Bipolar symptoms explained, including the signs and symptoms of mania and the symptoms of depression.

Bipolar disorder differs significantly from clinical depression, although the symptoms for the depressive phase of the illness are similar. Most people who have bipolar disorder talk about experiencing "highs" and "lows" - the highs are periods of mania, the lows periods of depression. These swings can be severe, ranging from extreme energy to deep despair. The severity of the mood swings and the way they disrupt normal life activities distinguish bipolar mood episodes from ordinary mood changes.

Due to the changing nature of its symptoms, bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognize. For example, you may remember periods when you felt depressed, but fail to recall periods when you felt unusually "high" and energetic. To make an accurate diagnosis, a doctor needs to know all of the extended periods of "ups" and "downs" you have experienced in your life.

Symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder

• Increased physical and mental activity and energy - hyperactivity (Scheduling more events in a day than can be accomplished; inability to relax or sit still.)
• Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence (A sensation of sheer and utter happiness that nothing - not even bad news or a horrifying event or tragedy - can change.)
• Invincibility - The person feels that nothing can prevent him or her from accomplishing any task.
• Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior - particularly when grandiose plans are thwarted.
• Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
• Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance (Individuals imagine that they have special connections with God, celebrities, or political leaders.)
• Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas (Ideas that abruptly change from topic to topic expressed in loud, rapid speech that becomes increasingly incoherent.)
• Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility
• Reckless or risky behavior (Reckless driving, outlandish spending sprees, foolish business investments, or out-of-character sexual behavior.)
• In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations

Symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder

• Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells (The person feels helpless, hopeless, and worthless.)
• Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns (Either noticeable increase in appetite or a substantial weight loss unrelated to dieting. Either sleeping too much or not at all.)
• Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
• Pessimism, indifference
• Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
• Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

You cannot diagnose yourself. Only a properly trained health professional can determine if you have bipolar disorder. Our online bipolar self-assessment test can help you communicate your symptoms to your health care professional.

Many people do not seek medical attention during periods of mania because they feel manic symptoms (increased energy, heightened mood, increased sexual drive, etc.) have a positive impact on them. However, left unchecked, these behaviors can have harmful results.

When symptoms of mania are left untreated, they can lead to illegal or life-threatening situations because mania often involves impaired judgment and reckless behavior. Manic behaviors vary from person to person. All symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.

Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th Ed. Text Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Guide to Depression and Manic-Depression [brochure]. Chicago, Ill: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance; 2001.

next: Bipolar Disorder is a Serious Psychiatric Condition