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Symptoms of Bipolar

Bipolar presents differently for different people, but generally people with bipolar will fluctuate between the symptoms of depression and mania or hypomania (a lesser mania). Some people will also experience mixed episodes, where they may feel elated and depressed at the same time. It is not uncommon for people to have lived with the symptoms of bipolar for a number of years before being diagnosed. If you are concerned that you or a loved one might be experiencing any of the symptoms below, the first step should be to speak with your doctor.

During a manic phase (high) of the illness people experience a range of symptoms including:

Extremely Happy and Excited

Increased Activity Excessive Energy

reduced need for sleep/unable to sleep

reduced appetite

euphoric feelings

extreme irritability and more critical of others

poor judgement with impulsive, unusual decisions

numerous plans and ideas

fast, pressurised speech

racing thoughts

easily distracted

increased libido

lack of insight

grandiose and unrealistic plans

overspending

loss of inhibitions

During a manic phase (high) of the illness people experience a range of symptoms including:

Extremely Happy and Excited

Increased Activity Excessive Energy

reduced need for sleep/unable to sleep

reduced appetite

euphoric feelings

extreme irritability and more critical of others

poor judgement with impulsive, unusual decisions

numerous plans and ideas

fast, pressurised speech

racing thoughts

easily distracted

increased libido

lack of insight

grandiose and unrealistic plans

overspending

loss of inhibitions

During a depressive episode people experience a range of symptoms associated with low mood. These include:

Feelings Of Sadness, Hopelessness And Emptiness

reduced energy and constantly feeling tired

Sleep Disturbances Including Sleeping Too Much or Waking Early

losing interest and enjoyment in things

restlessness and agitation

feeling guilty, inadequate and worthless

loss of confidence and self esteem

irritability

appetite and weight changes

difficulty making even simple decisions

loss of motivation

avoiding social contact

poor concentration

thoughts of suicide

paranoia

During a depressive episode people experience a range of symptoms associated with low mood. These include:

Feelings Of Sadness, Hopelessness And Emptiness

reduced energy and constantly feeling tired

sleep disturbances including sleeping too much or waking early

losing interest and enjoyment in things

feeling guilty, inadequate and worthless

restlessness and agitation

loss of confidence and self esteem

irritability

appetite and weight changes

difficulty making even simple decisions

loss of motivation

avoiding social contact

poor concentration

thoughts of suicide

paranoia

Depression can give rise to psychosis also. During depression this may mean believing that you are uniquely guilty, that you are worse than anybody else or even that you don’t exist.

Variations on bipolar illness include rapid cycling and mixed states. Rapid cycling is defined as 4 or more episodes in a year. In a mixed state, elements of both depression and mania or hypomania will be present at the same time.

Between episodes the mood may return to normal or some residual symptoms may remain.

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