According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a disorder of the brain that causes an unusual shifts in moods that are severe and affect one's ability to function normally. The debilitating symptoms of this disease can be treated; however, they must first be identified. Four types of mood episodes exist in those with bipolar disorder, each with its own set of symptoms, all of which may vary according to person.
Symptoms of a Manic Episode
During a manic episode, a person is typically full of energy in the beginning. She may also appear to be euphoric, or extremely happy. She may feel as as if she is invincible, like nothing or no one can hurt her. This may be her greatest downfall, as she has a tendency to make poor judgments based on this belief.
While she sleeps little, her energy levels soar. She talks rapidly, making it difficult for others to keep up with her conversation, and is hyperactive. She may become sexually promiscuous during this time or spend all of her money gambling or making unnecessary purchases. If others chastise her for her behavior, she may become angry and hostile. These emotions can lead to fighting, even with those she doesn't know. In severe cases, she may suffer from delusions or hallucinations. For some, a manic episode is followed by a depressive episode almost immediately, which is a condition known as rapid cycling.
Symptoms of Hypomania
Hypomania is a form of mania; however, it is less severe and tends not to interfere with a person's ability to function on a daily basis. While he may still experience feelings of euphoria and have high levels of energy, these symptoms occur on a lower scale, and he never loses touch with reality.
However, he may still make poor choices during a hypomania episode, which, in most cases, turns into a manic episode that is then followed by a depressive episode.
Symptoms of a Depressive Episode
Bipolar is often referred to as manic-depression because a person's moods often cycle back and forth between episodes of mania and depression. While people who are diagnosed with clinical depression often find relief from their symptoms with antidepressants, HelpGuide.org states that those who suffer from bipolar depression do not. In fact, their condition is often made worse by these medications.
When experiencing a depressive episode, a person usually speaks and moves slowly. She will sleep almost non-stop and begin gaining weight. Feelings of hopelessness and sadness take over, as do feelings of guilt and worthlessness. She is unable to experience any pleasure from activities she used to enjoy, and her ability to function at either school or work is hindered greatly due to losing touch with reality. Problems with concentration are also a common, as are problems with memory. Thoughts of suicide, along with suicidal behavior, are the most dangerous indicators of depression; if a loved one begins to demonstrate these, it is time to call her doctor.
Symptoms of a Mixed Episode
Just as the name suggests, a mixed episode is a combination of either mania and hypomania, or mania and depression. During this time, the person will display high energy levels combined with low mood levels--this places him at high risk for suicide.
The symptoms he may display include agitation, anxiety and insomnia mixed with racing thoughts, which cause him to be easily distracted.
