There are many symptoms which may indicate a bipolar disorder diagnosis may be accurate, and the symptoms exhibited by the individual will also depend on whether they are in a depression stage or a mania stage of the disorder. Understanding the signs of depression and mania can help you determine whether someone you care about may need mental health treatment.
The symptoms of mania can include:
- Feeling an artificial sense of euphoria or of being high
- Feeling extremely irritable
- Unrealistic beliefs about the ability that one has
- Grandiose thoughts
- Feeling extremely energetic
- Needing very little sleep, sleeping a few hours and waking with a feeling of being rested and refreshed
- Rapid speech and non stop talking at a fast pace
- Thoughts which race, and which jump from one topic or subject to another very quickly
- An inability to concentrate or focus
- Easily distracted
- Risk taking and reckless actions without regard to the potential consequences
- Being highly impulsive
- Impaired judgment
During the depressive stage of bipolar disorder the following signs and symptoms may be seen:
- Feelings of hopelessness and extreme sadness
- Irritability
- A sensation of being empty
- A lack of energy, a constant feeling of fatigue or exhaustion
- Being unable to feel pleasure in activities and hobbies that are usually enjoyed
- Feeling mentally sluggish
- Difficulty moving, a sensation of physical heaviness
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Problems getting to sleep or sleeping through the night
- Excessive sleeping
- Memory problems, difficulty with focus and concentration
- Feeling guilt or a sense of being worthless
- Thoughts of suicide and just ending it all
