Exploring the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is an illness of severe mood swings. Mania and depression are the highs and lows of this disorder. Typically it is diagnosed in young adults age 18 years and older. It affects men and women equally. The disorder can run in families.

Although the effects of this illness can be severe and difficult to deal with many people who are bipolar are able to lead full and productive lives. If you or a loved one has this disorder, there is help available. In some ways it's not that much different than managing an illness like diabetes.

The very first step in dealing with bipolar disorder and those that have it is to get a good understanding of the symptoms. There are four different type of mood episodes, each with their own unique symptoms.

Mania

• Person feels all-powerful. May have hallucinations or delusions of grandeur.
• Euphoria - feels excessively optimistic, on top of the world.
  
• Extremely irritable - angry with aggressive or provocative actions.
• Restless - unable to concentrate, easily distracted.
• Unusually talkative - talks fast, feels a need to keep talking.
• Less need for sleep - goes for days on very little or no sleep.
  
• High risk behavior - pleasure seeking, involvement in high risk actions like sex, drugs, gambling, etc.
• Extremely energetic - feelings of creativity and increased productiveness.
• Aggressive behavior - rudeness, causes trouble.
• Poor judgment - reckless, impulsive, no idea of abnormal behavior.

Hypomania

• Milder form of mania - less severe, not as difficult to function normally.
• Euphoria - feels productive and energetic.
• Can do day-t0-day activities - no delusions or hallucinations.
• Very agreeable - may seem to be in an usually good mood.
• Often turns spirals into a full-blown manic episode, followed by major depression.

Depression

• Fatigue - loss of energy, may move and speak slowly.
• Depressed - hopeless, sad, feels empty.
  
• Loses interest in previous pleasurable activities - sex, hobbies, social activities.
• Restless - unable to sit still, nervousness.
• Change in sleep pattern - oversleeps or has insomnia.
• Weight and appetite changes - may have significant weight gain or loss.
• Problems with memory - can't concentrate, difficulty making decisions.
• Feelings of worthlessness - very critical and hard on themself, dislikes self.

Mixed Episodes (Mania and Depression)

• Full blown symptoms of both mania and depression.
• May alternate between the two extremes or suffer affects of both at the same time.
• Mixes irritability and the low moods of depression with the agitation of mania.
• Combination of high energy mixed with depression make suicide a high risk.