Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is chiefly characterized by the presence of one or more manic or mixed episodes. The presence of a depressive episode is not required for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but is common. There are two types of bipolar disorder, type I and type II. Type I is characterized by one or more manic episodes; type II is characterized by one or more depressive episodes along with the presence of one or more hypomanic episode.

Symptoms of a Manic Episode

According to the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", symptoms of a manic episode are a distinct period of elevated mood lasting at least one week; inflated self esteem; less need for sleep; talkativeness; racing thoughts; distractability; increased goal-oriented activity; and increased involvement in risky, pleasurable behavior. The symptoms must not meet the criteria for a mixed episode, the change in mood must impair the person's life in some way, and the symptoms must not be due to a substance or a general medical condition. Some psychotic features may be present; the person may be a danger to themselves or others and hospitalization may be necessary.

Symptoms of a Hypomanic Episode

According to the "Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders", symptoms of a hypomanic episode are; a distinct period of an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting 4 days or more, inflated self esteem, less need of sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractability, increased goal oriented activity, and increased involvement in risky pleasurable behavior, these behavioral changes must be observable by others. In contrast with a manic episode, in a hypomanic episode the episode doesn't cause impairment in the person's life, hospitalization is not required, and there are no psychotic features.

Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

According to the "Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders", symptoms of a major depressive episode are: a two-week period of a depressed mood and/or decreased interest in pleasure nearly every day, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day, restlessness or slowed behavior, daily fatigue or energy loss, low self worth, feelings of guilt, inability to concentrate, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Symptoms do not have to meet the criteria for a mixed episode, but they must cause significant problems in the person's life, and they must not be accounted for by bereavement.

Symptoms of a Mixed Episode

The American Psychiatric Association defines a mixed episode as combination of a manic and a depressive episode that take place concurrently for at least a week. The symptoms experienced cause the patient significant impairment and may require hospitalization to insure that the patient does not harm himself or others. Psychotic features may be present. Symptoms are not due to the effects of a substance or a general medical condition.

Importance of Treatment

Bipolar I and II are serious mental illnesses and should be examined by a qualified professional such as a doctor, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist. Seek the advice of a professional for treatment if some of the above symptoms are present in yourself or a loved one. Typical treatments include a combination of medication and therapy.