Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Posted By atorturedsoul on October 27, 2009
Bipolar Disorder symptoms can vary but they are easily recognized if you are aware of the range of symptoms that may be experienced.
There are four types of Bipolar Disorder. The symptoms of these four types vary in intensity.
The four types of Bipolar Disorder are:
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymia
- Bipolar NOS
Bipolar 1 (I) symptoms include mania, major depressive episodes and/or psychosis. It is characterized by one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes.
All or some of the following symptoms may be present during a manic episode:
- A distinctive elevated or irritated mood
- Increased energy
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts and/or speech
- Short attention span/ easily distracted
- Poor or impaired judgment
- Substance abuse
- Increased aggression
- Uncontrollable urges or impulses
- Delusions of grandeur
- Increased sex drive
A manic state can include severe anxiety and rage in addition to euphoria. Quickly changing moods are referred to as rapid cycling.
Severe mania may induce a psychotic episode, also known as a psychotic break. Psychosis is a state where you experience visual or audible hallucinations, but they can vary widely. A psychotic break warrants a diagnosis of Bipolar I in a person currently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, even if symptoms of mania are not present. Sometimes a psychotic episode may be the first recognizable sign of the disorder.
Bipolar 2 (II) differs from Bipolar I (Bipolar 1). The biggest difference is severity of symptoms. A person with Bipolar II has experienced multiple hypomanic episodes and at least one major depressive episode. The appearance of a full-blown manic episode or mixed episodes would suggest the appearance of Bipolar I.
The difference between a hypomanic episode and a manic episode is the extent of the mania. Hypomania does not reach the full severity of a manic episode. It usually includes fewer symptoms and generally does not last as long.
The symptoms of a hypomanic episode include:
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- More talkative than usual
- Racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Increased energy
- Excessive destructive behaviors (excessive spending, increased sexual encounters, substance abuse)
A hypomanic episode may be seen as a period of increased productivity. A person may appear to be giddy or easily amused, with increased energy and creativity. Many people do not report any symptoms until they experience a major depressive episode.
There isn’t a test for bipolar disorder. Diagnosis involves a detailed analysis of behavioral patterns.
For more information about the various types of Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar Disorder symptoms, visit the Types of Bipolar Disorder.
For more information on bipolar disorder symptoms, please see:
Does stress cause the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia?
Falling sensation: Is this psychosis?
Treatment options and screening for bipolar disorder
Sensory overload explained (a bipolar disorder symptom)
Bipolar I symptoms and characteristics
Bipolar II symptoms and characteristics
Cyclothymia and Bipolar NOS: Types of bipolar disorder
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[...] Bipolar Disorder Symptoms | All About Bipolar [...]
Bipolar Disorder is a severe and complicated mental illness. It can be extremely difficult to identify some of the Bipolar Disorder symptoms. It is important to get help and recognize the different treatment options available. The Silver Hill Hospital website has some helpful information and resources.
I´ve been suffering from this disorder for almost 10 years now, and I feel my life is over and that I am a dead crazy mind inside a body that has lost meaning to live. The doctors never know what do to nor to prescribe and I don´t have any hopes there is any effective treatment for this. I am sorry. But I´ve been here, living with it, for so long and I am very unhappy and life is a huge pain for me, that is all I can tell, if you are sick, I feel your pain, if you know someone sick, be patient and show your affection for whoever it is, just try to be there for whoever you know suffers from it. Loneliness is one of the most terrible pains for someone with BD.