

Mel Gibson's Tirade and the 10 Top Myths of Bipolar Disorder

I cringed every time I hear the diagnosis of bipolar in the news being used as a "defense" for some outrageous behaviors. I'm not saying that bipolar can't or doesn't contribute, but if Mel had been dx'd in the past (since 1977 by some accounts I've read); then it is his responsibility to learn how to properly deal. Alcohol abuse is not the way to go. But in his defense, and speaking from personal experience the bear can rear it's ugly head at any time even after months or in my case years of trouble free living.