Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Since there are two different phases with bipolar - the depressive phase and the manic phase - there are two sets of symptoms for bipolar disorder. Sometimes a person with bipolar disorder will experience symptoms in the first section and at other times their symptoms will be like those in the second section. Any of these symptoms alone do not mean that a person is bipolar. However, if you know someone who experiences many of the symptoms in both categories, they may need to be evaluated.
1) bipolar mania or hypo-mania
- euorphia or irritability
- excessive talk; racing thoughts
- inflated self-esteem
- unusual energy; less need for sleep
- impulsiveness, a reckless pursuit of gratification (shopping sprees, impetuous travel, more and sometimes promiscuous sex, high-risk business investments, fast driving)
2) bipolar depression/major depression
- depressed mood and low self-esteem
- low energy levels and apathy
- sadness, loneliness, helplessness, guilt
- slow speech, fatigue, and poor coordination
- insomnia or oversleeping
- suicidal thoughts and feelings
- poor concentration
- lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities
