If you have bipolar you will experience extreme mood swings, from periods of overactive, excited behaviour, known as ‘mania’ or ‘manic episodes’ to deep depression. You may have stable times. You may experience hallucinations and delusions.[i]
Symptoms[ii]
Manic episodes
- Feeling euphoric
- Talking very fast
- Lots of energy
- Reduced need for sleep
- Risky behaviour
- Racing thoughts
- Restlessness
- Extreme irritability
- Feeling a sense of own importance
- Poor judgement
- Excessive and inappropriate spending
- Increased sex drive
- Misusing drugs/alcohol
- Aggressive behaviour
Some people will experience ‘Hypomania’ which is a mood state characterised by increased energy, excitement, and changes in mood that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a full manic episode.[iii]
Depressive episodes
- A sense of hopelessness
- Feeling empty emotionally
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling worthless
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping to much
- Weight loss or gain / changes in appetite
- Loss of interest in daily life
- Lack of concentration
- Being forgetful
- Suicidal feelings
Mixed Episode
Some people experience a mixed episode. A mixed episode is characterised by a period of at least a week where a person experiences a manic episode and a depressive episode at the same time.[iv]. It is one of the most dangerous times, as someone has the energy and impulsiveness to act of suicidal thoughts.
Types of Bipolar Disorder[v]
Bipolar 1 Disorder – people experience manic episodes, most people experience depressive episodes as well
Bipolar 2 Disorder– people experience both hypomanic and depressive episodes. Most people predominately experience depression with occasional hypomania.
Cyclothymic Disorder – people experience shot periods of depression and hypomania.
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified -people have cyclic moods and other symptoms consistent with Bipolar Disorder, but do not meet the criteria for the other the diagnoses
[i] mind understanding bipolar disorder
[ii] mind understanding bipolar disorder
[iii] Bipolar disorder assessment and treatment. 2nd edition. Trisha suppes, MD, PhD. Ellen B. Dennehy, Phd. Page 2
[iv] Bipolar disorder assessment and treatment. 2nd edition. Trisha suppes, MD, PhD. Ellen B. Dennehy, Phd. Page 16
[v] Bipolar disorder assessment and treatment. 2nd edition. Trisha suppes, MD, PhD. Ellen B. Dennehy, Phd. Page 17
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