Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects individuals differently and there is no standard way to experience it.
It is identified by significant changes in mood and energy levels, which can cause extreme highs (mania or hypomania) or lows (depression) that can last for one or two weeks, or even longer. It’s common for individuals to experience both types of mood episodes.
During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person with bipolar disorder may experience an elevated mood, increased energy levels, and a sense of invincibility. However, they may also feel irritable and angry instead of euphoric.
On the other hand, during a depressive episode, they may feel profound sadness, hopelessness, and exhaustion.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, but it can be managed with a combination of therapy, medication, support, and coping strategies to help people live a healthy and satisfying life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Types of bipolar disorder
Healthcare providers and mental health professionals use the standards outlined in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder consists of :
- Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one episode of mania lasting for a week or longer. Some individuals may also experience episodes of depression lasting for at least 2 weeks, but it is not a requirement for diagnosis. It is possible to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder based solely on the presence of a manic episode.
- Bipolar II disorder is characterized by experiencing hypomania for at least 4 days and depressive episodes for at least 2 weeks. Hypomania is less severe than mania, and the depressive episodes in bipolar II disorder can be extremely debilitating.
For both bipolar I and II disorders, it is possible to have episodes with mixed features.
This is when a person experiences both manic or hypomanic symptoms and symptoms of bipolar depression simultaneously.
Following a treatment plan can help individuals manage these fluctuations in mood.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder episodes
Symptoms of bipolar disorder usually begin during teenage or early adulthood, but it is possible for children to have bipolar disorder too.
Manic episodes are characterized by the following symptoms:
- inflated self-esteem or the belief that you’re more important, talented, or powerful than others
- endless energy
- talking very quickly
- racing thoughts
- seeming or feeling easily distracted
- feeling like you can accomplish anything
- intense irritability or acting aggressively
- not needing much sleep
- acting impulsively and finding yourself in riskier situations, such as unprotected sex, overspending, or reckless driving
When experiencing a hypomanic episode, individuals tend to have milder symptoms of mania. For those with bipolar II disorder, a hypomanic episode can feel good, especially if they have just recovered from depression.
They feel energized and are able to complete necessary tasks.
However, hypomanic episodes can also be dangerous as people may engage in unhealthy behaviors and experience severe mania or depression.
While mania and hypomania can be a pleasant energy boost for some, others may feel irritable, anxious, or agitated and may lash out at loved ones or feel bad about themselves.
When a person is experiencing a depressive episode, bipolar symptoms can manifest in a number of ways, including
- feeling sad or hopeless
- losing interest in pleasurable or usual activities
- trouble sleeping
- exhaustion or feeling lethargic
- feeling guilty or worthless
- trouble focusing
- negative thoughts about the future
- gaining or losing weight
- suicidal thoughts or actions
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now:
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
- Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
Bipolar disorder vs. depression
Bipolar disorder and depression share some common symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two. However, there are some key differences between bipolar disorder and depression:
Bipolar disorder:
- involves periods of manic or hypomanic episodes in addition to depressive episodes
- mood swings can occur rapidly, with sudden shifts in energy levels and emotions
- may include symptoms such as impulsivity, recklessness, and grandiosity during manic episodes
- may include symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and increased talkativeness during manic episodes
Depression:
- involves only depressive episodes, without periods of mania or hypomania
- mood is persistently low or sad, and symptoms may last for weeks or months
- may include symptoms such as difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. They can help provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you
Bipolar disorder and substance use
According to a large-scale study conducted in 2016, it was found that individuals who experience mania are more prone to developing alcohol use disorder.
This suggests that there is a strong association between bipolar disorder and substance use.
According to the same study, individuals with both bipolar disorder I and bipolar disorder II showed similar rates of substance use disorder, with alcohol being the most prevalent type of substance used.
A review conducted in 2017 revealed that in people with bipolar disorder, substance use disorders are more prevalent among males, those who experience a higher number of manic episodes, and those who have suicidal thoughts.
Developing a substance use disorder can disrupt treatment and exacerbate certain symptoms of bipolar disorder.
In a study conducted in 2017 with 837 outpatients from mental health and substance abuse centers, it was found that individuals with comorbid bipolar disorder and substance use disorder have a higher likelihood of dying by suicide.
Bipolar disorder in children
Bipolar disorder can also occur in children between the ages of 6 and 10, but it is diagnosed differently with a separate set of symptoms and is called disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis that was first introduced in the DSM-5.
Children with DMDD experience severe and frequent temper tantrums that occur at least three times per week, which are not appropriate for their age and the situation.
Between these tantrums, they are often irritable and angry towards caregivers, teachers, and peers, making it difficult for them to function in various settings.
Behavioral therapy for children and training for caregivers are the main treatments for DMDD, although medication such as stimulants and antidepressants may also be used in some cases.
When to talk with a doctor
If you are exhibiting any signs of bipolar disorder, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to speak with a mental health professional or your healthcare provider.
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and it may feel like a daunting task at times. It’s perfectly normal to feel this way.
However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and that bipolar disorder is a highly treatable condition.
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be beneficial when living with bipolar disorder.
This can be achieved through support groups, online forums or blogs that focus on bipolar disorder. In addition to this, incorporating self-care practices into your treatment plan can be helpful.
Remember that with appropriate treatment and support, it is possible to manage bipolar disorder and maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.
10 sources
- American Psychiatric Association. (2018) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM–5).
- Arias F. (2017). Bipolar disorder and substance use disorders. Madrid study on the prevalence of dual disorders/pathology.
net/publication/297593950_Bipolar_disorder_and_substance_use_disorders_Madrid_study_on_the_prevalence_of_dual_disorderspathology - Bipolar disorder. (2018).
nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml - Brand S, et al. (2011). ‘Bright side’ and ‘dark side’ hypomania are associated with differences in psychological functioning, sleep and physical activity in a non-clinical sample of young adults.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21227510/ - Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). (2019).
org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Disruptive-Mood-Dysregulation-Disorder-_DMDD_-110.aspx - Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: The basics. (n.d.).
nih.gov/health/publications/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder/index.shtml - Hunt GE, et al. (2016). Prevalence of comorbid bipolar and substance use disorders in clinical settings, 1990–2015: systematic review and meta-analysis.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27476137/ - Major depression. (2019).
nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml - Messer T, et al. (2017). Substance abuse in patients with bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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