Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from person to person and can be different depending on the type of bipolar disorder. Here are some common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder:

• Manic Episode: A manic episode is a period of unusually intense emotion and changes in sleep patterns and activity levels. During a manic episode, a person may experience the following symptoms:

  • Intense feelings of euphoria, excitement, or happiness
  • Appearing abnormally jumpy or wired
  • Having excessive energy
  • Insomnia or restlessness (a decreased need for sleep)
  • Speaking fast or being unusually talkative
  • Having racing or jumbled thoughts
  • Being easily distracted
  • Being easily irritated or agitated
  • Being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking
  • Feeling self-important
  • Feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans

• Depressive Episode: A depressive episode is a period of feeling very down, sad, indifferent, or hopeless. During a depressive episode, a person may experience the following symptoms:

  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
  • Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Feeling tired or lacking energy
  • Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Feeling guilty or worthless
  • Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little
  • Thoughts of death and/or suicide

• Mixed Episode: A mixed episode is a period where a person with bipolar disorder experiences symptoms of depression and mania together. For example, overactivity with a depressed mood.

• Cyclothymia: If your mood swings last a long time but are not severe enough to be classified as bipolar disorder, you may be diagnosed with a mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia.

Its important to note that bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, and some people may not experience any emotional symptoms between episodes. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, its important to seek help from a healthcare provider.