Mental Health Disorders

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Virginia J. Duffy PhD, Psychiatric NP

The symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on the mood state of the individual. The symptoms of mania and depression are listed below. Persons with Bipolar disorder who are not have a manic or depressive episode will often have no symptoms. It is important to remember that if a person has a depressive episode but has never had an episode of mania they should not be given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Mania

•  Manic symptoms listed below must last at least a week.

•  Elevated (high) mood

•  Extreme irritability

•  Talking too fast or too much

•  Risky or impulsive behavior that are changes from usual behavior. These can be sexual behavior, excessive spending sprees, sudden changes in lifestyle etc

•  Sleep less, people with mania have been known to stay up for days. The longer they are awake the worse symptoms become.

•  Thoughts that jump from one subject to another. (racing thoughts) This is reflected in speech content, which changes rapidly. It is difficult to follow such a conversation.

•  Poor boundaries with others, invading others personal space, interrupting, being overly familiar etc.

•  Unrealistic feelings of power, abilities, or importance.

•  Persons who are manic can be psychotic, that is out of touch with reality.

Depression

For more about depression click here.

•  A Depressive episode include a sad, hopeless, irritable mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities a person used to have. In addition, at least four of the following symptoms every day for at least two weeks.

•  Decrease or increase in appetite that may result in weight gain or loss.

•  Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)

•  Feeling restless or slowed down.

•  Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness or excessive guilt

•  Decrease in ability to make decisions, concentrate and think.

•  Thoughts of death (not just fear of dying) and or suicide

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