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Though bipolar disorder is relatively common, bipolar symptoms are often hard to pinpoint leading to misdiagnoses or no diagnoses at all. If you or a loved one experience a combination of the bipolar symptoms outlined below, you should see a psychiatrist or other trained professional for a full evaluation. Bipolar disorder is characterized by a series of alternating moods, ranging from emotional highs known as mania to deep lows of depression.
The intensity associated with signs and bipolar symptoms varies among patients. The disorder itself can range from a mild condition to a severe disease, and there may be periods of normal behavior. It is often the periods of normal behavior and moods that throw off diagnosis. The patient may exit a depressive stage and think that she is “over it” and back to normal, and this may be true for some time. However, manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is a recurring condition that will not clear up on its own. It requires maintenance and treatment, usually involving mood stabilizing medication.In the manic phase, many people have signs and symptoms that can be overlooked if you aren’t aware that they indicate a manic episode. Bipolar symptoms in this phase include feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism, and inflated self esteem. Bipolar patients may also exhibit rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation, and increased physical activity. Other signs of a manic episode include poor judgment, recklessness, difficulty sleeping, tendency to be distracted and a lack of concentration. Aggression or anger may also accompany a manic episode. In the depressive phase of manic depression, bipolar symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety and hopelessness. Patients may be fatigued, loose interest in normal daily activities, and find that they can’t sleep and aren’t hungry. Other patients may exhibit bipolar symptoms including problems concentrating, chronic pain without a known source, or thoughts of suicide. |
