Bipolar disorder can result in behavior that changes dramatically because of wild mood swings. A person with the mood disorder can go through a period of being overly active, energetic and enthusiastic and then fall into a period of deep depression, sadness and hopelessness. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. The extreme behaviors of the person's manic and depressive episodes can interfere with family life and career, but the disorder can be treated and managed.
Effects
Bipolar disorder behavior is not always easy to recognize because it might look like the person is responding to different or separate problems, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The people around the bipolar person don't necessarily view the extreme moods swings as being part of one problem. Bipolar disorder can start as early as childhood or the teens. At least half of all cases of bipolar disorder start before age 25, the NIMH states.
Manic Highs
During the manic stage, the person with bipolar disorder may feel overly happy and exhibit outgoing tendencies. The mood can also cause the person to be easily irritated or agitated. People in this stage of the disorder may have rapid speech and jump from one subject to another because of racing thoughts, the Mayo Clinic explains. They can be easily distracted and show feelings of restlessness. They might have unrealistic expectations and find themselves taking on many projects at a time. They often have exaggerated views of their abilities. Their impulses may lead them to get involved in risky behaviors, such as spending sprees, careless financial investments and impulsive or unsafe sexual practices.
Depressive Lows
The change in behavior during the depressive period may reveal a person who feels empty and constantly worried. In severe cases, the person may feel so hopeless that there are thoughts of death or suicide. The sadness is so deep, the person loses interest in many of the activities that were once enjoyable. Fatigue often plagues a person during depressive episodes. People in this stage have difficulty concentrating and making decisions or suffer problems with memory. They may be faced with constant anxiety or guilt and have sleeping problems. There may be complaints of chronic pain with no known cause, the Mayo Clinic points out.
Identification
Many people can have problems at some points in their lives and suddenly move onto happier times. The difference in a person with bipolar disorder is that there are a number of manic or depressive behavior symptoms nearly every day for at least a week or two, according to the NIMH. The symptoms often prevent the person from functioning normally, affecting daily activities and work or school performance.
Expert Insight
Many people with bipolar disorder suffer from other illnesses, including substance abuse problems and panic disorders, the NIMH says. There may be a genetic link, because many bipolar patients have a family history of the disorder. Bipolar disorder stays with a person throughout life, but it can be treated and managed with medication and therapy. A mental health professional can help patients understand the disorder and how to deal with the symptoms.
