The American Psychiatric Association estimates that bipolar disorders affect anywhere from 0.4 percent to 1.6 percent of the population. Bipolar I is unique in that it is characterized by moods that swing between clinical depression and states of over-excitement and euphoria, called mania. Manic symptoms are easy to mistake for a drug-induced high in which the person acts like he is on an "upper" like cocaine or amphetamines. It is important to know these symptoms so that drug use is not automatically assumed and proper diagnosis and treatment can be provided.
Lack of the Need for Sleep or Food
One symptom of mania is a decreased need for food and sleep. Although these symptoms are similar to those seen when certain types of drugs are being used, a study conducted by Dr. P. Harrison-Read in 2009, entitled "Models of Mania and Antimanic Drug Actions: Progressing the Endophenotype Approach with Animals," demonstrated that the underlying chemical changes in the brain that cause manic behavior are not the same as the chemical changes responsible for similar behavior resulting from drug use.
Talking Excessively
Another symptom of mania is an inability to stop talking. A person in this state of mind can be almost impossible to interrupt and will continue to talk regardless of whether other people are listening, or are even in the room. This type of speech often has a "pressured" quality, meaning the person sounds like he has an urgent need to get out what he is saying. In addition, much of what is said may be confusing or difficult to follow as there may be a tendency to jump around from topic to topic and link things tangentially.
Impulsive and Risky Behavior
A person with bipolar disorder in a manic episode may engage in risky and impulsive behavior related to things that bring pleasure. For example, she may engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners, spend an excessive amount of money, gamble, or shoplift. In addition, she might brag about these activities and appear to have an inflated sense of self-esteem and entitlement to do whatever she wants. Research conducted by Dr. M. Berk and colleagues in 2007, entitled "Dopamine dysregulation syndrome: Implications for a dopamine hypothesis of bipolar disorder," indicates that the chemical dopamine, which is related to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, may play a central role in these bipolar symptoms.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Fourth Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- "Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Models of Mania and Antimanic Drug Actions: Progressing the Endophenotype Approach; Harrison-Read, 2009
- "Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica", Dopamine dysregulation syndrome: Implications for a dopamine hypothesis of bipolar disorder, Berk et al., Oct 2007
