All About Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder symptoms are severe and can result in poor job ,damaged relationships or poor school performance, and even suicide; it even distorts thoughts and moods with often dreadful consequences. Bipolar disorder also causes dramatic mood swings-from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in behavior and energy due to bi polar disorder symptoms go along with these changes in moods. Such periods of highs and lows are also referred to as episodes of mania and depression.

At least one-third of the time, the bipolar disease symptoms first appear in childhood or adolescence. However, as noted in the May 2007 issue of the Harvard Mental Health , it can be difficult to distinguish bipolar symptoms from those of other disorders in children .The bipolar disorder symptoms usually first occur in young adulthood and a diagnosis is based on the self-reported experiences of the person, as well as observed behaviour.

Bipolar disorder diagnosed in children is especially difficult to distinguish from ADHD, since they share a number of symptoms- such as , distractibility, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Up to 30% of teenagers originally diagnosed with ADHD eventually receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Teenagers and children with bipolar disorder suffer from the illness differently than adults do. Their bipolar disorder symptoms last longer and swing more swiftly from recklessness and hyperactivity to lethargy and depression.

Signs and symptoms of bipolar manic disorder include:

  • Increased activity, energy and restlessness
  • Excessively "high," and overly good euphoric mood
  • Too much irritability
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  • Jumping from one idea to another ,racing thoughts and talking very fast are regarded as bipolar disease symptoms.
  • Unable to concentrate well
  • Not much sleep needed
  • Unrealistic beliefs in one's powers and abilities
  • Lack of good judgment
  • A lasting period of behavior that can be found different from usual
  • An increase in sexual drive
  • Abuse of drugs, particularly alcohol,cocaine and sleeping medications
  • Provocative and/or aggressive behavior

    • A manic episode is diagnosed in cases where elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. In cases of severe bipolar I mania, brain disorder symptoms can take the form of delusions and hallucinations so must be treated promptly, usually in hospital. More usually, symptoms of mania and hypomania are therefore less obvious; feelings of euphoria, impulsivity, grandiosity,recklessness, and a diminished need for sleep can be ascribed to youthful exuberance.

    Bipolar depression symptoms include:

  • Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
  • Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
  • Feelings of worthlessness,guilt or helplessness are symptoms of bipolar disorder
  • Loss of pleasure or interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
  • Decreased energy and a feeling of fatigue as bipolar disorder symptoms
  • Lack of concentration, remembering, making decisions
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Unable to sleep or too little sleep
  • Change in appetite and/or unintended weight gain or weight loss
  • Other persistent bodily symptoms or chronic pain that are not caused by physical illness or injury
  • Thoughts of death or bipolar suicide , or suicide attempts