Brenda has been up for days. She forgot to pay the rent, but is handing out money to the homeless. When a police officer tries to talk to her about why she is wearing only her bra and underwear in a public place, she answers rapidly, but her thoughts and her words are moving quickly from one idea to another. The police officer would be correct in suspecting that Brenda has _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brenda's behavior suggests symptoms of bipolar disorder, including sleeplessness, impulsive behavior (giving money to the homeless), and rapid speech and thoughts (moving quickly from one idea to another). Forgetting to pay the rent may also suggest a lack of attention and focus, which can be characteristic of bipolar disorder during manic episodes. The fact that she is only in her bra and underwear may suggest a lack of inhibition, another common symptom of bipolar disorder during manic episodes. Drug-induced multiple personalities or hypothermic shock do not fit the symptoms described. A personality disorder may be a possibility, but the specific symptoms described here point more towards bipolar disorder.

Brenda Has Been Up for Days