bipolar disorder symptoms

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, symptoms of bipolar can also manifest during childhood, and some bipolar symptoms develop late in life. Bipolar may be difficult to diagnose as an illness, and some people may suffer for years before the mental illness is properly identified and treated.
The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months. Research suggests that bipolar disorder manifests a wide range of symptoms. The main characteristics of bipolar disorder are quick changes from mania to depression and back again. The periods of highs and lows are called "episodes". Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are strong and happen along with extreme changes in behavior and energy levels. The signs and symptoms of manic episodes and depressive episodes follow.
Signs of a manic episode/ mania
Agitation
Aggressive behavior
Decreased need for sleep without fatigue
Denial that anything is wrong
Difficulty concentrating
Drug abuse (especially cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications)
Exaggerated optimism
Excessively "high" or euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Impulsiveness
Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
Increased physical and mental activity and energy
Increased restlessness
Increased sexual drive
Inflated self-esteem
Poor judgment
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Racing thoughts jumping from one idea to another
Risky behaviors
Shopping sprees
Talking very fast
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Signs of a depressive episode / depression
Chronic pain not caused by physical illness or injury
Decreased energy,
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Feeling fatigued or of being "slowed down"
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Indifference
Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Restlessness
Sad, anxious, or empty mood
Significant changes in appetite
Sleeping too much, or difficulty sleeping
Social withdrawal
Weight loss or gain (unintentional)
It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in bipolar disorder as a continuous range of moods. At one end is severe depression, which is followed by moderate depression and then mild low mood. Normal or balanced mood is somewhere in the middle of the continuum, after which comes mild to moderate mania and then severe mania.
Bipolar disorder may mimic a problem other than mental illness such as alcohol or drug abuse, poor school or work performance, or strained interpersonal relationships. Such problems, in fact, may be signs of an underlying mood disorder. If you experience any symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek medical help as soon as possible. In order to understand the ins and outs of diagnosis, read the next sectiowhich describes how doctors use a bipolar test here.Read more: Bipolar Disorder Symptoms http://ehealthforum.com/health/bipolar_disorder_symptoms-e88.html#ixzz1gZJX9Ul4