Bipolar disorder affects more than 2 million Americans, according to Psychology Information Online (PIO). Not only does it cause problems for the sufferer, but it affects friends and family members closest to them as well. Bipolar is an illness that typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood, and continues through life. The signs vary for each individual, and depends on the type of bipolar disorder.
Manic Episode
Manic episodes are the "highs" of bipolar, as they produce extreme feelings of euphoria, heightened energy, increased amounts of creativity and hyperactivity, according to Help Guide, a non-profit group that provides online health information. The National Institute of Mental (NIMH) adds that a person usually becomes irritable or agitated, acts jumpy or wired as well.
These episodes affect more than emotions--it affects a person's behavior as well. Feelings of being able to accomplish anything due to grand beliefs about abilities or powers are common. Thoughts race and talking might be so rapid that it is difficult to understand. Judgment is poor, which affects the ability to make sound decisions. Because of this, reckless behavior is common, such as promiscuity, drug use or excessive spending of his money.
When moments of mania are severe, the NIMH explains that the sufferer may lose touch with reality and begin hallucinating or suffering from delusions. Psychotic symptoms such as feelings of fame or power can occur as well. All of these symptoms together make it nearly impossible for the person function normally on both a personal and professional level during the course of this phase.
Hypomanic Episode
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, though the person will feel energetic and euphoric. These symptoms do not interfere, however, with an ability to function and loss of reality never occurs, according to Help Guide. On the other hand, those suffering from hypomania still have poor judgment, which results in making bad decisions that can affect their personal and professional life. In most cases, people with hypomania experience a full-blown manic episode which is then followed by an episode of depression.
Depressive Episode
Bipolar depression affects both a person's mood and behavior, just as episodes of mania do. It results in long periods of worry of feeling empty and a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, including sex.
Behavioral changes include feeling tired and finding it difficult to make decisions, concentrating or remembering. Changes in appetite are normal--either an increase or decrease--which results in an increase or decrease in weight. Inexplicable body aches and pain can also occur, along with feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions as well as thoughts of suicide, can accompany episodes of depression, according to the NIMH.
Mixed Episode
A mixed episode is just as it sounds. It is a combination of either a manic and depressive episode, or a hypomanic and depressive episode. Its most common signs include depression that is combined with the agitation, anxiety and insomnia of a manic episode. Help Guide explains that this combination of symptoms increases a person's risk of committing suicide.
