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Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again to the high point. Often, there are periods of normal mood patterns in between these highs and lows. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs are called mania, and those of the lows are called depression.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
Periods of highs are called mania. Signs and symptoms of mania include:
Periods of lows are called depression . Signs and symptoms of depression include:
Someone with bipolar disorder may also experience the following:
A mild to moderate level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. Without proper treatment, however, hypomania can become severe mania or can switch over into depression.
Sometimes, severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis (or psychotic symptoms). Common psychotic symptoms are:
Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. For example, delusions of grandiosity, such as believing one is the President or has special powers or wealth, may occur during mania. Delusions of guilt or worthlessness, such as believing that one is ruined and penniless or has committed some terrible crime, may appear during depression.
Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a doctor. Anyone who talks about suicide should be taken seriously. Risk for suicide appears to be higher earlier in the course of the illness. Therefore, recognizing bipolar disorder early and learning how best to manage it may decrease the risk of death by suicide.
Signs and symptoms that may accompany suicidal feelings include:
As many as 35% to 60% of patients with bipolar disorder will have an episode of major depression before having a manic episode. Until an episode of mania occurs, these patients generally have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and will be treated for that, rather than bipolar disorder.
Clues that you may be suffering from bipolar disorder instead of major depression include:
References:
American Psychiatric Association website. Available at: http://www.psych.org/ .
Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml . Updated April 3, 2008. Accessed June 21, 2008.
Kaye NS. Is your depressed patient bipolar? J Am Board Am Pract. 2005;18:271-281.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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