Learn About Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: What to Know

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These mood episodes are markedly different from the person’s usual behavior and mood states. Previously known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is categorized into several types, including bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.

Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes lasting at least seven days or severe manic symptoms requiring immediate hospital care, typically followed by depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder features a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania). Cyclothymic disorder involves periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years, though less severe than full-blown episodes.

The exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown, but factors like genetics, brain structure, and environmental triggers likely contribute to its development. Bipolar disorder typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, though some people experience symptoms during childhood.

Recognizing Manic or Hypomanic Episodes

Manic episodes represent the “high” phase of bipolar disorder and are characterized by abnormally elevated mood states. During a manic episode, a person may experience:

• Feeling unusually “high,” elated, or irritable

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

• Racing thoughts and accelerated speech patterns

• Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired

• Unrealistic beliefs about one’s abilities or powers

• Poor judgment and impulsive behavior

• Increased sexual drive and risky behaviors

• Difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted

Hypomanic episodes share similar symptoms but are less severe and don’t typically cause significant problems in daily functioning or require hospitalization. While some people feel productive and creative during hypomanic states, these episodes can escalate to full mania or switch to depression if left untreated.

A crucial distinction is that these episodes represent a noticeable change from typical behavior. Family members and friends often recognize these shifts before the person experiencing them does, as insight can be impaired during manic states.

Recognizing Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes constitute the “low” phase of bipolar disorder and may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Decreased energy and increased fatigue

• Changes in appetite and weight

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide

These depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder can be indistinguishable from those of major depressive disorder, which sometimes leads to misdiagnosis. However, the history of manic or hypomanic episodes is what differentiates bipolar disorder from unipolar depression.

Depressive episodes often last longer than manic or hypomanic episodes and can be more frequent. For many people with bipolar disorder, the depressive symptoms may be more debilitating and challenging to treat than the manic symptoms.

Other Common Symptoms

Beyond the classic manic and depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may experience several other symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life:

• Mixed features: Simultaneously experiencing symptoms of both mania and depression, such as agitation, anxiety, trouble sleeping, major changes in appetite, and suicidal thinking.

• Rapid cycling: Experiencing four or more mood episodes within a 12-month period. Rapid cycling can occur in any type of bipolar disorder and may be temporary.

• Psychosis: During severe episodes, some individuals experience psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. These psychotic features typically align with the person’s extreme mood (either grandiose during mania or self-deprecating during depression).

• Cognitive difficulties: Many people with bipolar disorder report problems with attention, memory, and executive functions, even between episodes.

• Physical symptoms: Unexplained pain, physical restlessness, or physical slowing during different phases of the illness.

• Seasonal patterns: Some individuals experience mood changes that follow a seasonal pattern, with depression more common during winter months and mania or hypomania more likely in spring or summer.

Importance of Early Recognition and Support

Early identification and appropriate treatment of bipolar disorder can significantly improve outcomes. Without treatment, bipolar disorder tends to worsen, and episodes may become more frequent or severe over time. Proper diagnosis can be challenging, as symptoms vary among individuals and may overlap with other conditions.

Seeking professional help is crucial when bipolar symptoms are suspected. A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional typically includes a thorough interview, medical history review, and sometimes psychological testing. Family involvement in the assessment process can provide valuable insights about behavior patterns that the individual might not recognize.

Once diagnosed, bipolar disorder typically requires lifelong management. Treatment usually includes a combination of medications (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants), psychotherapy, lifestyle management, and social support. Consistent treatment adherence helps prevent relapse and reduces symptom severity.

Support from family and friends plays a vital role in recovery. Learning about the condition, encouraging treatment adherence, recognizing early warning signs of episodes, and fostering open communication are ways loved ones can help. Support groups for both individuals with bipolar disorder and their families can provide valuable information, coping strategies, and community connection.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.