Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depressive illness. People suffer from extreme mood swings. They may feel energetic and overjoyed during the manic phase of the disorder. But the mood can change to sadness and hopelessness when the person falls into the state of depression. Sometimes a person with bipolar disorder may experience both manic and depressive episodes in what is called a mixed state. Bipolar disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Manic Effects
During manic episodes people with bipolar disorder can become restless and sleep very little. They have a tendency to talk fast because of racing thoughts and jump from one idea to another, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They can become easily distracted and may take on different projects to increase their involvement in various activities. Bipolar patients often have unrealistic beliefs in their abilities, and therefore may exhibit increased physical activity with ambitious plans, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) explains. People might act impulsively, such as going on spending sprees or making investments on wild speculations. Their behavior can become risky, which may lead to hazardous sexual encounters that can include sex with multiple partners or unprotected sex.
Depressive Effects
During their depression, bipolar patients may suddenly feel a loss of energy, and they start slowing down, the NAMI says. It is often difficult for them to concentrate or make decisions. It's possible to have trouble remembering things. Eating and sleeping patterns can change. The activities they once enjoyed are no longer of interest, often because of being overcome by a prolonged sadness. This may cause them to become irritable or restless and may lead to disturbing thoughts of death. There may even be attempted suicide.
Co-Existing Effects
People with bipolar disorder may try self-medication to treat their mood disorders. They may turn to alcohol or drugs, which can trigger or prolong their bipolar episodes. Drinking too much alcohol or doing drugs are particular problems for a person in the manic stage when risky behavior is difficult to control. Because bipolar disorder causes patients to become easily distracted or restless, the disorder may also occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the NIMH explains. Co-existing factors may also include symptoms of anxiety and phobias. Complications can lead to legal and financial problems as well as frequent absences and poor work or school performance, the Mayo Clinic notes. There may also be family and relationship problems from the mood swings that are often difficult for loved ones to deal with or understand.
