Since bipolar disorder has been shown to be a major cause of suicide, a number of U.S. studies have concluded that a person affected by this condition often shows signs and symptoms that may accompany suicidal feelings, such as talking or discussing suicide, having the feeling that "nothing will ever change or get better," that "nothing one does makes any difference" and feelings that the person is "a burden to family and friends." Also, the suicidal person may begin to abuse alcohol or illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine and even heroin and proceed to put his/her affairs in order like "organizing finances or giving away possessions to prepare for one's death." Not surprisingly, such as person may also put him/herself in "harm's way or in situations where there is a danger of being killed" (2007, "Bipolar Disorder," Internet).

Clearly, a person with bipolar disorder will exhibit outward signs and indications that he/she is suffering...

Besides abusing alcohol and illegal drugs, the person may also attempt to self-medicate their symptoms and may exhibit "mood symptoms brought on... By substance abuse" and certain anxiety disorders, such as PTSD and obsessive-compulsive (2007, "Bipolar Disorder," Internet). A good example of a celebrity who currently shows signs of having bipolar disorder is Britney Spears, due to her recent run-ins with the law and her outrageous behavior in both public and private settings. Ms. Spears has clearly exhibited indications of "illusions of grandeur," meaning that some of her stunts in public did not seem to personally affect her, almost as if she felt she was superior to those around her, even with the camera rolling.
References

2007). "Bipolar Disorder." National Institute of Mental Health. Internet. Retrieved at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml.

Glanze, Walter D., Ed. (2002). Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary.

St. Louis: C.V. Mosby Company.