Signs and Symptoms
Updated 5/09/09
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme emotional highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression.) While there are different types of bipolar disorder, they share many of the same symptoms, just to varying degrees. If you know what to look for, you can help prevent a manic or depressive episode from getting too far out of hand. Therefore, it’s a good idea to know the signs symptoms of bipolar disorder. Here are some of the main symptoms of mania and depression:
Symptoms of Mania
You will see an increase of energy. A person who’s becoming manic will not need as much sleep, will not be very tired, and will seem restless.
There may be speech disruptions. One of the most common symptoms of mania is pressured speech, which is when the person talks real fast and won’t stop. In severe mania, the speech can sometimes become incoherent.
A manic person often displays impaired judgment. He or she may appear to lack insight. The individual may behave inappropriately, for example, telling off-color jokes in mixed company. You may see increased impulsivity and financial extravagance as well. Someone who’s manic may quit his or her job and the next day go out and buy a new car.
There may be an increase in sexual activity. Someone who is normally chaste may suddenly become promiscuous. The sexual behavior may be inappropriate as well.
In mania, there are changes of thought patterns. Common signs are distractibility, creativity, a flight of ideas, disorientation, disjointed thinking, and racing thoughts. Racing thoughts are very common to mania and hypomania, and can also occur in mixed episodes.
Changes in mood are common. The person may become more irritable and even hostile. Excitability and feelings of exhilaration are also common to mania.
You may notice changes in perceptions, such as an inflated self-esteem, and grandiosity. Hallucinations can occur with bipolar I mania. By definition, hallucinations do not occur in hypomania. Delusions and paranoia can also occur with severe bipolar I mania as well. The manic person may become more religious, or even change religions.
Hypomanic symptoms are generally less severe than manic symptoms, and do not impair daily activities. In addition, psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia) does not occur with hypomania.
Symptoms of Depression
One of the main symptoms is a change in energy levels. Energy will decrease, and there will often be fatigue and lethargy present. You may notice a decrease in activity. A depressed person may have problems sleeping or sleep too much. Often, there is a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. For example, Sally used to go to bridge club every week and then she quit going. People that are depressed tend to withdraw socially as well.
Physical changes may occur also. There are often unexplained aches and pains. Someone with depression may go to the doctor because of pain or other physical discomfort, and then the doctor says that nothing is wrong. These types of aches and pains are caused by depression and are treatable with certain types of anti-depressants. There may be changes in weight. Some people overeat when they are depressed, while others starve themselves. You also might notice psychomotor agitation or retardation. (The person either fidgets a lot or moves extremely slowly.)
With depression, there is a change in one’s emotional state. The person may seem sad for a very long period of time, and may cry a lot. He or she may feel guilty, worthless, and have low self-esteem. Often, there is a feeling of despair, along with hopelessness and helplessness.
With depression, you’ll notice changes in moods. A person who is depressed may become irritable, angry, or worry a lot. He or she may seem pessimistic or indifferent. People with depression also tend to be very critical of themselves.
In depression, there are changes in thought patterns as well. You may notice difficulty focusing and problems with concentration. A depressed person may have trouble making decisions and remembering things. Disorganization is also a sign.
Sometimes with depression, there is a preoccupation with death. Someone who is preoccupied with death will think about it a lot, and may even talk about it. Some depressed people fantasize about suicide. Anyone who is contemplating suicide should talk to a professional or call the suicide hotline at 1-800-784-2433.
If you start to notice these symptoms in yourself, call your doctor immediately. You may need a medication change or dosage adjustment. If someone you know is displaying these signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk to them lovingly about your concern.
