Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that, when diagnosed, is treatable. The warning signs are presented through its symptoms, which are characterized by the mood the person is experiencing at that time. Because bipolar causes a fluctuation in moods, it is imperative to know the symptoms of each particular mood to properly recognize each symptom, thus enabling the patient to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for this disorder.
The Manic Phase
During the manic phase, the person may begin with a feeling of euphoria, or inexplicable happiness, almost as if she were high. Her energy levels will skyrocket, and though she will sleep little, she will be on the go constantly. Eventually, these energy levels will cause her to spiral out of control and lead her down the road of poor judgment and bad decisions.
She may become sexually promiscuous, spend all of her money on foolish purchases or run away for a weekend and gamble it all away. She will believe that she is unstoppable and can do anything she wants without any negative repercussions. When she speaks, it will be so fast that others will have a hard time understanding what she is saying.
At some point, she will become angry and irritable, lashing out at those who criticize her for her actions or who attempt to help her make better choices, as stated by HelpGuide. Her ability to concentrate will decline, and as the phase begins to end, she may become delusional and begin hearing voices. She may even hallucinate, which typically results in hospitalization.
The Hypomania Phase
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, and while many of the symptoms of mania appear during this phase, they are less likely to interfere with a person's ability to function normally on a daily basis. For instance, although he may have high levels of energy, he is able to concentrate and focus. His ability to maintain touch with reality is not hindered, but he may still make poor decisions that adversely affect his life and personal relationships.
While he may experience feelings of euphoria, it is not as extreme as those in the manic phase; it simply appears as though he is in a good mood. At some point, though, hypomania phases tend to erupt into full-blown manic episodes.
The Depressive Phase
There are a variety of types of bipolar, and depending on the type of bipolar someone has, a depressive phase may follow a manic phase, or may be the main phase a person experiences.
Unlike the manic phase, those who suffer from bipolar depression have little or no energy, regardless of how much sleep she gets. In some cases, insomnia is a problem. Irritability is a major sign of bipolar depression, as are guilt and feelings of restlessness. She may feel hopeless and worthless, and her appetite may increase or decrease, causing weight changes.
Her ability to enjoy or find pleasure in activities she used to enjoy is gone, and she may suffer from memory problems, as her ability to concentrate is hindered. She will lose touch with reality, and in severe cases, she will have thoughts of suicide or may actually attempt to harm herself.
The Mixed Phase
The mixed phase is just as it sounds--it is a combination of either mania and depression or hypomania and depression. The most common signs of a mixed episode include depression along with irritability, guilt, anxiety, racing thoughts and insomnia.
As explained by HelpGuide, this phase combines both high energy levels with a low mood, placing those who suffer from it at a high risk for suicide.
