Bipolar disorder patients have mood and behavior shifts that change significantly. They show signs of being extremely depressed at times and euphoric during other periods. The episodes can last for days, weeks or months. Sometimes there are erratic changes several times a day. The effects of bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, can be treated through therapy and medication.
Hyperactivity
Bipolar patients become very energetic and restless during the manic phase. They have a difficult time concentrating on one subject and reveal their racing thoughts when talking very fast. They focus on one idea for a time, and then jump to another subject with equal enthusiasm. Their activities are equally sporadic or irregular as they are eager to take on new projects even if they are already handling too many. They develop an unrealistic view of their abilities, the National Institute of Mental Health explains. They sleep little and become easily distracted. This vigorous attitude often leads to impulsive behavior. They act spontaneously with foolhardy judgment, such as making risky investments or going on wild spending sprees. Sexual encounters may become unsafe and dangerous.
Despair
Activity and energy levels decrease dramatically during the depressive state. Bipolar patients can slow down to a point of fatigue. They are not focused as in the manic phase and have problems concentrating or making decisions and become forgetful. They are irritable and restless. Frequent absences from work or school are common problems, resulting in poor performance, according to the Mayo Clinic. They often change their appetite, either eating more or less. Their sleep patterns may change, either sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping. Their overwhelming thoughts of death can lead to attempted suicide or suicide.
Changing Temperament
The actions of bipolar patients are determined by their moods. They are overly excited, happy and outgoing during a manic episode. Their thoughts make them feel jumpy and they can become agitated very easily. The extreme shift to the depressive phase gives them thoughts of constant worry. They feel that everything is hopeless. They can become consumed with sadness, losing all interest in activities they once enjoyed, including sex and goals they once held close to them during the manic phase. Some bipolar patients go through periods of being in a mixed state of the disorder, in which they experience mania and depression together. They may feel deep sadness and also act energized. Other patients have rapid cycling episodes when they have an increased frequency of manic or depressive states. More women than men suffer from rapid cycling, the National Alliance on Mental Illness says.
