In layman's terms, bipolar disorder is often described as "mood swings." This statement is accurate but must be defined more specifically. The Mayo Clinic explains that bipolar disorder is characterized as mood swings that range from depressed to manic. It is important to note that a patient must experience both depressed and manic symptoms to be considered bipolar, according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision" (DSM-IV-TR).
Depressive Symptoms
People with bipolar disorder are often depressed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), when a person is depressed, she often experiences sad moods, which can lead to crying spells, suicidal thoughts, feelings of worthlessness or agitation. She often loses interest in activities that she used to enjoy. Depression also can manifest itself physically; you may feel aches throughout your body. It can cause a change in weight, mainly because the appetite often fluctuates. Additionally, sleep patterns often change, ranging from being an insomniac to taking several naps a day. Fatigue can occur in either of these instances. You may not experience all of the symptoms described-individuals vary in how their depression appears, according to the DSM-IV-TR.
Manic Symptoms
Manic symptoms are the opposite of depressive symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, when in a manic state, a person's self-esteem is often inflated. He may feel "on top of the world" and nothing can stop him. This may lead him to engage in reckless behavior, such as spending money he does not have. According to the DSM-IV-TR, this can also lead to an increase in goal-directed activities. For example, if a person has wanted to paint her bathroom for some time, she may end up painting the whole house simply because of the manic state she is in. Additionally, a person's need for sleep often is decreased, but this is usually not a burden to him. A person in a manic state also is very hyperactive, which leads to him being more talkative than usual, having racing thoughts or being distracted, according to NIMH.
Mixed States
According to NIMH, individuals with bipolar disorder also may experience mixed states. This is when an individual experiences symptoms of both mania and depression. She may feel energized yet sad and hopeless at the same time. According to NIMH, other symptoms often include agitation, insomnia, fluxes in appetite and suicidal thinking.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Bipolar Disorder
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
