Are people with bipolar disorder aware of it? are they aware of it when they have mania?

Sometimes no: Many people who are first diagnosed w/ bipolar d/o are not aware they had an illness until problems arise at home, at school or at work. When a person has a manic episode, he or she can feel high, unstoppable and ecstatic. He or she may talk fast, have lots of energy and do risky, impulsive things. It is difficult for many people to recognize their state of mind during these periods.

Unfortunately : Ones understanding of their illness can becomes impaired as symptoms worsen. Particularly if their condition is complicated by symptoms of psychosis.

Bipolar: Yes, they are very much aware of it, as much as they try to fight it by going off their meds, especially in manic states. In my opinion, both the doctor and the patient become students of the individual patient's mania, and what it means to the patient, and how to manage it, etc.