Accepted Answer

I think given the fact that your partner has suggested that he had a previous diagnosis as bipolar that it is quite sensible to be conscious of these signs.

However the diagnosis of bipolar requires the presence of periods of mania of which you have given a description but also periods of depression, which has not been described. Often during a bout of mania, the affected person may not be conscious of their abnormal behaviour but after this resolves they may be suprised over what had occurred. The duration that periods of mania and depression cycle can be over a few weeks and even last months if left untreated.

It might be an idea to discuss with him what his maniac episodes were thought to be during his divorce, my suspicion as you mention he acknowledges depression during divorce is that he was only having reactive depression. If he was taking any medication at the time would give you an idea too eg mood stabilise like lithium or just an antidepressant.

At the moment I wouldn't given your description be too worried about bipolar unless he develops bouts of depression or this has been present just prior to his mania. Or if his maniac behaviour is extreme eg spending extravagant amounts of money he cant afford.

 

If there are other features such as increased appetite, intolerance to heat it might be worthwhile just checking his thyroid function tests in case this change is not a psychiatric but medical problem

 

I hope this information is useful, feel free to reply for any clarification