Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder symptoms vary from person to person, and depend on the type of bipolar disorder in question and whether the person is having a manic or depressive episode. Mania and depression symptoms may even occur together, which is known as a mixed episode.
There are several subtypes of bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode. In cases of bipolar II disorder, the person has never had a manic episode, but has had at least one hypomanic (a less severe mania) episode and at least one period of severe depression.
Symptoms of Bipolar Mania
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder during a manic or hypomanic episode may include:
- Aggressive behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Euphoria
- Extreme optimism
- Frequent absences from or poor performance at work or school
- Inability to concentrate, agitation and irritation
- Increased drive to perform or achieve goals, physical activity, and sex drive
- Inflated self-esteem
- Psychosis (delusions or a break from reality)
- Reckless behavior and poor judgment
- Racing thoughts
- Rapid speech.
Bipolar Depression and Depressive Episodes
Bipolar disorder symptoms during a depressive episode may include:
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Chronic pain without a known cause
- Fatigue
- Feelings of unexplained guilt, hopelessness or depression
- Frequent absences from or poor performance at work or school
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Problems concentrating
- Sadness
- Sleep problems
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Unfortunately, there’s no failsafe “bipolar disorder quiz” that can diagnose this condition. However, if you’re experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, speak to your physician about your symptoms. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms In Children
In children and adolescents, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are less clear than when they present in adults. Children usually do not have distinct manic or depressive episodes, but are more likely to exhibit an explosive temper, rapid mood shifts, and reckless or aggressive behavior. Sometimes, these shifts occur within a few hours. Another a common sign of childhood bipolar disorder is changing sleep patterns.
If you suspect you or your child has symptoms of bipolar depression or mania, seek professional medical help.
Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Bipolar disorder: Symptoms. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=symptoms.
National Institute of Mental Health Staff. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml.