A bipolar psychotic break occurs when severe mood episodes mania or depression trigger psychosis, affecting about 50-75% of people with bipolar I disorder at some point (per DSM-5 and NIMH data). It's not "split personality" (a myth); it's a temporary loss of reality contact due to brain chemistry imbalances, often involving dopamine surges.

During Manic Psychosis (Most Common): The person enters an elevated, irritable, or euphoric state lasting ≥1 week, with grandiosity escalating to delusions. Signs include:

• Delusions of Grandeur: Believing they're a celebrity, messiah, or have superpowers (e.g., "I control the weather").
• Paranoia: Conviction of being persecuted (e.g., "The government is spying via my phone").
• Hallucinations: Hearing voices praising or commanding them; rarely visual (e.g., seeing angels).
• Disorganized Behavior: Rapid speech (pressured, tangential), sleeplessness for days, reckless actions like spending fortunes or risky sex. They may seem energetic and charming at first, but become agitated, aggressive, or incoherent.

During Depressive Psychosis (Less Common): In severe depression (≥2 weeks), nihilistic delusions emerge:

• Guilt Delusions: "I've ruined the world; I deserve eternal punishment."
• Hallucinations: Voices accusing them of sins.
• Catatonia: Frozen stillness or bizarre posturing; profound hopelessness leading to suicide risk.

Onset and Duration: Triggers include stress, sleep loss, substances, or untreated episodes. It builds over days; full break hits suddenly. Without treatment (mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics like olanzapine, or hospitalization), it lasts weeks to months. Recovery restores insight, often with embarrassment.

Seek emergency help if danger to self/others is imminent. Early intervention prevents recurrence. (Consult a psychiatrist; this is informational, not diagnostic.)