Q. I am 31 years old and was diagnosed with bipolar two years ago after jumping out of a moving vehicle on the highway. I broke my jaw in three places and not surprising ended up in the psych ward for a month. I have been feeling fairly well over the past year and a half. I still have highs and lows but not as extreme as they were. (haven't attempted suicide for over a year) Anyway, my question is: is it normal to hear voices while in a manic or dysphoric state? I have had this happen on several occasions usually it is preceded by extreme stress or an argument with a loved one. Although it has also happened in the middle of the day completely out of nowhere. I have found myself on a couple of occasions actually having a conversation with this voice - out loud. Is this normal for Bi polar or do I have something else as well?

  A. It is not abnormal for a bipolar while manic, depressed, or in a mixed state (symptoms of both mania and depression) to hear voices. It is very unusual if you are euthymic.