Bipolar disorder is a type of psychosis also known as manic depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder symptoms typically manifest when a person is in his late teens or early twenties. It may take some time after symptoms begin for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder to be made. The two main components of bipolar behavior are mania and depression.
Euphoria
One of the symptoms of bipolar disorder common in the manic phase is euphoria, or an extremely elevated mood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a person who is bipolar may experience a feeling of being "high" or unusually happy. They may be more outgoing than normal during this phase. Some people, however, experience a more extreme version of this so-called high, and may instead become irritable or agitated.
Exaggerated Self-Esteem
A person in the manic phase of bipolar disorder may experience extreme optimism, which may not sound like such a bad thing. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, the "extreme" part can include inflated ideas about one's abilities, and what they refer to as "delusions of grandeur." A person going through this phase may make lots of extravagant (and often unattainable) plans for the future.
Risky Behavior
Another common symptom of the manic phase of bipolar disorder is reckless behavior. A person in this phase may sleep less, and may have exaggerated ideas about what is acceptable in society. According to the Mayo Clinic, this may include overspending or engaging in risky sexual behaviors. A bipolar person experiencing mania may also overindulge in food and alcohol. According to the National Institutes of Health, people in this phase may binge on indulgences.
Low Mood
The depressed phase of bipolar disorder is often similar to clinical depression. One of the first signs of this phase is a low mood. A bipolar person in the depressed phase may have low feelings of self worth, and a sad demeanor, according to the National Institutes of Health. The National Institute of Mental Health adds that she may also have a feeling of emptiness, and may worry excessively.
Loss of Interest in Activities
Another common symptom of the depressed phase of bipolar disorder is a loss of interest in everyday activities. Some people no longer feel compelled to eat, may sleep excessively and may lose interest in sexual activity, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. He may stop interacting with family and friends. School and work performance may also suffer.
Suicidal Thinking
A dangerous symptom of the depressed phase of bipolar disorder is suicidal thinking. A person experiencing this symptom may be occupied with thoughts of death, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. She may talk about suicide, and may attempt to take her own life. The National Institutes of Health report that a person with bipolar disorder has a higher risk of suicide than the average person, a risk that may be increased with the use of alcohol or drugs.
