Bipolar disorder, often referred to as manic depression, has an extreme affect on a person's mood. For a week or two, a person with bipolar disorder may suffer from episodes of mania, followed by episodes of depression. In some instances, he may suffer from both simultaneously. The warning signs are exhibited in the episodes themselves; the specific symptoms of each mood type are the warning signs of bipolar disorder.
Manic Episodes
Some of the most common warning signs of a manic episode are feelings of euphoria, energy and creativity according to HelpGuide. These result in a person talking rapidly, sleeping little and being hyperactive, despite the fact that she is hardly resting.
In the beginning, the euphoria may feel good, as if she extremely happy. Eventually these feelings lead to actions that are inappropriate, leading to out of control behavior. Because manic episodes also cause one to believe that she is untouchable--that she can do anything she chooses and no consequences will ensue--she will begin to participate in activities that are reckless and irresponsible. These can include gambling away every penny she has to promiscuous sexual behavior. Some of these actions are also because of impaired judgment, another common sign of manic episodes.
As the feelings of euphoria begin to wane, they are replaced by agitation and irritability, especially when those around her begin to criticize her behavior or help guide her in the right direction. She may begin fighting with those around her when her plans go awry, or blaming those around her when they attempt to help her.
In the most severe cases, a person may become delusional, begin hearing voices or suffer from hallucinations, as HelpGuide explains. In these cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Hypomania Episodes
Hypomania episodes are a low-key version of a manic episode and include many of the same symptoms and warning signs. The difference is that these warning signs are not as severe or pronounced and do not have a tendency to interfere with a person's ability to perform his everyday activities.
While persons experiencing a hypomania episode feel energetic and productive, it is not so extreme that it causes him to lose touch with reality. And while he may feel euphoric, it is not as noticeable as in those going through a manic episode; he just seems as though he is in an usually good mood minus the hyperactive behavior.
Hypomanic episodes may result in poor decisions that can result in consequences affecting a patient's personal relationships and career. For instance, he may make a spur of the moment decision to take a vacation with friends he cannot afford to take. Not only can this affect his relationship with his mate, but it may also affect his job if he chooses to take time off he doesn't have to spare.
HelpGuide explains that eventually, hypomania episodes typically escalate into a full-blown manic episode or may be followed by an episode of major depression.
Episodes of Depression
Episodes of depression have a number of warning signs, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include inexplicable mood swings, feeling guilty, irritability and feelings of restlessness.
While persons experiencing episodes of mania have a lot of energy, those suffering from bipolar depression have a tendency to move and speak slowly due to lack of energy. They also sleep more than they are awake and gain weight due to changes in appetite.
In addition to these signs, the person suffering from bipolar depression also have a tendency to feel hopeless and sad, along with an inability to find happiness or pleasure in the activities she once enjoyed. Finding it difficult to concentrate or loss of memory is also common. She may feel worthless and begin having thoughts of suicide.
Additionally, psychotic depression is often seen, according to HelpGuide. This may be due to a patient's loss of touch with reality. All of these symptoms combined can have a profound impact on her life, making it difficult for her to function at work or school.
Mixed Episodes
A mixed episode is just as it sounds, and it can be a combination of either mania and depressive episodes or hypomania and depressive episodes. HelpGuide states that the most common warning signs include feelings of agitation, irritability and anxiety mixed with racing thoughts of anxiety and distractability.
